4Runner won't start

We were driving home, and the vehicle was having a hard time accelerating. And then it stopped. It tries to turn over, but it won't. What are some possible issues?

 

That happened to me once or twice (years ago) when I ran out of gas.

 

Bad alternator and dead battery?

 

Any warning lights/codes pop up when this takes place?

 

For fun, let's go with this.
The gauge showed about 1/8 of a tank, and the miles to empty said around 65.
I realize that's low, but to the point that the vehicle wouldn't start?

 

For even more fun since everyone uses different terminology (somehow).

Tries to turn over means? cranks and no start or doesn't/barely wants to crank.

 

Crank/no start.
What I was questioning was the amount of fuel left.
Shouldn't an 1/8 of a tank have been enough?
Or could there be an issue with the fuel gauge?

 

My sending unit went out and showed 1/4 when it was empty. Add a gallon of gas and see if it starts-will take a few tries to get fuel in the lines.

I replaced the entire assembly. $250 parts for OEM.

 

I added 1-2 gallons and it started.
How can I tell if the sending unit is bad?

 

I think you just confirmed it.

 

This

And I also don't only rely on miles to empty.

I always reset my trip on fill up just so I can see how much I've been driving on the tank just to make sure.

 

Yes! Both of these!

This is where the trip odometer really becomes valuable. I (usually) always reset the trip odometer when I top off. This way, you'll notice if the fuel gauge/miles to empty aren't acting normal.

 

I usually fill it up when it shows half tank. That’s the best practice.

 

Not if you drive a lot. I'm at the gas station often enough without adding unnecessary stops.

I'd say that the best practice involves paying attention to how many miles you usually get per tank so that you'll notice when something isn't normal.

 

I know it will be different for everyone depending on driving style, but at what trip odometer reading do you fill up, and how did you arrive at that number without running the tank dry?

 

1/4 is a little more reasonable.

 

½ tank if you are within the vicinity of earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, or zombies!

 

Why do you drive with so few fuel?

 

Yeah, I'm not sure why that terminology is no longer common knowledge. I suppose the OP meant that it turned over, but didn't start.

 

Haha. I thought turning it over referred to the key in the ignition switch, like when the guy working under the hood says to the helper sitting behind the wheel “Okay, turn it over.”

 

I think you just did.

 

I don't fill up at any specific mileage. I use the trip odometer to keep track of my actual fuel economy. If you know how many miles you typically get out of a tank, you'll notice when something doesn't seem right.

Why would I need to run the tank dry to figure this out? It's based on how many miles you usually drive before refueling.

As you said, it will be different for everyone, based on when they refuel (1/4 tank, 1/2 tank, when the light comes on, etc) and their average fuel economy.

 

I go until the light comes on, almost every time. If I am going to be staying somewhere more remote, I will fill up sooner.

 

Usually 1/4 tank for me. I only go lower if I have to and only had the light come on once in my Tacoma when I refused to pay $7ish in Needles, CA when AZ was much cheaper.

 

Just me, but I try to keep the top half full.

 

I think 1/4 is pretty reasonable. And, I could see filling earlier in remote areas, or those prone to situations that might require evacuation.

What about the bottom half?

 

Duh. I get it now.

 

Yes, for that reason I keep at least one of my trucks full of fuel all the time. Larger earthquakes knock out power, and it might require driving some distance to get fuel.

Truthfully, I need to live somewhere else...

 

You are assuming that fuel gauge in your 10+ year old truck is still accurate. That is 50/50 proposition.

In general terms, don't run old trucks low on gas unless you recently cleaned the gas tank as this is a quick way to get fuel filter clogged. Overtime, all kids of junk collects at the bottom of the gas tank, even if your gauge is accurate, what you have in the last 10% may be detrimental.