davensd

hi guys,

I have a 1999 ES and am suspicious that my low fuel light is no longer operational. Can someone walk me through the troubleshooting steps of checking the sensor/wiring before I ask a mechanic to pull the cluster for what may be a good bulb?

Dave

285exp

I wouldn't spend a penny to get my low fuel light warning fixed, if you can't tell you need gas from looking at the gauge then you've really got a problem.

My wife used to drive a diesel Mercedes, and she would run that thing with the low fuel light on all the time. One evening we went out to eat at a BBQ joint that was, shall we say, not in the best part of town. We got in her car, and when I looked at the fuel gauge I noticed it was on the peg. I suggested that we take a different vehicle or we stop for fuel, and she assured me that the light wasn't lit yet, so we had plenty. Right in the middle of the worst section of town, it runs dry. Walked the last half mile to the restaurant, and it was closed. Pre cell phone, so had to use the pay phone outside to call someone to come get us and bring some diesel. Hint: never let a diesel engine run out of fuel. Another hint: never trust a low fuel warning light.

davensd

hi there,

I agree with you completely. But there's no guarantee that I'm the only one driving the car all of the time and other members of the family may be less careful/know how to look at the mileage.

You shouldn't let first generation fuel injectors run out of fuel either. I recall Honda's having to go back to the dealer to get the car back to normal operation.

BDSL

Another hint: never trust any warning lights (tire pressure, oil level, etc etc) and women....

The light can be burnt out. The sensor can be faulty (even though they are suppose to be fail-safe).

BDSL

Correction: You shouldn't let any engine run out of fuel.

When the engine runs out of fuel during certain conditions, because of the lean air-fuel ratio, your engine might get some denotations, causing engine damages.