How To Change Your Toyota Highlander's Low Fuel Indicator

Owners of the Toyota Highlander have expressed concerns about the vehicle's low fuel indicator, with some reporting a lack of warning before running out of fuel. While the indicator light and miles to empty feature provide some notice, several users have suggested that an audible alert or a more prominent notification would be helpful. Toyota has addressed this issue with a Special Service Campaign, offering to reprogram the Combination Meter ECU to adjust the timing of the low fuel light activation. This adjustment aims to prevent drivers from continuing to drive after the light illuminates, reducing the risk of running out of fuel. However, some customers are still seeking more effective solutions, such as customisable alerts or a more accurate fuel gauge.

The low fuel light comes on when there's about 13-17 miles left

The low fuel light on a Toyota Highlander comes on when there is about 13 to 17 miles left to go. This is based on the vehicle's calculation of the distance left to travel before running out of fuel. The calculation is based on factors such as the amount of fuel remaining, driving conditions, and fuel efficiency.

While the low fuel light is a helpful indicator, it is important to note that it may not always be completely accurate. The actual distance that can be travelled after the light comes on may vary depending on driving habits, road conditions, and other factors. Therefore, it is recommended to refuel as soon as possible after the low fuel light illuminates to avoid running out of fuel.

The Highlander's fuel system is designed to provide an adequate reserve of fuel even after the light comes on. Typically, there will be around 2.9 gallons of fuel remaining when the low fuel light illuminates. This reserve fuel is crucial for the proper functioning and cooling of the fuel pump. Running the tank extremely low on a regular basis may reduce the lifespan of the fuel pump.

In some cases, the "miles to empty" display may stop showing an estimate once the low fuel light comes on, adding to the uncertainty. Toyota has addressed this issue with a "Special Service Campaign" to reprogram the timing of the low fuel light, causing it to come on sooner.

It is worth noting that the low fuel light is not meant to indicate the exact moment the vehicle will run out of fuel. Rather, it serves as a warning to let drivers know that they need to refuel soon. Each vehicle may have unique fuel consumption characteristics, so it is important to familiarise oneself with the vehicle's typical fuel efficiency and adjust driving habits accordingly.

There is no audible warning for low fuel

The 2020-2021 Toyota Highlander has a low fuel light issue, where the light comes on too late, causing drivers to run out of fuel. Toyota has addressed this issue with a "Special Service Campaign" where they reprogram the Combination Meter ECU to adjust the timing of when the low fuel light illuminates. This is done free of charge and takes about an hour. However, this reprogramming does not include an audible warning for low fuel, which has been a point of frustration for some customers.

The absence of an audible warning for low fuel in the Toyota Highlander has been a common complaint among owners. Many have expressed their desire for a chime or some form of audible alert when the low fuel light comes on. This is especially important for those who don't regularly check their fuel gauge or may forget to refuel. An audible warning could provide a helpful reminder and prevent drivers from running out of fuel unexpectedly.

In response to this issue, some Toyota dealerships have offered to reprogram the vehicle to include an audible warning. However, it is unclear if this is an official solution offered by Toyota or a dealership-specific workaround. Some owners have also suggested that Toyota should provide clear information on how many miles can be driven after the low fuel light comes on, as this would help drivers better manage their fuel levels.

While the "Special Service Campaign" has addressed the issue of the late-illuminating low fuel light, the lack of an audible warning remains a concern for Highlander owners. An audible alert is a standard feature in many vehicles, and its absence in the Highlander can be inconvenient and potentially dangerous for those who rely on it. Toyota has not yet provided an official solution or response to this issue, leaving some customers feeling frustrated and vulnerable to unexpected fuel shortages.

The low fuel light comes on with 3-4 gallons of gas left

The low fuel light on a Toyota Highlander comes on when there are 13 to 20 miles left before the tank is empty. This is equivalent to having 3 to 4 gallons of gas left in the tank. The low fuel light is designed to alert drivers that they need to refuel soon to avoid running out of gas. While the light provides a visual warning, some drivers have expressed a desire for an audible warning, such as a ding or chime, as they may not always notice the light.

Toyota issued a "Special Service Campaign" in 2021 to adjust the timing of when the low fuel light illuminates. This was in response to reports of drivers continuing to drive after the light came on, leading to potential inconveniences of running out of fuel. The reprogramming was offered free of charge and involved adjusting the Combination Meter ECU to change when the light turns on.

It is recommended to refuel promptly when the low fuel light comes on to avoid any issues. Additionally, it is considered good practice to fill up the tank when it is half empty or full, as running it too low can strain the fuel pump and cause condensation build-up in the gas tank.

While the low fuel light provides a warning, it is still important for drivers to pay attention to their fuel levels and not rely solely on the light. Checking the fuel gauge regularly and planning fuel stops accordingly can help prevent unexpected inconveniences and ensure a smoother driving experience.

The low fuel light comes on sooner after reprogramming

The low fuel light on a Toyota Highlander can be reprogrammed to illuminate sooner than it did before. This is done through a "Special Service Campaign" offered by Toyota. The reprogramming is intended to address the issue of the vehicle's 'miles to empty' display ceasing to function once the low fuel light comes on.

The exact nature of the reprogramming is unclear, as Toyota dealerships have not provided detailed explanations to their customers. However, it appears that the adjustment involves changing the timing of when the low fuel light turns on, making it illuminate sooner. This change was likely made in response to complaints from customers who found that they had very little gas left when the light came on.

It is worth noting that this reprogramming is not a mandatory recall, but rather a "Special Service Campaign" offered by Toyota. While it is not required, it may be beneficial to take advantage of this service to avoid the risk of running out of gas.

If you are a Toyota Highlander owner and have experienced issues with the low fuel light or the 'miles to empty' display, it is recommended to contact your local Toyota dealership for more information and to schedule the reprogramming service if necessary.

The low fuel indicator is inaccurate

The low fuel indicator on the Toyota Highlander has been a source of concern for many owners, with reports of it being inaccurate or not providing adequate warning before the vehicle runs out of fuel. In some cases, the indicator comes on when there are only about 13-17 miles left until empty, which may not be enough time to find a gas station and refuel. This has led to situations where drivers barely make it to the nearest gas pump or have to resort to driving at slower speeds to conserve fuel.

Adding to the issue, some owners have reported that the "miles to empty" feature stops displaying once the low fuel light comes on, making it difficult to plan ahead and causing anxiety among drivers who are unsure how much fuel is left in the tank. This lack of clarity has resulted in confusion and frustration, with some drivers feeling that the indicator is not reliable and that they cannot trust it to provide accurate information about their fuel levels.

In response to these concerns, Toyota initiated a "Special Service Campaign" to adjust the timing of when the low fuel light illuminates. This reprogramming was intended to address complaints about the indicator coming on too late, leaving drivers with very little gas in the tank. However, the specifics of this change were not effectively communicated to customers, leading to further uncertainty about the accuracy and reliability of the low fuel indicator.

While the reprogramming was meant to improve the situation, the lack of clear information from dealers and the seemingly arbitrary nature of the adjustment have added to the sense of uncertainty surrounding the low fuel indicator's accuracy. This ongoing issue highlights the importance of timely and transparent communication between automakers and their customers, especially when it comes to critical aspects of vehicle performance and safety, such as fuel monitoring.

Frequently asked questions