Low Fuel Light
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
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Low Fuel Light
This is the second time I have seen the "Low Fuel Light" on my 97 Expedition. My question is.... how far can I go untill I run out of gas?
I did notice that it only took 22.6 Gals. last time & it has a 30 Gal tank so..... that tells me I still have 6 or 7 gals left in the tank. Should be around 100 miles right ???
I did notice that it only took 22.6 Gals. last time & it has a 30 Gal tank so..... that tells me I still have 6 or 7 gals left in the tank. Should be around 100 miles right ???
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 724
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From: Woodland Hills
it all depends on your driving habits and thus your mpg. when the light goes on you've obviously got several gallons left.
i've heard that it's not the best idea to let your gas get too low though, some mechanism in there may overheat, or get clogged, depending on who's giving the advice.
al
i've heard that it's not the best idea to let your gas get too low though, some mechanism in there may overheat, or get clogged, depending on who's giving the advice.
al
New User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 17
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From: Washington State
Low Fuel
Be VERY careful letting your fuel level get too low. The fuel pump uses the fuel to cool, so if the pump isn't submerged (normally less than a 1/4 tank), the pump can overheat, causing premature failure. Also, if you are running any kind of forced induction, the pump can cavitate during acceleration causing a lean condition, which is a bad thing.
Yeah, I know, electric pumps being cooled by fuel? I worked on aircraft for many years and this a common practice forheavy aircraft, so cars are no big deal.
Yeah, I know, electric pumps being cooled by fuel? I worked on aircraft for many years and this a common practice forheavy aircraft, so cars are no big deal.
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Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
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I just checked that pump. If it is fuel cooled, you need 3/4 of a tank to cover it. Anything less then 1/2 tank & the entire pump is exposed. Are you telling me my pump is going to fail if I let the tank get below 3/4 ???? On my pick ups with duel tanks, I used to run one tank DRY then switch to the other. Can I put a pick up pump in my Expedition? Why would Ford put a 30 gal tank in if you can only use 6 gals ?
Why haven't I seen more about fuel pumps failing on here ????
Why haven't I seen more about fuel pumps failing on here ????
Lead Driver
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 6,951
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From: Foothills, CA
Our pump was replaced at 17k miles. The service guy said in particular to avoid parking on hills with low fuel (not sure why the parking part, but a decent slope was our typical parking spot for the Expy back then) and said in general to keep it 1/4 full or more. I think the confusing part is it's cooled by the fuel it pumps not just by being imersed in it. We haven't had another failure and we're at 42k miles now...
Oh yeah, I just remembered something interesting. When we took it in, it was running fine, it was the low fuel light that kept coming on in the morning after being parked. Maybe the light is integrated with the pump?
Oh yeah, I just remembered something interesting. When we took it in, it was running fine, it was the low fuel light that kept coming on in the morning after being parked. Maybe the light is integrated with the pump?
