R33 Series 1 Coupe, Fuel Light Query

[Benben]

Hey all, I've had my R33 for a couple of weeks now, however I haven't ever noticed the fuel light come on. I was just wondering where the light normally comes on, and when it usually does?

On my first tank I had been driving pretty hard so wasn't quite sure when I would see the light turn on (the previous owner said he got about 420 before the fuel light switched on, and he used it as his daily driver), from memory I let the fuel level get about half way between the final notch before I filled up again. I didn't see the fuel light turn on at any point though, I just wanted to make sure because I was new to the car (and had driven that tank hard) I didn't end up running empty somewhere. I think I got about 370 to that tank, though I cannot for the life of me remember how much fuel I put in.

The next tank I drove pretty conservatively, putting my foot down for a take off here and there only when necessary, and my plan was to wait until I saw the fuel light before I filled up, so I could start getting an idea of how much I'll get to a tank in relation to how I drive. So I was waiting, and waiting, I think the car clicked over to about 450 so I glanced at the dash to see how I was going on fuel and the needle was below the last notch! lol so I made a bee line for the closest servo and filled up. From memory I think I got about 50/55 litres in. However the fuel light (at least as far as I could see) never turned on..

So I was basically wondering when the fuel light normally turns on for others, and where exactly the fuel light is located? I had just assumed that it would be in the dash somewhere like all the normal engine/oil/etc lights are, but considering I'd taken the car to below the final notch of fuel I thought it could possibly be located somewhere else that I just haven't noticed..

Anyway, any thoughts and help would be appreciated!

[2LV8ETR]

Two things.

1: If the fascia light is blown, it obviously won't come on to tell you that you're running low. The solution would be to remove the fascia and swap it with another socket that works with IGN on, for example the oil light, and turn the the key to IGN to see whether it illuminates.

2: Carry a small can of fuel with you and push your luck. If you run out, you can put the fuel in and head towards a service station. If the light doesn't come on and warn you, then the issue is electrical and not the globe.

[Benben]

Ah thank you for the suggestions, I hadn't even considered the globe itself.. I think I'll be looking to change the stereo system soon (still stock tape deck from Japan hehe) so when I am pulling the pieces off I'll check the light out as well. In the meanwhile I may try the other method, is there any detriment to letting a turbocharged car run completely out of fuel though? I'm not quite as car savvy as I'd like to be and I seem to remember someone telling me diesels don't fare well if you run it empty, but I'm not sure if it applies to performance cars on unleaded/premium also. The only car I've ever accidentally run out of fuel in is my old 1986 Corolla, but running out of fuel in that was probably the least of my concerns

Edited July 21, 2009 by Benben

[2LV8ETR]

If you want to try method 2, I would advise emptying the fuel tank completely instead if you don't want to risk turning off at splutter.

The best way to do this would be to run the car until you are confident you're low on fuel, then remove the fuel supply line and feed it into a fuel can with IGN on. You'll need to extend the fuel line by using an adaptor and some hose (it won't be under great pressure) and just watch the fuel light as it's emptying out.

If you can, have someone nearby to keep an eye on the fuel can so it doesn't overfill and also, no smoking or naked flames.

[DELLER]

Does The Non Turbo skylines have the fuel light???? (mines doesn't come on) I have a turbo skyline and it works fine..

[08r3308]

they should all have it , as its been said check the bulb

[mad082]

the light won't come on until there is about 10L left in the tank, so if you are only filling up and putting in between 50 and 55L you aren't quite getting there as the r33 tanks holds 65L

[Craved]

earth out the signal wire on the tank opening to test the bulb - much easier than removing the cluster to check lol