inaccurate Miles to empty
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
From: Bryan, Texas
inaccurate Miles to empty
Minor problem, but annoying....
This is a new 2004 X. The one I traded in was a 2000 and did not do this so I am wondering if they changed the settings or if mine is just off or my old one was off.
I filled up today when the OH readout said I had 7 miles to empty, it only took 36.6 gallons. (indicating that I had 7+ gallons left.) My 2000 was much closer to being accurate.
Is this normal? The low fuel light had been on for quite a while too. Is this something that takes a while to set itself in the computer? Can the dealer adjust it? The low fuel light coming on near 1/4 tank seems kind of odd and I will grow to ignore it in that case (which kind of defeats the purpose).
just curious.
This is a new 2004 X. The one I traded in was a 2000 and did not do this so I am wondering if they changed the settings or if mine is just off or my old one was off.
I filled up today when the OH readout said I had 7 miles to empty, it only took 36.6 gallons. (indicating that I had 7+ gallons left.) My 2000 was much closer to being accurate.
Is this normal? The low fuel light had been on for quite a while too. Is this something that takes a while to set itself in the computer? Can the dealer adjust it? The low fuel light coming on near 1/4 tank seems kind of odd and I will grow to ignore it in that case (which kind of defeats the purpose).
just curious.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 12,246
Likes: 761
From: Houston, Texas
I have a 2001 X and it is fairly accurate. Especially when it comes to telling me how much diesel I have until I'm pushing my X down the road. The computer should automatically recalculate how much fuel is left as soon as you turn the key or even before. The "Low Fuel" light should only come on if you're dangling a little too close to empty. For example, right above the "E" but not in the red zone. 10 to 1 your computer is indeed off by a long shot. Becuase I've heard that the OH computer is normally off by a little, but not this much. Your X is still under warranty, so have your dealer check it out. It probably just needs to be flashed, adjusted, or both. No matter what, always pay attention to your fuel gauge. It and the low fuel light may annoy you, but they can't always lie. Keep that in mind, I hope this helps.
New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
I have had a related problem. When I fill up, the gas gauge goes to empty until I have driven 100 to 150 miles, then it goes to full. Because of this, I am scared that the "miles to go" computer is off. However I must admit the mpg reading on the computer is very close to my measured mpg.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 417
Likes: 0
From: Stockbridge
Originally posted by vanjr
I have had a related problem. When I fill up, the gas gauge goes to empty until I have driven 100 to 150 miles, then it goes to full. Because of this, I am scared that the "miles to go" computer is off. However I must admit the mpg reading on the computer is very close to my measured mpg.
I have had a related problem. When I fill up, the gas gauge goes to empty until I have driven 100 to 150 miles, then it goes to full. Because of this, I am scared that the "miles to go" computer is off. However I must admit the mpg reading on the computer is very close to my measured mpg.
Elder User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 536
Likes: 1
From: Cleveland, OH
Give it some time. When I first bought my X it said 600 miles to empty. That changed to the 450 mile range. Nothing is wrong, just the computer has to learn your driving style. Also, make sure you turn off the ignition while filling up. Not doing this really throws the computer a curve ball. 
Mountain Pass
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: Limington, Maine
Originally posted by Toreador_Diesel
The computer should automatically recalculate how much fuel is left as soon as you turn the key...
The computer should automatically recalculate how much fuel is left as soon as you turn the key...
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Fill the tank then hold both buttons down to reset the little overhead dealie, that might make it right.
Trending Topics
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Originally posted by rozett
This is not true with my 2000 X. Earlier this week I parked it on a sloped part of my driveway. In the moring, the overhead said that I had 37 miles to empty and the fuel idiot light was on. Parked on the flat at work, and when I started it at the end of the day the idiot light was out, but the overhead still read 33 miles to empty. After several on and off cycles, the overhead never read correctly until I filled up.
This is not true with my 2000 X. Earlier this week I parked it on a sloped part of my driveway. In the moring, the overhead said that I had 37 miles to empty and the fuel idiot light was on. Parked on the flat at work, and when I started it at the end of the day the idiot light was out, but the overhead still read 33 miles to empty. After several on and off cycles, the overhead never read correctly until I filled up.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
Junior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, Alberta
Re: inaccurate Miles to empty
Originally posted by Capt Dan
I filled up today when the OH readout said I had 7 miles to empty, it only took 36.6 gallons. (indicating that I had 7+ gallons left.) My 2000 was much closer to being accurate.
I filled up today when the OH readout said I had 7 miles to empty, it only took 36.6 gallons. (indicating that I had 7+ gallons left.) My 2000 was much closer to being accurate.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,188
Likes: 87
From: Olympic Peninsula
I never have this problem as I am a glass half full kinda guy.
I figure it is easier to fill up when I hit about a quarter of a tank than to run out. I tried that once and didn't like it...
I very rairly check my miles to empty, as my bladder can't hold out that long on trips anyway.
In town, I just fill up when ever I drive by the station that sells deisel for $138.9/ gallon when the stations closer to home are charging $159.9/gallon.
2002 Ford Excursion Limited Ultimate 4X4 7.3 Powerstroke
and two happy labs in the back!
I figure it is easier to fill up when I hit about a quarter of a tank than to run out. I tried that once and didn't like it...
I very rairly check my miles to empty, as my bladder can't hold out that long on trips anyway.
In town, I just fill up when ever I drive by the station that sells deisel for $138.9/ gallon when the stations closer to home are charging $159.9/gallon.
2002 Ford Excursion Limited Ultimate 4X4 7.3 Powerstroke
and two happy labs in the back!
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: Columbia, ILL/St. Louis M
WOW LabCab, I would walk if I had to pay $138.9 for diesel.
I get it $1.279 at QT in MO.
The real answer is: your intank fuel pump needs around 5 gal to keep it cool and recirculate the fuel.
I get it $1.279 at QT in MO.
The real answer is: your intank fuel pump needs around 5 gal to keep it cool and recirculate the fuel.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
From: Bryan, Texas
Re: Re: inaccurate Miles to empty
Originally posted by Boar-Ral
I also own a 2004 Ford Excursion. Do you have the V10 engine or the V8 diesel? Mine uses the V8 diesel and the trip computer is very accurate. On my first tank of fuel, I was visiting my parents and the kilometers until empty slowly counted down until five kilometers from the city, it displayed zero kilometers until empty. I made it into the city and fueled up, and the truck took 164.5 litres. (The fuel tank holds 166 litres, for the non-metric members.) I would say that is very accurate. Perhaps off by 10 - 15 kilometers, which I feel is a nice margin of safety.
I also own a 2004 Ford Excursion. Do you have the V10 engine or the V8 diesel? Mine uses the V8 diesel and the trip computer is very accurate. On my first tank of fuel, I was visiting my parents and the kilometers until empty slowly counted down until five kilometers from the city, it displayed zero kilometers until empty. I made it into the city and fueled up, and the truck took 164.5 litres. (The fuel tank holds 166 litres, for the non-metric members.) I would say that is very accurate. Perhaps off by 10 - 15 kilometers, which I feel is a nice margin of safety.
thanks for the info.
