Fuel Tank Capacity

Larry Rogers · 2007-06-20T21:04:55+00:00

Couple of questions about the fuel tank. First, how much does it really hold? The book says 17 gallons. But when the gauge is on E and the little gas pump lite is glowing, I only get about 13 gallons to fill it up. One time (and I was sweating it) I drove until the gauge needle was past the E and I put in 14 gallons. I checked the Owners Manuel and it says 17 gallons. I also checked to see how much reserve capacity it has when the low fuel lite comes on. The manual says "When the light comes on, put in gas." How wonderful!!! Just the information I was looking for!! Nothing technical like "You have two gallons remaining." Obviously the writers of the manual didn't think I could cope with the overwhelming mathematical computations involved in figuring out how far I could go on the remaining gas. Just put in some more!The reason this is somewhat important.... when I am traveling down the interstate highway and the gas gauge is on E (it doesn't stand for 'Enough') and the price at the next exit is $3.12 but the price at the exit fifty miles further down is only $2.86, I would like to know that I can make the extra miles. I get about 20 MPG, so if I have another 3 gallons in the tank when the low fuel indicator comes on, then I could make it the extra 60 miles.I drive a lot. I have about 211K on a '99 RX 300. When I can save about twenty bucks each trip, you can begin to understand the economics involved. And please don't tell me to get some tin-can gas squeezer. I drive through orange groves and muddy cow pastures and along side soybean fields. This thing has four wheel drive for a reason. And I use it. This ain't no Garage Queen. But when people get in, they say it looks like it's new.Anybody care to venture a guess about the fuel gauge? Or do I just put a spare gas can in the back, drive it until it runs out, check the odometer reading and go from there?LarryIn the back yard, under the oak.

Jun 20, 2007 20 Replies

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Charles Proctor 19 years ago

Everyone,

Your responses were just what I was hoping for. I do not intend to cut it too close but wanted to understand the instrument.

Typically, I have been refueling when the fuel gauge indicates 1/4 tank, but I have not let the miles-left indicator go below 100.

Charles

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Fuel Tank Capacity

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