1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Ran out of gas, gauge showed a quarter full

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by cbrannen75, Nov 21, 2022.

  1. Nov 21, 2022 at 11:39 AM
    #1
    cbrannen75

    cbrannen75 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2022
    Member:
    #29718
    Messages:
    3
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Del
    Vehicle:
    2011 4Runner
    My wife was driving her 2011 4Runner on the highway the other day and ran out of gas. The gauge on the dash read 1/4 of a tank and the digital reading said she had 60 miles to empty. Was wondering if anyone has had this issue before or may know what the issue may be?
     
    Rocko9999 likes this.
  2. Nov 21, 2022 at 11:54 AM
    #2
    Lockdown

    Lockdown New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2022
    Member:
    #28991
    Messages:
    309
    Gender:
    Male
    Los Angeles
    Vehicle:
    2023 ORP Lunar Rock
    lol wtf.
     
  3. Nov 21, 2022 at 12:19 PM
    #3
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,413
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    Any idea how many miles had been driven on that tank? I think it's possible that the float got stuck. Otherwise, I would think it might be a different problem. Did you put more fuel in, and did it fire back up?
     
    bassist likes this.
  4. Nov 21, 2022 at 12:25 PM
    #4
    cbrannen75

    cbrannen75 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2022
    Member:
    #29718
    Messages:
    3
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Del
    Vehicle:
    2011 4Runner
    She had a full tank before running out. Yes, I put more fuel in it and it cranked right up.
     
  5. Nov 21, 2022 at 12:28 PM
    #5
    McSpazatron

    McSpazatron New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 16, 2021
    Member:
    #19810
    Messages:
    4,612
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2021 4runner OR
    Dobinson IMS Warn Bumper CaliRaised Sliders 285/70 K02s
    Doesnthe needle seem to track accurate until quarter tank? Maybe the that sensor is messed up
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  6. Nov 21, 2022 at 12:59 PM
    #6
    Slopemaster

    Slopemaster Slope Survivalist

    Joined:
    Mar 20, 2021
    Member:
    #20442
    Messages:
    2,838
    Gender:
    Male
    Idaho
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5
    265-70-17 Ridge Grapplers, TRD Pro rims, 3M precut bra, N-Fab nerf/steps
    Sounds like the tank sending unit is in need of repair/replacement.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  7. Nov 21, 2022 at 1:08 PM
    #7
    cbrannen75

    cbrannen75 [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Nov 21, 2022
    Member:
    #29718
    Messages:
    3
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Del
    Vehicle:
    2011 4Runner
    Thanks for the feedback from all.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  8. Nov 21, 2022 at 1:54 PM
    #8
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,413
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    At least it sounds like the pump is okay. :)
     
    McSpazatron likes this.
  9. Nov 21, 2022 at 3:56 PM
    #9
    TrueTexas

    TrueTexas New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 1, 2021
    Member:
    #21753
    Messages:
    324
    Gender:
    Male
    The Woodlands, TX
    Vehicle:
    2021 Magnetic Grey 4Runner TRD ORP
    Lol. When I was dating my wife, she ran out of gas a bunch of times. Although I didnt like that she was stuck on the side of the road, I didn't mind leaving work to go get the gas can and get her enough fuel to get to the gas station. After all, I got to see her during the work day on those days.

    We now have a saying in our home... "half is empty". Might be an accurate statement for you.
     
  10. May 5, 2023 at 4:56 PM
    #10
    Rocko9999

    Rocko9999 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2023
    Member:
    #32488
    Messages:
    734
    Vehicle:
    2011 Limited
    Did you fix this? What was the issue?
     
  11. May 5, 2023 at 5:26 PM
    #11
    backpacker

    backpacker New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2023
    Member:
    #32515
    Messages:
    1,346
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2023 TRD ORP
    Falken Wildpeak 265/70R/17 load E
    My wife seems incapable of buying gas before the orange light comes on. She does watch the trip odometer and miles remaining, so she never actually runs out, but she has a lot more tolerance for low fuel levels than I do.
     
    nimby, ValK83 and Ironguy like this.
  12. May 8, 2023 at 8:19 AM
    #12
    Rocko9999

    Rocko9999 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2023
    Member:
    #32488
    Messages:
    734
    Vehicle:
    2011 Limited
    So it wasn't a faulty sending unit or gauge?
     
  13. Jul 3, 2023 at 9:10 AM
    #13
    Cityredneck

    Cityredneck New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2023
    Member:
    #33616
    Messages:
    9
    Vehicle:
    2005 RWD 4.0 & '97 4WD 3.4
    I've driven 4 different models of Toyota ranging from 2005-13, and all of them had sloppy fuel gauges. It's a pretty standard Toyota issue, although they may have fixed it in their newer models. If you keep track of your mileage and what kind of driving you're doing (highway vs stop & go) you'll get a pretty good sense of how many miles you should get per fill (once I had a 22 gal tank run out @ 325 miles, but there were extenuating circumstances). Play it safe and go with 17/18 mpg & you'll never run out.

