Low Fuel Light

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Dietch

New Member

May 6, 2004

2

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0

May 13, 2004

#1

• May 13, 2004

• #1

Hey everyone,

Just bought an 04 Mustang V6 and was curious how far you could get once the low fuel light comes on. Is it one of those "get to a gas station right now!!!" things, or is it a "get gas tomorrow". How many miles can you guys make it with the light on?

Does anyone know how many gallons are left once the light comes on???

Thanks!

 

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atlblue2000

Founding Member

Aug 18, 2002

1,245

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36

TN

May 13, 2004

#2

• May 13, 2004

• #2

I've never seen a written in stone, proven answer on this, but the general consensus I've seen is between 2-3 gallons.

 

Integraholic

I own the place

Founding Member

Jul 24, 2002

281

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Indy

May 13, 2004

#3

• May 13, 2004

• #3

It's a good idea to head towards a gas station when you see it on. I dont have a mustang, but I've pushed mine to the limit. I've been all the way passed the E mark before. It's scarry.

 

ChrisYellowV6

New Member

Dec 25, 2003

362

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0

Pensacola, FL

May 13, 2004

#4

• May 13, 2004

• #4

eh, i've gotten about 25 miles after the "dummy light" turns on. I guess it's a safety thing. I wouldn't run it that low though, I try to keep it up over 1/4 of a tank for fuel pump cooling....

 

nomuffler

Member

Aug 20, 2003

330

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Awash in a sea of decedant luxury and meaningless

May 13, 2004

#5

• May 13, 2004

• #5

I have no idea how much is left, but when the light comes on it's time to put some more in. With fuel injected cars the fuel pump is in the tank so it uses the gas for cooling, if there isn't enough gas to keep it cool it can burn out. Also, the greater pumping force they use will suck all kinds of debris out of your tank and **** up the fuel pump. I'm sure the light was designed more to prevent damage to the fuel system than to prevent you from walking to the gas station.

 

ChrisYellowV6

New Member

Dec 25, 2003

362

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Pensacola, FL

May 14, 2004

#6

• May 14, 2004

• #6

well if you want to keep your fuel pump cool, the general rule of thumb is to kep the tank over 1/4 full. however one of the most highly debated issues on driving till the tank is bone dry is that people say debris will be sent into your engine...well thats what your fuel filter is for. it will just get clogged quicker. but yeah, i try to keep my tank over 1/4 of a gallon, it also makes me feel like im getting ripped off less at the gas pump, not putting as much in. lol.

 

cruisinV6

New Member

Mar 16, 2003

240

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SE Minnesota

May 14, 2004

#7

• May 14, 2004

• #7

I just ran my tank til the light came on becasue i was waiting for my paycheck to fill up since gas is so high. I ended up putting just over 13.5 gallons in, and a our tanks are 15.5 gallons, so that means when you have 2 gallons left roughly it comes on.

 

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Dietch

New Member

May 6, 2004

2

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0

May 14, 2004

#8

• May 14, 2004

• #8

cruisinV6 said:

I just ran my tank til the light came on becasue i was waiting for my paycheck to fill up since gas is so high. I ended up putting just over 13.5 gallons in, and a our tanks are 15.5 gallons, so that means when you have 2 gallons left roughly it comes on.

Click to expand...

Yeah thats about what I had figured. Thanks guys
I agree with the "Keeping the Fuel Pump Cool" theory, but sometimes you can't get to a station right away. Its nice to know what you can get away with....

 

nomuffler

Member

Aug 20, 2003

330

0

16

Awash in a sea of decedant luxury and meaningless

May 14, 2004

#9

• May 14, 2004

• #9

ChrisYellowV6 said:

well if you want to keep your fuel pump cool, the general rule of thumb is to kep the tank over 1/4 full. however one of the most highly debated issues on driving till the tank is bone dry is that people say debris will be sent into your engine...well thats what your fuel filter is for. it will just get clogged quicker. but yeah, i try to keep my tank over 1/4 of a gallon, it also makes me feel like im getting ripped off less at the gas pump, not putting as much in. lol.

Click to expand...

it doesn't go into the engine, it clogs up the fuel pump pickup. Which is a pain in the ass.