Gas unexpectedly ran out!

[bronsin]

Originally Posted by nick.dollimount

I had this happen to me last night. 2 bars left on my gas gauge and ran out of gas on the highway. I have always been able to drive at least a half hour on the blinking bar. I've never ran out of gas with this car. I was very surprised it happened on 2 bars.

My friend, however, works with a woman who's daughter also owns a Yaris and had this same thing happen to her.

My suspicion would be the fuel level sending unit (floater part) was either froze or seized up. Someone mentioned condensation getting into the fuel tank if you let it go low often, which I do. This could be how it froze. Just a theory.

I also think it's ridiculous to expect people to watch their odometer because they can't rely on their gas gauge. Why is it even in the car if you can't rely on it?

So to the original poster, no, she's not the only one to have this happen.

I fill my tank when it registers half full. Its INSANE to wait for two bars. As you guys are finding out, technology aint all its cracked up to be. The younger generation is besotted with electrical devices and thinks life is just too cool to worry their lazy butts. CYA people! Have you ever heard that expression?! There is another reason to fill up early. Driving around with a nearly empty tank encourages water condensation in there. Frozen gas lines and FI problems are the likely results.