Gas Gauge

[SMHOD]

I am curious if a minor problem I am having is normal or not. My fuel gauge warning light goes on when only 12 gallons are need to fill the tank. Also if I wait until the gauge reads empty then it only takes 13.3 gallons. The tank capcity is 18.5 gallons. It seems a little unusual to have a 5-6 gallon reserve. Is this what others are experiencing or is my gauge messed up?

Thanks,
Scott

 

[Paul Hawker]

Same here.

 

[Janni]

Ditto. Although I can usually get 13 gallons in.

We've toyed with idea of pushing it to see how far we can really go - and then use the trip odo and not the actual gauge, but haven't yet.

That first 1/2 tank seems to go pretty quickly....

 

[Y2K5SRT]

Yep, same here! I remember the very first time I let it get down to the fuel warning light. I was panicking that I would be stuck on the highway as I looked for ANY gas station nearby. Went another 20 miles and finally found a Texaco (not the octane I want) and was sweating like I just ran five miles. I did NOT want to run out of gas on that car! Filled the tank and got 14.1 gallons in. Couldn't believe it knowing it was an 18.5 gallon tank.

Sure would be nice if it was more accurate, as it now freaks the wife out when the fuel light comes on and I start yawning...

 

[GR8_ASP]

Ditto. Measured fuel economy is measurably worse than my RT/10 as well. The combo of inaccurate gauge and lower fuel economy shortens a tank distance considerably. Not sure it is consistent enough to go by the odometer though.

 

[SMHOD]

Guys,
Thanks for your replies. At least I know that my gauge is not defective. It is difficult not to feel anxious seeing the gauge on empty. I guess a lot of trips to the gas station will be in order.

Scott

 

[SylvanSRT]

i think i usaully get 14+ in and the reasoning is the reserve is supposed to get you 50 miles(if you are light on the gas).

 

[GraphiteGTS]

Do GTS' have low fuel lights?

 

[Viperfreak2]

I usually use my car for shorter (less than 30 mile) trips. I always put exactly 10 gallons in when the light comes on. This way the trip odo will show the gas mileage and my bank statements show how much per gallon I paid. All you have to do is move the decimal. I get 13-15 mpg. The gauge reads 1/2 way between 3/4 and full after putting in 10. I think it's good to know that in an emergency, or a brain fart, you can drive a long way to a station. I was in downtown Atlanta trying to find a safe parking lot (the hotel was full, SEMA week) and I circled for 30+ minutes most of it knowing how low I really was. Talk about sweating!

 

[gtsviper]

It wouldn't be a Viper if the gas gauge was accurate!