Low fuel light
Also called: fuel gauge light
The tank is getting low. Fill up soon.
What it means
The low fuel light usually comes on with around 1 to 3 gallons left, depending on the vehicle. Running a tank very low regularly can overheat the in-tank fuel pump, which is cooled by the fuel around it.
Green, yellow, red: three ways this can look
Match your situation to the closest example.
Keep an eye on it
It just came on. Fill up at the next station.
Schedule a repair
You often drive on the light. That habit shortens fuel pump life; try to fill up at a quarter tank.
Stop and get help
You ran it dry. On a diesel, running out can pull air into the system and needs priming; on any vehicle, repeated run-dry can kill the fuel pump.
Common causes
- Low fuel
- Faulty fuel level sender (if the gauge is wrong)
What to do right now
- Fill up soon
- On a diesel, don't run it dry; it may need the fuel system primed
Symbols and meanings vary a little by make and model. Your owner's manual has the exact meaning for your vehicle.
Other warning lights
Questions
What does the low fuel light mean?
The tank is getting low. Fill up soon. The low fuel light usually comes on with around 1 to 3 gallons left, depending on the vehicle. Running a tank very low regularly can overheat the in-tank fuel pump, which is cooled by the fuel around it.
Can I keep driving with the low fuel light on?
Green: It just came on. Fill up at the next station. Yellow: You often drive on the light. That habit shortens fuel pump life; try to fill up at a quarter tank. Red: You ran it dry. On a diesel, running out can pull air into the system and needs priming; on any vehicle, repeated run-dry can kill the fuel pump.
What causes the low fuel light?
Common causes: low fuel; faulty fuel level sender (if the gauge is wrong).
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