Is your gas gauge a little optimistic?

[Zathras]

I've had my '18 since it was new, and I'm not sure if it's always been this way, or if it's been a gradual trend... but the gas gauge (analog, I don't have the digital dash) seems to read a smidge higher than the level one would expect from the trip computer's "miles remaining" estimate. For example, when the trip computer is showing ~15 miles to empty, probably 1-2 gallons, the analog gauge is still above 1/8 of a tank. I've never pushed it further than that.

So for the rest of you-- does the trip computer seem really pessimistic with the range to empty, or does the fuel gauge seem like it reads a smidge higher level than the actual amount, when the tank is getting low?

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[tdstuart]

Mine seems to be off too but the gauge seems to read lower than the actual fuel level. Will look like 25% remaining fuel but is actually a little over 30%. The best way is to test it by filling it up and seeing if it matches what you would expect.

Let the gauge get to exactly 50% and then fill up. If you fill up over 8 gal then the gauge is reading higher than the actual amount, if you fill up less than 8 gal then the gauge is reading less than the actual amount.

 

[LOL WUT]

I think my fuel gauge hates me .

 

[RagmopInKona]

When I get a new car or new to me vehicle I test where the gage is when the car stalls or starts to stumble. My mustang it read 1 mile when it died and gauge was reading E for a long time before that ,ar the 25 miles left warning .
Unlike my other vehicle that with 20-25miles left it is done.
After that they never go lower than quarter tank.

 

[ORRadtech]

I was just in a situation where I had the tank run very low. The DTE said 5 miles when I stopped to fill up. I have an '18 Ecoboost convertible, it has a 15.5 gallon tank. It took exactly 14.5 gallons before it automatically clicked off. I never top off the tank as that's a good way to damage the evap system.
The last time I checked this (by comparing the DTE to the car's estimate of mpg) I was around 10 miles difference. It's been a long time since I calculated the actual mpg so I don't know how accurate the cars estimate is.
I have 3 different Ford vehicles and they all have about the same DTE discrepancy.

 

[JetGray_Mach1]

I never care for the gauge, when the MTE reads 0 I usually have 1-1.5 gallons in the tank. I go by that and never had issues. Was the same on my S197.

 

[Dapsters]

I think my fuel gauge hates me .

Thought mine was bad

 

[Cyberbill]

I’m guessing all you guys know not to let your gas tanks get below 1/4 full…with all the sheeet and crap the oil companies have in their gas, even with the filters, I don’t trust them at all. Besides we all know that the fuel acts as a coolant for the gas pump, again another reason not to let is go below 1/4 full.
Just some FYI from an old man… Grandpa Bill. Austin

 

[KingKona]

I never care for the gauge, when the MTE reads 0 I usually have 1-1.5 gallons in the tank. I go by that and never had issues. Was the same on my S197.

If you're assuming your S550's gauge-to-tank reading is the same, don't. S550s are much closer to real fuel remaining than S197s. When my car is at E and close to 0 MTE, it will take well over 14.5 gallons.

To answer the question; all gas gauges are claibrated to move slower for the first 1/2 tank, and faster (to compensate) in the 2nd 1/2 tank.

Been that way forever. It's to give people the impression of getting good MPGs.

 

[JetGray_Mach1]

If you're assuming your S550's gauge-to-tank reading is the same, don't. S550s are much closer to real fuel remaining than S197s. When my car is at E and close to 0 MTE, it will take well over 14.5 gallons.

To answer the question; all gas gauges are claibrated to move slower for the first 1/2 tank, and faster (to compensate) in the 2nd 1/2 tank.

Been that way forever. It's to give people the impression of getting good MPGs.

Gotcha, but even at 0 you got at least 1 gallon in there. I try not to go to 0 though but last time I filled it up at 0 I had around 1 gallon in there.

 

[JetGray_Mach1]

I think my fuel gauge hates me .

What shown its an estimation. You are probably driving her hard (your MPG must be terrible), when I take a long road trip that number changes significantly because the computer is estimating with you current driving habits you will get XX DTE. (I think its the average within last 200 miles?)

 

[JetGray_Mach1]

I’m guessing all you guys know not to let your gas tanks get below 1/4 full…with all the sheeet and crap the oil companies have in their gas, even with the filters, I don’t trust them at all. Besides we all know that the fuel acts as a coolant for the gas pump, again another reason not to let is go below 1/4 full.
Just some FYI from an old man… Grandpa Bill. Austin

I like to take my cars to 0 because I live one gas tank at a time. LOL

Joking aside I have taken all my cars to or near 0 and never had issues. I always put good quality fuel. I am not saying your wrong but I guess its just a bad habit of mine and I do not intend to change.

 

[KingKona]

I like to take my cars to 0 because I live one gas tank at a time. LOL

Joking aside I have taken all my cars to or near 0 and never had issues. I always put good quality fuel. I am not saying your wrong but I guess its just a bad habit of mine and I do not intend to change.

That's really bad for the fuel pump. Try to keep at least 1/4 of a tank.

 

[LOL WUT]

What shown its an estimation. You are probably driving her hard (your MPG must be terrible), when I take a long road trip that number changes significantly because the computer is estimating with you current driving habits you will get XX DTE. (I think its the average within last 200 miles?)

I am also boosted on E85 which explains a lot .

 

[Cyberbill]

I like to take my cars to 0 because I live one gas tank at a time. LOL

Joking aside I have taken all my cars to or near 0 and never had issues. I always put good quality fuel. I am not saying your wrong but I guess its just a bad habit of mine and I do not intend to change.

Well ok…Start saving for a new fuel pump…for sure. Grandpa Bill

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