virulosity

I tried to start my 2009 LX570 this morning and it turned over and putted to a stop again. I tried again several times with the same result. I figured I would try putting some gas in it as the first try at diagnosing the problem and sure enough, it was just empty. The gauge said I still had ~1/8 of a tank and 19 miles of range. No bingo light. Any idea how I should pursue fixing this? Is this a problem you have encountered?

Thanks

hankinid

At least now you know. My 200 has a perfectly linear gage. Not a problem I have encountered. I functionally have never seen the idiot light as I try to fill her around 3/8 to 1/2 a tank remaining. More than one report here and multiples on mud regarding those who've run out of gas right after the light illuminated.

The only thing you can "fix" is to throw parts at it...a new sender, and if that doesn't "fix" things, probably a new gauge...I'd want to be sitting down when I got the price for either.

virulosity

Interesting if it is actually an issue that could be calibrated out vs a failed component. I was under the impression that there is an optical level sensor in the tank that triggers the light, not just a quantity estimation from the float position and fuel burn from the ECU. Maybe it isn't placed well in the tank? Sounds like it was a bad design from the start, or is this something that develops with higher mileage?

ggebhardt

Every LX I have owned still has near 4 gallons of fuel even when the gauge and NAV system says it is empty.

You gauge or sensor is not working as it should.

virulosity

I read on another forum that it could be a bad gas cap? Maybe that would be the cheapest place to start

Ashron

Both my 2010 and now my 2017 lx show about 8-10 miles distance to empty once the low fuel light comes on. I tested it on my 2010 lx and when computer showed distance to empty = 0, I filled up 22 gallons of fuel out of 26 total tank capacity. Maybe the remaining 4 gallons or so are not usable, (not sure) but I never tried driving the car after computer read distance to empty = 0. Maybe someone can comment on that? Regardless, I would agree that the lx could use a larger fuel tank, maybe 5 more gallons or so. Hopefully their gen lx will have a longer driving range.

ClaytonW

My LX fuel light comes on when computer shows about 16 miles.When it shows 0, I fill up about 20 gallons. It means that there still should be about 4.5 gallons available. On all Toyota and Lexus which I ever owned, you could still drive about 60 miles when the computer displayed zero.

fosterelli

No low fuel indicator, 1/8 of a tank on the gauge, and 19 miles of range remaining...

I'd say the low fuel lamp and range are tied - and sounds like from other posts the light comes on very late in the game...10-16 miles remaining. So if you have 19 miles remaining and no light, that sounds typical.

Now you just need to determine if the problem is with your sending unit or the gauge itself. Have someone with you to help with this: Start with about 1/2 a tank. Fill your tank all the way up while watching the gauge (ignition to ON position). As you get close to 3/4 tank, slow WAY down to give the gauge time to keep up. Does the gauge hit completely FULL and then your vehicle keeps taking some fuel (like 1/8 of a tank of fuel)? Or does the gauge hit FULL at the typical time, when the gas pump shuts off?

virulosity

I can try that experiment next time I fill up. My understanding is that if the gauge is moving normal then it is good? Its not an analog gauge so any issue must be with the sending unit or the actual measurement sensors.

ggebhardt

I have not found the gauge to be really accurate. When I fill up it stays on FULL for several days before dropping. I can get 3-4 gallons in the tank at that point.

virulosity

I watched the gauge while i filled up for fun and it tracks pretty well all the way to full, which the needle is about 1/16th over the full line. Maybe I just need to take the cluster apart and put the needle on 1/16th lower!