Projected Miles Gauge Problem?

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Oct 19, 2006 | 05:36 PM

dirtyrobinson

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From: Central MN

Projected Miles Gauge Problem?

Alrighty, my 85 Corvette may seem to have a problem. I'm wondering if anyone has ever had a problem with digital gauges before, well the other day I was driving around and I hit WOT for some fun on a dead road and later that night what was only a 2 mile drive home from a friend's, my gauge read that I had around 50 miles of gas left, about 4 gallons (yea I know bad gas mileage, join the club!!!), and when I got home, remember after a 2 mile drive, my gauges read that I had less than one gallon of gas left and a projected 7 miles left... would hitting WOT have screwed with some sensors? I don't have a gas leak I just checked all of that stuff, at the moment I don't have money for gas so I have not checked if adding some would trigger something or not. Either way I'm baffled!!!

Thanks

Oct 19, 2006 | 05:46 PM

lefoy84

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Quote:

Originally Posted by dirtyrobinson

What was the fuel level at start of WOT. You can get serious slosh in the tank at low levels as there are no baffles. Best not to get sporty below 1/2 full. Could have damaged the sensor.

Oct 19, 2006 | 05:51 PM

dirtyrobinson

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From: Central MN

the fuel level was around half a tank, then i continued to run errands and all was fine until i started the ride home then i saw it start around 50 miles and when i looked down as i was pulling into the driveway it said 7... where is this sensor located? on the fuel pump?

Oct 19, 2006 | 05:58 PM

lefoy84

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The fuel level sensor is a float on an arm that moves a variable resistor. It is the tank with the fuel pump. The mileage numbers (AVG, INST, and Mile to Empty) are all calculated by the ECM. Don't trust the miles left indication. I once ran out of gas with it showing 45 miles left. I have found the level indication to be accurate. If you have been hotrodding, the miles left will reflect the WOT driving.

Fuel Level Sensor is not hard to replace.

Bottom line--don't trust miles left.

Oct 19, 2006 | 07:58 PM

Bob CTS

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From: Lenoir City TN

St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11

The miles left on my 86 is goofy, it seems random I do not even pay any attention to it, but the fuel gauge reads properly.

Bob

Oct 20, 2006 | 07:38 AM

adi4

Burning Brakes

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From: Weymouth Dorset

Dont worry about it they are never very accurate, more of an idiot gague

Oct 20, 2006 | 08:27 AM

jordis

Instructor

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From: Atlanta GA

below 75 mine jumps around anywhere from 120 to 35 until i break down and go get gas. if you have any routine with it, just learn about how many miles you usually get and use the trip meter, but if your hotrodding around, i dont really know. but yeah, I never trust a computer from the last decade, none of the projected miles guages ive ever seen on c4 vettes are very accurate.

CJ

Oct 20, 2006 | 10:38 AM

Bossman89

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From: South Carolina

I usually just trust the fuel guage instead of the range because ive run out before with plenty miles still showing. I also try to never let it hit reserve or watch out.