    There may be a fuel gauge upgrade (I'm not familiar with one) but don't expect any improvement if you replace with oem parts.
     
  14. Jul 3, 2023 at 9:26 AM
    #14
    Rocko9999

    Rocko9999 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2023
    Member:
    #32488
    Messages:
    734
    Vehicle:
    2011 Limited
    Mine was faulty sending unit.
     
  15. Jul 3, 2023 at 1:07 PM
    #15
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,413
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    That's odd to hear. I've had 10 different Toyotas (1985-2019) and none have had a sloppy fuel gauge. The only thing I have ever noticed is that the level can fluctuate in the 4runner on steep climbs and descents. But, it rights itself on level ground.:notsure:
     
    nimby and HotelMedicis like this.
  16. Jul 3, 2023 at 1:21 PM
    #16
    Cityredneck

    Cityredneck New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2023
    Member:
    #33616
    Messages:
    9
    Vehicle:
    2005 RWD 4.0 & '97 4WD 3.4
    To be fair the sloppiness on the gauge was relatively minor except on the 2005 4runner. The inconsistency is most noticeable after starting up, when you regularly get lower readings that can often take a while to go back up. On another note, the idiot light is way more inconsistent and regularly comes on with 1/4 tank left & then turns off again with all three models and four years. I'll take a sloppy fuel gauge over a sloppy odo or speedo any day though.
     
    HotelMedicis and Thatbassguy like this.
  17. Jul 3, 2023 at 1:45 PM
    #17
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,413
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    Agreed!

    And, good point earlier about keeping track of your miles per tank. I'm pretty confident that I would know if my fuel gauge crapped out because I am always tracking this.. I reset the "trip A" odometer every fill-up because I still don't trust the computer's fuel economy readout, even though it has been pretty accurate with the '19.
     
    Cityredneck[QUOTED] likes this.
  18. Aug 23, 2023 at 1:49 PM
    #18
    bruce 4runner

    bruce 4runner New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2023
    Member:
    #35135
    Messages:
    2
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bruce
    Vehicle:
    4 RUNNER OWNER 2011
    NONE
    I have a 2011 and ran out of 3 times. The latest one was one month ago and gas gauge shows 1/2 tank and about 120 miles to go till empty.
    This was while in drive-thru line at Carl's Jr hamburgers, soooo very embarrassing.
    The first 2 times was on the freeway, 1st time showing 50 miles remaining, the next showing 70 miles remaining.
    The 2nd time was the most scary as we were in the #1 fast lane and it just died.

    With so many owners with this same problem it seems it should be a recall as this is very very dangerous.
     
  19. Aug 23, 2023 at 2:09 PM
    #19
    TeslasBigCarbonFootprint

    TeslasBigCarbonFootprint New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2022
    Member:
    #25462
    Messages:
    524
    Southern California
    Vehicle:
    '23 TRD ORP Super Ice Cap White
    2014 Neglected by the previous owners 2020 is an abused former rental... 2023 New I've been buying above my pay grade ☹️
    Report problems like this to the NHTSA.

    As a side note, my low fuel indicator seems to be calibrated at 5 gallons left. Twice, I refueled soon after the light went on, one time while I was in line for gas the indicator went on. Both times I put 18 gallons in the 23 gallon tank.
     
  20. Aug 23, 2023 at 2:15 PM
    #20
    bruce 4runner

    bruce 4runner New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 23, 2023
    Member:
    #35135
    Messages:
    2
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bruce
    Vehicle:
    4 RUNNER OWNER 2011
    NONE
  21. Aug 23, 2023 at 2:16 PM
    #21
    TeslasBigCarbonFootprint

    TeslasBigCarbonFootprint New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2022
    Member:
    #25462
    Messages:
    524
    Southern California
    Vehicle:
    '23 TRD ORP Super Ice Cap White
    2014 Neglected by the previous owners 2020 is an abused former rental... 2023 New I've been buying above my pay grade ☹️
    Or you might get contacted by Toyota with a fix. They did have a fuel pump recall a few years back...
     
  22. Aug 23, 2023 at 2:49 PM
    #22
    Rocko9999

    Rocko9999 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2023
    Member:
    #32488
    Messages:
    734
    Vehicle:
    2011 Limited
    Replace your sending unit.
     
  23. Aug 23, 2023 at 2:50 PM
    #23
    Rocko9999

    Rocko9999 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 21, 2023
    Member:
    #32488
    Messages:
    734
    Vehicle:
    2011 Limited
    Not applicable. It's the sending unit. I replaced mine. Fixed the issue.
     
  24. Aug 23, 2023 at 3:13 PM
    #24
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,413
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    Do you reset the trip odometer when you fill up? Seems like it could save you some trouble. If it happened to me once, I'd never trust the gauge again.

    As far as "so many owners" having this problem; it seems pretty rare to me. I've never heard of it happening until last November, and I've been driving Toyotas since the mid-90's.
     
    SlvrSlug and nimby like this.

Products Discussed in

To Top