The low gas light is an excellent safety feature that helps prevent drivers from running out of gas. A reserve amount of fuel in the tank enables you to reach a nearby gas station or a safe place. The amount of gas and maximum distance you can cover on a Nissan hardbody depends on several factors and can vary for different model years.
How Far Can a Nissan Hardbody Go With Gas Light On? Nissan Hardbody can cover a distance of 25-45 miles on the remaining 1.5-3.0 gallons of fuel with low gas warning light for the 1986.5 to 1997 model years. However, it depends on several factors, including driving conditions, model years, engine type, and load on the truck.
We will discuss the location of the low gas light, its working principle, fuel tank capacity, fuel economy, and mileage with low fuel warning light for these trucks. We will also explore the problems associated with low fuel light, how to check if it works, the amount of reserve fuel, and when to refill the gas tank.
Location of low gas light on Nissan Hardbody and its working principle
The low gas light is usually on the instrument panel behind the steering wheel. It is in the form of a gas station symbol on the fuel gauge. The orange light permanently turns ON or flashes when the fuel level drops below a certain threshold.
It works with the help of the fuel level sensor in the tank. Using a movable float, it measures the amount of fuel present and sends a signal to the vehicle’s electrical system.
When the fuel level in the tank is 1.5-3.0 gallons, the sensor triggers the low gas light to illuminate the instrument cluster.
Fuel tank capacity of Nissan Hardbody
Nissan Hardbody is available in 4 engine variants, including 2.4-liter Z24 and KA24E I4 and 3.0-liter VG30i and VG30E V6 engines.
2.4-liter I4 engines from 1986.5 -1997 model years have available fuel tanks of 15.85 US gallons ( 60 liters). In comparison, larger 3.0-liter V6 engine variants of the pickup truck have a gas capacity of 21.1 gallons (80 liters) from the 1986 ½ -1996 model years.
There can also be variations in the tank sizes for different models of the truck with Regular or King Cab, as well as for various drive configurations and trim levels.
You can expect changes if you get a used truck with some custom changes from the owner. However, mainly it should be the same for the same engine options.
Fuel economy of Nissan Hardbody
The fuel economy of a truck depends on several factors, including driving habits, driving conditions, drive configuration, payload, and engine options.
For example, the 1990 Nissan Hardbody with 2WD, 3.0-liter V6 engine has a combined average of 18 mpg with a city mileage of 16 and highway range of 20 mpg, while the 4WD configuration has a combined economy of 16 mpg with a city value of 14 and highway mileage of 18 mpg.
For the same model year with a 2.4-liter I4 engine and 2WD configuration, it has an average of 22 mpg with a city value of 20 and highway value of 24 mpg. While 4WD with the rest of the options remains the same, it is 18 mpg with a city value of 17 mpg and highway value of 19 mpg.
So on average, it has a combined fuel economy of 16-22 mpg from 1986 .5 to 1997 model years, with variations depending on the vehicle’s different factors and maintenance conditions.
Amount of gas left in the tank when the low gas light turns ON
Nissan Hardbody has a leftover amount of 1.5-3.0 gallons in the gas tank when the low fuel warning light comes ON for model years from 1986-1997.
There can be minor differences depending on the tank size and vehicle position, as some variants of the truck have a 21.1-gallon tank, so you can expect more fuel remaining with low fuel warning because of the larger surface area of the tank floor.
Similarly, if it is standing on a sloped surface, fuel can accumulate in one corner, and the sensor can give low gas light even when more gas is in the tank.
Therefore, you should keep a rough estimate of 10-20% of the total tank capacity as a reserve when you see a low gas warning light flashing ON the instrument cluster.
Mileage of Nissan Hardbody with the low gas light on
Nissan Hardbody can cover an approximate distance of 25-45 miles on the remaining gas with the low fuel warning light for model years 1986.5 to 1997.
However, these values can vary according to many factors, including driving conditions, engine options, vehicle maintenance conditions, and the number of accessories turned ON. For example, a truck with a 3.0-liter V6 engine has less mileage than 2.4-liter I4.
Therefore, you can expect the latter one to cover more distance. Similarly, driving at high speeds with power-intensive accessories like AC turned OFF can give you better mileage.
Moreover, if you regularly maintain the vehicle with oil filter changes and other preventive measures, you can drive farther with a good mpg rating.
Why does Nissan Hardbody cover less distance in urban areas with an empty tank?
Nissan Hardbody will cover less distance with an empty tank if you are driving in an urban area compared to highways. It is because city areas often have heavy traffic with frequent stops and starts. This type of driving consumes more fuel compared to steady highway driving.
The constant acceleration and deceleration in traffic increase gas consumption, resulting in lower mileage.
Moreover, vehicles often spend significant time idling in situations such as at traffic lights or in congested traffic. Idling consumes fuel without actually moving the truck, reducing overall mileage.
Problems associated with the low fuel light on Nissan Hardbody
Various drivers complain about the faulty low gas light on these trucks. Some common issues reported are the light constantly ON even when the tank is full or not turning ON in case of an empty tank.
I have also experienced a problem of low gas light coming ON every time I start the truck on my 1989 Nissan Hardbody.
These problems result from a faulty fuel level sender, a glitch in electrical wiring, or a faulty bulb working as a low fuel indicator.
Sometimes a defective instrument cluster is also the reason behind the malfunctioning of the indication.
Furthermore, a faulty alternator can also cause anomalies in the working of a low gas warning light. Therefore, whenever you face any problems mentioned above, check the fuel level sender, wiring, instrument cluster, and the bulb itself.
When to refill the gas tank of Nissan Hardbody?
Experts always recommend maintaining at least a quarter of a tank or more of fuel at all times. It helps prevent the fuel pump from overheating, ensures adequate gas for unexpected situations, and reduces the risk of drawing contaminants into the fuel system.
Therefore, keep an eye on the fuel gauge of your truck and go for a refill when it drops to 4-5 gallons.
Another tip is to fill the tank to maximum capacity and refill it every 200-250 miles. It will be helpful to avoid inconvenient situations and prevent the engine from frequently running in low fuel conditions.
How do you check if a low gas light is working on a Nissan Hardbody?
You can check the condition of the low fuel light on your Nissan Hardbody by turning the ignition key to the ON position without starting the truck.
The warning light will momentarily turn ON, indicating it works fine. Another indirect way is to keep driving without a gas refill until the low fuel light comes on.
When this indicator flashes on the instrument cluster, it will give you an idea of the remaining gas in the tank from the fuel gauge.
However, to be on the safe side, it is a good idea to keep an extra can of fuel to keep it running if there is no station nearby.
You can also use the multimeter to check the working of the bulb or visually inspect the circuit for any broken or rusty wires.
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