MarcS

Hi all,

I've done quite a bit of reading on the forum about fuel economy on the first-gen GX. I'm trying to determine if I really am getting poor gas milage, and if so, should I be concerned about it. It's a 2009 w/ 134,000 miles. One owner, garage kept, still looks new! All major maintenance performed. It was pampered by it's first owner. I've owned it for a month and half now.

I usually refill between 1/4 and 1/8 of a tank, but I let the car get down to empty the other day and the gas light came on. Once the light came on, I drove to the gas station. Looking at my trip odometer (which I reset every fill-up), I drove 243 miles since the last fill-up (does that seem low?). It only took 17.7 gallons to top it off. I believe I read that our tanks have a 23 gallon capacity, so does the gas light really come on when there's over 5 gallons remaining?! If so, that's nearly 100 miles of additional [freeway] driving one can do.

shyguyF

I always refill gas when the light comes on at 19.5 gallons . I think your gas mileage is not bad when you're living in hot areas and driving with AC on all the time in summer.
Go buy this BG44K fuel system cleaner to see how your gas mileage improved. Keep us updated.

chiph9

For an older vehicle - 1/8 or 1/4 is where you should fill up. Over time, trash accumulates in the bottom of your tank from gas stations that don't have filters on their pumps. And you don't want your fuel pump picking it up and clogging an injector.

Chip H.

NMBruce

I have test this a couple of times, I have not put more than 19,gals in, once it was 18.x . It's good to know what you have left, test it.
BUT, don't do it a lot, fuel is what cools you're fuel pump, the more you do this, the faster a fuel pump can wear out.

LoneHiker

Although it's best not to run the tank super low on a regular basis (it can burn out the fuel pump), there have been several times when the low fuel light has come on and I've put more than 19 gallons in mine, I've even put nearly 21 in it one time. So yes, it does seem like your gauge is reporting a lower fuel level than you actually have.

I haven't experienced this on my GX, but on my old ZR-2 Blazer, I would have to park either on a level surface or on a slope toward the front passenger corner in order to completely fill the tank. If I was parked tilting the other way, it would take 2-3 gallons less. Maybe the place where you refuel is affecting your ability to top off the tank completely?

tomclayton

All of that checks with my 09 - I refill at 1/4 and usually put in 15 to 17 gal. I support the 'trash in the bottom' theory and don't go until the light comes on.

NickL

Okay, sorry for my ignorance if you live in a place where line up at a gas station is the norm. However, I've never seen or been to a gas station that there's a considerable wait to think about how much gas I'm wasting while waiting. I also will not wait or look for a gas station that is out of my way to save 10-20cents a gallon.
There's so much to life than waiting at a gas station for cheaper gas and/or thinking of how much money you save by not visiting the gas station often.
This whole thread is stupid. When your low fuel light turns on, go to the nearest pump.

chiph9

Costco gas stations on the weekends will be 6-7 cars deep at each pump. One attendant told me that even during the week they'll fill the underground tanks twice a day.

I just roll the window down, shut the engine off, and listen to the radio.

Chip H.

dasgroup

I've refilled at 0 miles on the Range and had 3 gallons left. Just averaged 19+ on a cross country trip. Daughter drives it most now and freaks out when it shows 1/4 tank.

Costco for the win, though the Sam's club just opened a gas station and keeps it competitive.

BHux78

This has driven me crazy for 3 months now. My light comes on or the MTE says I am on 0 and think I am out so I wheel into the station and the tank only hold 19g tops... so there are about 3.5 to 4 gallons left. I just check my trip miles every time now...380 miles, I go fill up. Still leaves me a little wiggle room so I don't run out.

MrJason

I have exactly 6 gallons of fuel when my light comes on... and 3 gallons when the range display drops to 0 miles left.

I thought it was odd and my level sensor was going out. But from what I’ve read.. that’s the way these GX470’s are.

But hell... the owners manual says the key fob only has a 3 ft range😂

vwynn

iTrader: (4)

If "trash" accumulates in the bottom of your tank and your fuel pump only draws from the lowest portion of your tank... why would it matter if the tank is half full or 1/8th full? if anything keeping the pump cool is more important i feel.

MrJason

Actually Chip is right in a part... the trash and nasty(mostly water) fuel floats at the top of the tank. So when you get low on fuel you begin sucking that stuff in with the good fuel. This statement is actually more relevant to people who always keep their tanks above 1/4tank or so..... or if you bought it second hand and don’t know how the vehicle was run.

If you’ve always ran your tank tank to empty and filled up... odds are there is no “trash” in your tank... unless it came from the last place you filled up.


With that said... it isn’t a good thing for your fuel Pump to run below an 1/8 of a tank. The pump is lubricated and cooled by the fuel in the tank... so running it below an 1/8 of a tank can shorten the life of the pump.
Although this is much more of an issue with people who don’t fill up at all.... and only put $10, or so, at a time in the tank. Those pumps are always running hot.

vwynn

iTrader: (4)

Just filled up today... needle was at the last line (below 1/4 tank) and no light yet.

Date: 6/28/19
Gallons Filled: 19.434
Price per gallon (87 Octane): $3.459
Total Cost: $67.222206
ODO: 181438
Miles Driven on tank: 261
Miles Driven adjusted for 33": 279.27
Miles / Gallons: 13.43 MPG
Adjusted miles / Gallons 14.37 MPG
MPG on Dash Computer: 14.2

MrJason

Why don’t you put 91 octane in the vehicle and watch your results... I bet you get better than 14 mpg.

I get 18.5-19.5 mpg on the interstate.
and
17-18 mpg with mixed in town/interstate


I never drive just in town on a full tank.

But I always run premium fuel from shell.