Odd Fuel Gauge Problem

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Sep 1, 2014 | 12:35 AM

vince474

Thread Starter

Cross-Country

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 68

Likes: 2

From: Diamond Bar, CA

Odd Fuel Gauge Problem

I haven't heard of anyone having this problem. The fuel gauge on my truck is reading accurate. The problem is when I fill it completely up the screen is only showing 370 Miles to E. Last week I was getting 475 to 525 miles to E just like it always has since day 1. I did let it get low on fuel before this started happening, 60 miles to E.

Is there a problem with the sending unit in the tank or does the computer need to be reprogrammed by the dealer?

Vince Wood
Diamond Bar, CA
2011 Ford F-450 6.7L Diesel 12' Flatbed

Sep 1, 2014 | 05:30 AM

senix

Super Moderator

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 37,375

Likes: 1,860

From: Frederick, MD

Same type of driving? Mine will change the DTE based up what I have been doing (towing or running empty).

then upon fillup it reads low. It does go back up though after time.

Sep 1, 2014 | 06:11 AM

brmccolley

Senior User

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 161

Likes: 0

Reset the fuel mileage

I've noticed that resetting the fuel mileage will slightly adjust the estimated distance to empty. I use my truck mostly on the highway but the city driving or traffic negatively affects the estimated distance to empty. After reset the estimate distance has adjusted. This has been helpful with my 50 gallon Titan tank. I also reset the trip odometer every fill up. This helps me track how much fuel I've used so I can also estimate my estimated distance to empty based on current conditions and mileage.

Sep 1, 2014 | 08:06 AM

bridge

Sick 'n Tired

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 2,969

Likes: 47

From: League City, TX

Do you have the information display on your dash? If so, go to Vehicle --> DTE Calculation and make sure its set to normal.

Sep 1, 2014 | 09:37 AM

marchare011

Posting Guru

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 1,783

Likes: 1

From: WY

It seems to me that if I leave the truck running while fueling I don't get the full benefit of a refill as per the DTE calculation. If I shut the truck off while fueling, it calculates based off of miles driven since my last fill-up. Don't know if this makes sense. Bottom line- if I shut the truck while fueling it seems to be more accurate.

Sep 1, 2014 | 11:14 AM

vince474

Thread Starter

Cross-Country

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 68

Likes: 2

From: Diamond Bar, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by bridge

Do you have the information display on your dash? If so, go to Vehicle --> DTE Calculation and make sure its set to normal.

I don't have that setting on my truck. I'll reset the MPG calculation though when I hook up to my trailer in the morning.

I never thought about it would go lower though when I'm pulling my trailer and then gradually work it's way back up.

Thanks for all the input on this, I really appreciate it. I'm working 7 days a week and you guys saved me a trip to the dealer.

Vince Wood
Diamond Bar, CA
2011 Ford F-450 6.7L Diesel 12' Flatbed

Sep 1, 2014 | 04:02 PM

rtazz17

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 1,346

Likes: 4

From: Connecticut

Idk if this helps but I noticed same thing recently when I let it go to under 50 miles till empty.Never have before.I refilled and reset the mileage calculator and my miles till empty was less then normal.Significantly less.That was three weeks ago.I noticed yesterday after filling(three times since it started)it is now back to about normal.I have no idea why dropping below 50 miles till empty that this would effect it but it did.

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Sep 2, 2014 | 09:39 AM

rtazz17

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 1,346

Likes: 4

From: Connecticut

Quote:

Originally Posted by 69cj

When it happened to me I was empty,not towing.But......... I was towing for the previous 200 miles.But ive never ever had it go up to 600 miles till empty.Mine was only off by about 35 miles.Instead of saying 330 till empty as per usual it said 299.It has slowly fixed itself over three weeks of not towing at all.

On my 2002 f350 the lieometer was just that.100 percent unreliable and never in the ballpark of being right.So far in two yrs this truck is almost spot on.Off by only a half mpg after hand calculating.Pretty good.

Sep 2, 2014 | 09:47 PM

#10

Sterling6.7

Mountain Pass

Joined: Jun 2014

Posts: 191

Likes: 0

I typically fill up at home where I did not have a meter until recently. I also fill up to the top of the neck. The last tank, I watched the trip meter and I concluded that the truck does not calculate the additional fuel properly and changes the MPG which also affects the DTE. Just a thought.