RESERVE FUEL, how much fuel is left?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,550
Likes: 27
From: Minneapolis MN
RESERVE FUEL, how much fuel is left?
I drove my car last night and after shutting it off it had under 1/4 tank but the needle was not yet on the E. Well I drove it today and right away the needle was on E, and it said RESERVE FUEL. I went to the gas station and all it would take was 14.5 gallons.
Does this seem right? Does the needle tend to drop quickly the last 1/4tank? It seems to me like it should have taken more than 14.5 gallons...
Does this seem right? Does the needle tend to drop quickly the last 1/4tank? It seems to me like it should have taken more than 14.5 gallons...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,955
Likes: 161
From: PNW
If the fuel tanks are low and you fire up the car it takes a little while for the fuel system and gauge reading to balance out.
I find in my 02 Zee that there is about 2.5~3 gallons left (~50 mile range) when the 'reserve fuel' message comes on.
I find in my 02 Zee that there is about 2.5~3 gallons left (~50 mile range) when the 'reserve fuel' message comes on.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,955
Likes: 161
From: PNW
My info in post #3 above is based on filling up the tank very shortly after "Reserve Fuel" comes on. And it does come on when the fuel gauge needle is just starting to touch the red area on the "E" mark on the gauge.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 210
Likes: 12
From: Phoenix AZ
I had the samething happen on Sunday. I was able to put 16 gallons in, so I think I remember reading it is a 18-19 gallon tank, so about 3 gallons left with the reserve fuel light comes on. Somone can correct me on the actual size of the fuel tank if i'm off.
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Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 4,509
Likes: 239
From: Coconut Creek FL
because most of the time the fuel gauge is somewhat finicky (on my 97 anyway)- I rarely let it get below 1/4 tank before I fill her up. On the occasion I have gone from a little more then 1/8th a tank when turning off- to flat out "low fuel" the next turn on...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 908
Likes: 2
From: TROY MI
I drove my car last night and after shutting it off it had under 1/4 tank but the needle was not yet on the E. Well I drove it today and right away the needle was on E, and it said RESERVE FUEL. I went to the gas station and all it would take was 14.5 gallons.
Does this seem right? Does the needle tend to drop quickly the last 1/4tank? It seems to me like it should have taken more than 14.5 gallons...
Does this seem right? Does the needle tend to drop quickly the last 1/4tank? It seems to me like it should have taken more than 14.5 gallons...
A "cold" tank of fuel will give you a lower fuel gauge reading.That is why you saw a lower reading in the morning than the night before.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 5,955
Likes: 161
From: PNW
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 10,554
Likes: 33
From: Not on either liberal coast.
I tried to download the owners manual PDF file from GMPARTSHOUSE, but it just locked up.
I found this...
http://www.aa1car.com/library/fuel_pump.htm
I found this...
http://www.aa1car.com/library/fuel_pump.htm
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 810
Likes: 0
From: Coulmbia New Jersey
Maybe I'm a fool but I usually drive until RESERVE is displayed. Then when LOW FUEL message comes on I have about 40 miles before I get nervous. But hey what do I know, my car only has 246,000 miles on it. (original fuel pump that will quit tommorrow now that I've posted this) I'm only getting 23 mpg due to the 3:15 gears and the TCC valve in the trans not always working properly.
Dave
Dave
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 553
Likes: 97
In my 2000 I'd estimate about 2-3 gallons are left in the tank at reserve, thats assuming the tank really holds 18 gallons.
Sometimes though, especially in traffic or in some cases of deceleration the needle will go from 1/2 or 1/4 to Reserve and won't reset until I shut off the car for some time. Not sure why that happens.
Sometimes though, especially in traffic or in some cases of deceleration the needle will go from 1/2 or 1/4 to Reserve and won't reset until I shut off the car for some time. Not sure why that happens.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
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From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
When I fill up I usually wait until the light comes on. According to my records, I usually put in around 16.5 gallons give or take half a gallon. I have put in 18.984 gallons on one tank. I must have been running on fumes that time. I did manage 484.5 miles on that tank.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 2,737
Likes: 2
From: California USA
I drove my car last night and after shutting it off it had under 1/4 tank but the needle was not yet on the E. Well I drove it today and right away the needle was on E, and it said RESERVE FUEL. I went to the gas station and all it would take was 14.5 gallons.
Does this seem right? Does the needle tend to drop quickly the last 1/4tank? It seems to me like it should have taken more than 14.5 gallons...
Does this seem right? Does the needle tend to drop quickly the last 1/4tank? It seems to me like it should have taken more than 14.5 gallons...