2007 Camry SE Gas Tank/Fuel Guage issue

thutches · #1 (**permalink**) 05-22-2006, 08:47 AM

I'm puzzling over the owner's manual (typo?) stating that the fuel tank capacity is 18.5 gal (US). When I filled the tank at very close to E (empty), it took 14.4 gallons. I had run it down to where the warning light came on as part of my checking and calibrating the gas cuage ritual. The numbers I had gotten earlier when checking the fill at the half and quarter tank marks seemed odd based on the stated capacity. I now think that the manual is wrong and that the US capacity is 15.5 gallons, which they list as the British capacity (15.4 Imperial gallons). Or is my gauge just completely whacky? Anyone know anything about this?

njerald · #2 (**permalink**) 05-22-2006, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thutches

I'm puzzling over the owner's manual (typo?) stating that the fuel tank capacity is 18.5 gal (US). When I filled the tank at very close to E (empty), it took 14.4 gallons. I had run it down to where the warning light came on as part of my checking and calibrating the gas cuage ritual. The numbers I had gotten earlier when checking the fill at the half and quarter tank marks seemed odd based on the stated capacity. I now think that the manual is wrong and that the US capacity is 15.5 gallons, which they list as the British capacity (15.4 Imperial gallons). Or is my gauge just completely whacky? Anyone know anything about this?

The gas gauge is very conservative as is the range reading on the trip computer.

The lowest I've seen is 1/8 tank, 20 more miles range and the most I've added is 14.7 gallons.

Keeps you from running out of gas.

LGL002 · #3 (**permalink**) 05-22-2006, 10:29 PM

My 03 also has a 18.5 gallon tank and I've gotten 17.3 into it after driving with the low fuel lite on for quite a while. Felt awfully uncertain and edgy during that period though even with a 2.5 gallon container in my trunk.

Larry

thutches · #4 (**permalink**) 05-23-2006, 07:58 AM

Thanks for the info. Bad gas gauges is a pet peeve of mine. (In this order, as if in an airplane): Does the engine sound right? Is the tank empty? Does that damn gauge actually work?

So if it doesn't read right, all the more reason to figure it out and calibrate my brain to it.

oracle187 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-23-2006, 11:18 PM

most cars have a designated reserve which usually consists of enough fuel to hopefully get you to the next fill station, the 18.5 gallons includes this.

thutches · #6 (**permalink**) 05-24-2006, 07:57 AM

Of course I wouldn't be posting about this unless I thought the "reserve" was unusually large, so large as to be confusing for a first time user. By my calculations, my Camry seems to have a about a 5-gallon reserve or about 30% of the tank making the gauge less useful. In the extreme, suppose your gauge had a 50% reserve, would that be acceptable?

That's what the post is about, to find out if others are seeing this large amount. If so then my Camry's gauge is workin like everyone else. Otherwise I will look into it further.

ZeKs · #7 (**permalink**) 06-05-2006, 02:12 AM

I believe my fuel light comes on with 4 gallons left. Which is a very conservative number. At one point my gauge was way beyond "E" and then went back to just before the "E". Went to go fill it up and it only took 15.5g

warren s · #8 (**permalink**) 06-06-2006, 02:42 PM

Same here, after a 440 mile trip with the gas light on it only took 15.5 gallons and the needle was close to E.

BigWillie · #9 (**permalink**) 06-11-2006, 11:09 PM

I just bought '07 Camry LE 4cyl. auto

I also thought this was strange how the owner's manual says 18.5 and 15.4(imp). If you check Toyota's web site, they dont even mention the 15.4 gal in the specifications. I drove until the needle was right at the empty line and I filled the tank and it took 15.44 gals. Toyota is being overly cautious about people running their out of gas, it says in the manual to fill up when you get to 1/4 left!

I'm going to consult the dealer to see what they have to say.