I got my GS430 earlier this month to replace an MB E500 that went off lease. I am very happy with it so far, but am curious about the fuel gauge accuracy. When I fill up, the gauge shows full, but the computer shows a range of only 300 miles (+/-), despite the fact that I am getting around 22 mpg and the tank is stated at 18.8 gallons.

The low fuel warning light comes on around 275 miles, and the tank shows totally empty by 300 miles. Despite this, on fill-up, the car takes around 14 gallons. So it seems that the fuel gauge and the computer are using a "reserve" of over 4 gallons. Every other car I have owned has had a reserve of 1.0 - 1.5 gallons. While I don't usually try to run the car down to the reserve, the fuel gauge/computer are not of much use if they are ignoring 1/4 of the tank all the time.

I everyone else having the same experience?

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2006 GS430
Mercury (Silver) / Ash w/ Black Trim
ML/Nav Package

 

hi, and welcome!

yes, your findings are correct. the reserve Lexus uses in all its cars is high/generous. i don't know the exact # of gallons, but i would say somewhere between 3-4 is about right. after many years of owning various models, i don't rely on the remaining miles on the display. instead, i go by the trip odo or just tack on about 50 miles after the yellow light comes on. (it's probably not the best habit to get into, but i am used to it after all these years )