lostinthew

SO my 98 GS300 with 125k on it is so predictable and consistent - it's one thing I don't worry about. My mileage has been extremely steady - the light comes on at 275 miles and I typically buy gas at 325 miles, with the gauge slightly below "E."

In December the light came on a little early but I paid it no mind. Then, with the fuel gauge at "E" the car died - at 300 miles. At first I could not believe I had run out of gas - I never have. I thought it was a quirk. Two weeks later I am driving and with the gauge slightly above "E" the car died again! Also at 300 miles!

Since then I have been buying gas earlier to avoid the problem. Everything seems normal but this. My mileage is slightly down, but it always goes down in the winter. What d'ya think might be going on??

Thanks!

ChrisK

iTrader: (1)

Thank the person who introduced winter bland gas. On the other hand, it is never good idea to drive until empty, especially in the winter time.

CPMD

iTrader: (2)

Rule of thumb: Don't do what your doing (driving until empty), otherwise you will mess up your fuel pump. I try to fill up when it gets to the half way mark. I'm a little obsessive compulsive with my car, but can you blame me

speedaddic

iTrader: (10)

gotta go by the light because your fuel economy can change with the following:
1. tire inflation
2. spark plugs
3. air filter
4. injectors getting clogged
5. driving habits (city or freeway)

the list can go on...

Caoboy

iTrader: (2)

Yeah, as soon as that light flicks on, I know that even though we 'should' have like 40 miles left on the tank, it's time to fill up.

jcat_350

Here's a good rule for any car- don't go below a 1/4 tank. You can suck all sorts of gunk into your fuel pump, and you're really toeing the line given how many different factors affect mileage.

speedaddic

iTrader: (10)

The intank fuel pump uses the fuel to cool it, so when the fuel levels drop below the pump...guess what? You end up burning up the pump.

AshburnM3

omg, just fill your tank and you are good to go! or get ready to buy yourself a new fuel pump.

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

Uh oh...I think I'm paranoid now.

Just went and filled up.

AsGs300

Dude, Same here, I recently moved in the outskirts of Houston! Gas statinons are far apart now, when the light used to come on I could still risk it , but now 2wice , soon as the light cmes on it starts to die! and the freakin lights comes on before it evan hits the "E"
once it was barley limpin made it over the RR tracks , and she was up and running like a champ! made it to the nearest "boondocks" station

NOW I DONT LET IT GET BELOW HALF

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

Once that light goes on I'm at the gas station..

upstateGS4

iTrader: (1)

........

UncleRay

iTrader: (2)

I never let the gas go beyond 1/4. I did that to my Dad's Benz, and it cooked up a LOT of gunk from the tank, and some moisture too!

airahcaz

does this sometimes require a fuel pump change, or is there a fuel filter? what preventative maintenance could be done if one does run out of gas?

lostinthew

Thanks everyone. As I said, I now fill the tank as soon as the light comes on (or sooner) to avoid the problems you all have mentioned. I'm just curious as to why the sudden change in gauge reading. Other than clogged injectors (how would I know?) the other items are all good.

Thanks again.