What Does “Sub Fuel” Mean in a Land Cruiser?
“Sub fuel” refers to fuel held in the auxiliary tank that can be transferred to the main tank manually or electronically.“Sub Fuel” in a Land Cruiser refers to the vehicle’s auxiliary fuel system, specifically a sub-tank that adds fuel capacity beyond the main tank. This feature is designed for extended driving range, especially in regions where fuel stations are scarce.
What the “Sub Fuel” Light Means
When the “Sub Fuel” light comes on in your dashboard, it typically means…
- The sub-tank is transferring fuel to the main tank.
- The system is ready for manual fuel transfer.
- In some cases, it may signal a fault or that the sub-tank is nearly empty.
The exact behavior differs by model and market, but the light relates to the activity or status of the sub-tank system.
How the Sub Tank System Works
- Land Cruisers with a sub tank have two fuel tanks, a main and a sub.
- The sub tank feeds the main tank either manually or automatically through an electric fuel transfer pump.
- A switch on the dashboard is used in some models to activate the transfer.
- Some models include a separate fuel gauge or warning light for the sub-tank.
Which Land Cruisers Have Sub Tanks
- 70 Series – Common in Australia, Africa, and the Middle East.
- 80 and 100 Series – Select diesel variants have factory sub-tanks.
- U.S. models – did not include a sub-tank system after the 100 Series.
Benefits of a Sub Tank
- Extended driving range for overlanding or rural areas
- Better fuel logistics when traveling long distances
- Backup fuel supply in case of emergency