Reserve fuel capacity
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Reserve fuel capacity
Hello friends... quick question for you.. I was wondering if anyone knows how much reserve fuel you have on the ES 350. I know the tank spec says 17.2 gallons. But yesterday I was on the highway and noticed my fuel was down to about 1/4 tank. I was in the middle of nowhere, not a gas station to be seen for what seemed like forever... anyway when I finally found a gas station, the little yellow gas tank icon was visible on the dash and the computer said I had approx. 22 miles left before zero... I have always thought that the fuel reserve was about a gallon but that can't be right. I topped her off and she took right at 14 gallons. well 14 gallons plus 1 reserve gallon cant be right.. so is the reserve really closer to 2 to 2.5 gallons? It doesn't really make any difference. I just want to see if my on board computer is giving me reliable information and so I know how much I have left if I were to run it down to zero. I have a standing policy that I normally do not let my fuel get below 1/4 tank but caught off guard yesterday. Thanks in advance for your help guys..
Poppa
Poppa
#2
Hello friends... quick question for you.. I was wondering if anyone knows how much reserve fuel you have on the ES 350. I know the tank spec says 17.2 gallons. But yesterday I was on the highway and noticed my fuel was down to about 1/4 tank. I was in the middle of nowhere, not a gas station to be seen for what seemed like forever... anyway when I finally found a gas station, the little yellow gas tank icon was visible on the dash and the computer said I had approx. 22 miles left before zero... I have always thought that the fuel reserve was about a gallon but that can't be right. I topped her off and she took right at 14 gallons. well 14 gallons plus 1 reserve gallon cant be right.. so is the reserve really closer to 2 to 2.5 gallons? It doesn't really make any difference. I just want to see if my on board computer is giving me reliable information and so I know how much I have left if I were to run it down to zero. I have a standing policy that I normally do not let my fuel get below 1/4 tank but caught off guard yesterday. Thanks in advance for your help guys..
Poppa
Poppa
#3
I think it's like a little over 2 gallons after it reads 0. Pretty much what you observed after filling up.
#4
Lead Lap
#5
Agreed it is about 2.5 gallons. At roughly 24-29 MPG (being safe) I always figure I have 50 miles or 75 miles to go once the light comes on, depending if I'm in the city or highway. Then I'm on fumes for another 20+ miles if push came to shove....only once, mind you! =)
#6
Lead Lap
I think that your guess is probably pretty accurate. My guess would be about 2.5 gallons, the top of your range.
I'm not sure that the low fuel warning is precise enough to come on with the exact same amount of fuel left on all ES vehicles or that it even comes on at precisely the same point all of the time. Things like whether you are driving on level terrain or not can have an effect on when the warning comes on.
I think that the ES is in the part of the chart that is printed in invisible ink.
I'm not sure that the low fuel warning is precise enough to come on with the exact same amount of fuel left on all ES vehicles or that it even comes on at precisely the same point all of the time. Things like whether you are driving on level terrain or not can have an effect on when the warning comes on.
I think that the ES is in the part of the chart that is printed in invisible ink.
Last edited by lesz; 07-25-17 at 03:26 PM.
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#8
Instructor
Thread Starter
Thanks guys.... I have always "assumed" you had about 1 gallon left when the computer zero'ed out.. nice to know there is actually at least 2 gallons / 2.5 gallons... just a little more wiggle room.. but I have no intentions of checking it to find out! appreciate the info guys.. thanks again.
Poppa
Poppa
#9
Pole Position
I have heard that many manufacturers place the fuel pump in the tank and use the fuel to help keep it cool, thus it is possible to overheat the pump by running the fuel to the last drop. Anyone know if this is true, or at least whether it is the case with the ES? Can squeezing the very last drop put the pump at risk?
#10
Lexus Test Driver
I wouldn't dare try, especially on the hybrid because the engine always has to be ready to run. It's possible to drain the traction battery below a safe limit if the engine doesn't start. Probably flatbed time if that happens.
#11
Ok, who wants to be the guinea pig.?
Run your car till the fuel warning light comes on, then keep going till it dies. Come back and report your findings for the benefit of one and all.
Run your car till the fuel warning light comes on, then keep going till it dies. Come back and report your findings for the benefit of one and all.
#12
Pit Crew
Report back here please. This can be very exciting and get the adrenaline running. Remember Kramer and Seinfeld has a lot of fun testing out the Saab.
#14
Instructor
Thread Starter
Poppa
#15
I have heard that many manufacturers place the fuel pump in the tank and use the fuel to help keep it cool, thus it is possible to overheat the pump by running the fuel to the last drop. Anyone know if this is true, or at least whether it is the case with the ES? Can squeezing the very last drop put the pump at risk?
This is generally true of cars since 1990 or so.
you have to drop the fuel tank to replace the pump so its a lot of labor, plus parts... heat kills, refill early!