Ran out of gas -- twice! (1 Viewer)

[damdifino]

First time, I was cruising down the freeway with about 1/4 tank on the fuel gauge and she just died. I thought it was some kind of fluke. Second time, my cruising range said 14 miles when she quit. I'm assuming it has to do with the fuel level sending unit (?)

More importantly, I'm worried about damage to the ECU or some other component as a result of running it dry. I haven't taken it to the dealer yet but it seems to have run okay for the past couple of weeks (though I fill up at 1/2 tank.) Should I be concerned about damage?

 

[ryanCA]

Usually it's not ecu damage but rather the crud from bottom of the fuel tank getting in the lines

If iit is running ok for couple of weeks , you should be fine

Quick question, is your low fuel light not functioning ?

 

[damdifino]

Yes, the light normally functions, but in these two cases it didn't come on.

 

[ryanCA]

Yes, the light normally functions, but in these two cases it didn't come on.

Is your truck still under warranty?

 

[linuxgod]

Usually it's not ecu damage but rather the crud from bottom of the fuel tank getting in the lines

If iit is running ok for couple of weeks , you should be fine

Quick question, is your low fuel light not functioning ?

I wouldn't worry about crud in the tank. That's what the fuel filter is for. Plus, you're always draining from the bottom of the tank anyway (otherwise you'd run out of gas at half a tank). The bigger concern when running the tank dry on a non-diesel is burning out the fuel pump, since submerging the pump in the fuel tank helps cool it.

My guess is a bad fuel sending unit. I actually had the same issue with my '66 Mustang back in college where it would run out of gas at about 1/8-1/4 tank. The dealer can test it, and there's an explanation of how to test it yourself in the GSIC at moranbahweather.com if you don't want to pay the dealer. In the meantime, reset your trip meter when you fill up and keep a close eye on it.

 

[damdifino]

Is your truck still under warranty?

Nope. I'm at 137,000 miles.

 

[ryanCA]

Nope. I'm at 137,000 miles.

Bummer! Hope you get it sorted soon.

Keep us posted

 

[Angelo1]

Maybe sell it and buy a Landrover.

 

[LCHardriver_02]

Like @linuxgod I am thinking that it could be the sending unit. I would check that first.

 

[linuxgod]

Test procedure (if you want to try it yourself):

GSIC - Global Service Information Center

You'll need an "intelligent tester" though, and given that runs >$400 it's probably cheaper just to have the Toyota dealer test it.

Intelligent II 2 IT2 Diagnostic Scanner Tool For Toyota Lexus With Suzuki SDT | eBay

Failing that just assume it would fail the test and check the resistance on the wiring. Unfortunately you'll likely need to drain the fuel tank to get the "empty" resistance reading to confirm it's a bad unit.

GSIC - Global Service Information Center

Best bet is to take it to the dealer.

 

[TJsTACOMA]

Had the same thing happen to me. fuel level sending unit bad. replaced unit all good now

 

[marques]

In the mean time, reset the odometer when you fill up. Then start looking for a gas station after 250 miles or so. Don't push your luck past 300 miles. Make that 200 if you are pulling a trailer...

 

[Softride62]

Just had the same issue, ran out of gas, gauge said 41 miles to empty.. apparently I drove it long enough on empty that it also burned out the fuel pump (new fuel sending unit, plus pump $1300 ) I have 140K on mine btw. Love the 200 but it sure needs more repairs than the 100 or 60 series... so far: New Radiator (had crack on top but Toyota offered to pay for this because I called them and complained that it was a bad design and this is my 5th LC) , new Starter, now new fuel pump and sending unit...all this replaced between 125K and 140K miles , sweet., it'll be like new now.

 

[TonyP]

That's wild. I've never heard of a fuel pump dying by running out of fuel. I understand the fuel acts as a bit of a lubricant but even so...

 

[Angelo1]

Just had the same issue, ran out of gas, gauge said 41 miles to empty.. apparently I drove it long enough on empty that it also burned out the fuel pump (new fuel sending unit, plus pump $1300 ) I have 140K on mine btw. Love the 200 but it sure needs more repairs than the 100 or 60 series... so far: New Radiator (had crack on top but Toyota offered to pay for this because I called them and complained that it was a bad design and this is my 5th LC) , new Starter, now new fuel pump and sending unit...all this replaced between 125K and 140K miles , sweet., it'll be like new now.

What year is your rig?

 

[Angelo1]

Nope. I'm at 137,000 miles.

What year is your LC?

 

[Softride62]

mine is an 08, dealer says the gas serves as a lubricant for the pump and if ran too long it will dry it out and damage it.
I read somewhere once to always buy the last year of a model... not the first ...hmm

 

[Narkhelek]

mine is an 08, dealer says the gas serves as a lubricant for the pump and if ran too long it will dry it out and damage it.
I read somewhere once to always buy the last year of a model... not the first ...hmm

Does the fuel pump continue to run as long as the vehicle is on even if it's not actually running?

 

[TonyP]

Generally it'll prime the lines for a couple of seconds then turn off if you aren't starting the vehicle.

 

[TexAZ]

@Softride62 you've hit most of the highlights in the 200s problem list, keep an eye out for the water pump...seems to be right up there with radiator, starter, rusty KDSS valves.