I have an '00 Expd XLT with 5.4L and auto leveling. The fuel capacity is listed at 30.0 gal. Not 30, 30.0. I filled it up two weeks ago after the low fuel light had been on maybe 15 miles and put 31.2 gals in it. I was wondering if, in addition to $2/gal gas, we're also getting ripped off with the calibration of the pump.

Without giving it further thought, I wound up at the gas station again tonight. This time the empty light had been on longer, but the needle was just at E - not past it. Well guess how much I put in her? 34.2 gallons! Is there 4.2 gal capacity in the lines and fuel port? Or do I have a good case for my local trial lawyer? Both fill-ups were at the same brand of gas but not the station. They are about 2 miles apart - close enough to be the same owner who could be messing with the pumps.

 

I've got a 97 EB 4x4 with a 5.4 and I have never been able to put more than 29 gallons in. Call your lawyer.

 

The most I have ever put in my 99 EB 5.4 was a little over 28 gallons. I would not have let it got that low but I waited 1 to many exits to stop for fuel. The trip computer was down to less than 20 miles to empty and the guage was on E.

 

I would get another person to fill up their empty tank and see what it takes. Then if you come up with similar results, call the local newspaper, local chamber of commerce the mayors office, the district attorneys office, every one you can get ahold of so its not lost in the red tape of one office. Hell our local mayor owns a gas station in this town so dont trust just one party. I wouldnt put it past anyone to do just about anything these days. GET RECIEPTS!!

With the price of gasoline so high they may be counting on most people not to fill all the way up so they wont notice. I know those pumps are supposed to be calibrated but dont know how they could alter them to do as you are suspecting.

 

Where are you? What station? What state agency oversees pump calibration? Call a local tv station that has an "undercover" or consumer rights reporter and get them to check it out. This is where I'd start.

Keeping the receipts is a good idea, but the station owner will contend that you put the additional 3-4 gallons in a portable can, on the ground, etc.

 

It is not in my best interest to go "public" with the exact stations at this point. If we find that there is no upside for our efforts and there is indeed foul play going on, we will report this to the proper authorities. I have done as "Cairatti" suggested above and spoken with my lawyer. We are doing some comparisons with other vehicles at the stations in question and also taking vehicles to other competing stations.

My question here is this: In addition to the Expy, I have an E150 with a 35 gal. capacity. Is it remotely possible that any Expy also has a 35 gal. tank?

 

26 Gallons or 30 gallons were the only factory options. It would have to have an aftermarket tank for more.

 

"We are doing some comparisons with other vehicles at the stations in question and also taking vehicles to other competing stations."

You could just pump 5 gallons into a standard 5 gallon gas can and see how it compares to the full line on the can...

Willi

 

Just take a portable gas container that you know how much volume it has, fill it up and then compare the two. If the tank holds 5 gallons and the pump is charging for 5.8 gallons then its wrong and fill a complaint but please dont sue, gas prices are already too high.

 

Why so secretive? Don't you want your fellow FTE'ers to know to avoid this place? We all share invaluable info on this forum for the benefit of all.

What good will a "lawyer" do? So you got ripped off by $10. Triple your damages by claiming deceptive trade practices and you're up to $30.

Please take my advice and report to a television station or to the state regulatory agency and be done with it.

 

Here in Maryland there is a sticker on the pump with a phone number for the State Agency that oversees the pumps. Check the pump there, there may be a similar sticker.

 

I agree with the idea of taking a portable container and filling it. Although the error might not be enough to notice (it sounds like 10%) which you might not notice in less than a 10 gallon container.

Also, please don't sue. I do a lot of environmental work for small gas station operators (of course, if you are dealing with a company station that is different). The small guys are only making a couple of cents on the gallon, and sometimes losing money to get you in the door or just to keep people stopping. And they have no control over those $1.20 pops they are selling either.

So, if you think there is really problem, skip the lawyer and just go speak to the owner. His name should be above the door. If not, you can find it online most likely if you go to the state underground storage tank agency. If the owner blows you off and does not want deal with it, then call the county or state or municipality, whoever has "sealed" the pump. Check the date on the pump to make sure the calibration is current as well.

Finally, I can often get more than 30 gallons into my Expy. I think I got 32+ once when the computer said I had 0 miles to empty. I have arrived at the conclusion that the filler assembly holds quite a bit.

 

So what was the final verdict here?

 

Well I know my aunt has a 2002 Expedition without LLS, and no factory Towing pkg. and she puts 27 gallons in when it is on a little more than 1/4 of a tank, once she let it go a little past 1/4 and it took 28 gal. !! What is with this, the window stickerr says 26.0 what is happening??