[Z06] Question about the displayed range
09-12-2012, 08:41 AM
#1
5th Gear
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Question about the displayed range
Hey guys, I just traded my 2009 Z51 in for a 2008 Z06 and I absolutely love it. It was used, but with just 5500 miles so I thought it was a good deal. Anyway, I was wondering about the range. When I filled up my regular 2009 Vette, the range displayed was usually around 280-300 miles. With the Z06 though, when I fill it up it displays 189-190 and it's stayed there for a while despite me driving around. Also I noticed it tells me "Range Low" at closer to 1/3 a tank as opposed to 1/4 tank that my 2009 would tell me. Is this something I should take it in to the dealer for? Or is this kinda normal for the Z06's? Thanks so much in advance 
09-12-2012, 09:07 AM
#2
Melting Slicks
That doesn't sound right... I'll get the low fuel message when the gas gauge is almost at the bottom of the scale. Bingo fuel is not a good place to be with these LS7 motors. 
09-12-2012, 09:13 AM
#3
Le Mans Master
09-12-2012, 02:25 PM
#5
Melting Slicks
Definitely something wrong there. I get a range around 360 after a fill up and don't get the low range message until about a couple of gallons left in the tank.
09-12-2012, 03:50 PM
#6
That range number will fluctuate with the previous driving habits (fuel flow as measured at the injectors) and logged MPG, IIRC.
With the amount of highway driving I do in Phoenix, my average MPG can be well into the mid-upper 20's. When this happens, I won't get a low fuel lamp indicator until I'm at 1/16 of a tank. At that time you have roughly 2 gallons of reserve fuel onboard (IIRC), so depending on what type of fuel flow has been registered at the injectors for this driving cycle, the approximate range will be based on that average MPG.....which from my experience, is roughly between 40+ miles until the ECU determines you'll have dry tanks.
With the amount of highway driving I do in Phoenix, my average MPG can be well into the mid-upper 20's. When this happens, I won't get a low fuel lamp indicator until I'm at 1/16 of a tank. At that time you have roughly 2 gallons of reserve fuel onboard (IIRC), so depending on what type of fuel flow has been registered at the injectors for this driving cycle, the approximate range will be based on that average MPG.....which from my experience, is roughly between 40+ miles until the ECU determines you'll have dry tanks.
Last edited by FNBADAZ06; 09-12-2012 at 03:52 PM.
09-12-2012, 05:26 PM
#7
Wil Cooksey #256
As far as I can figure out the range is figured based on your current driving. I filled up in Albuquerque last year and my range was 499. I fill up after a day at the track and my range is less than 100 miles. This thread got me to thinking that the range might be based in instantaneous mileage because heading into Albuquerque is a big long downhill grade and I essentially just coasted in to the station.
My low range warning seems to come on when my range is 50 miles.
I have a 2008 Z06....
My low range warning seems to come on when my range is 50 miles.
I have a 2008 Z06....
09-12-2012, 05:41 PM
#8
As far as I can figure out the range is figured based on your current driving. I filled up in Albuquerque last year and my range was 499. I fill up after a day at the track and my range is less than 100 miles. This thread got me to thinking that the range might be based in instantaneous mileage because heading into Albuquerque is a big long downhill grade and I essentially just coasted in to the station.
My low range warning seems to come on when my range is 50 miles.
I have a 2008 Z06....
My low range warning seems to come on when my range is 50 miles.
I have a 2008 Z06....
But, if you were cruising and getting an average 26 MPG up to when you got the low fuel indicator, then went WOT until dry, you wouldn't make the calculated range
09-13-2012, 04:25 PM
#9
Melting Slicks
You are correct, and instantaneous MPG is based on fuel flow at the injector. The ECU knows the injector flow numbers (lbs/hr) and the injector pulse width at any given time. It then can calculate the instantaneous MPG by using this flow rate and the current vehicle speed.
But, if you were cruising and getting an average 26 MPG up to when you got the low fuel indicator, then went WOT until dry, you wouldn't make the calculated range
But, if you were cruising and getting an average 26 MPG up to when you got the low fuel indicator, then went WOT until dry, you wouldn't make the calculated range
09-13-2012, 05:42 PM
#10
That range number will fluctuate with the previous driving habits (fuel flow as measured at the injectors) and logged MPG, IIRC.
With the amount of highway driving I do in Phoenix, my average MPG can be well into the mid-upper 20's. When this happens, I won't get a low fuel lamp indicator until I'm at 1/16 of a tank. At that time you have roughly 2 gallons of reserve fuel onboard (IIRC), so depending on what type of fuel flow has been registered at the injectors for this driving cycle, the approximate range will be based on that average MPG.....which from my experience, is roughly between 40+ miles until the ECU determines you'll have dry tanks.
With the amount of highway driving I do in Phoenix, my average MPG can be well into the mid-upper 20's. When this happens, I won't get a low fuel lamp indicator until I'm at 1/16 of a tank. At that time you have roughly 2 gallons of reserve fuel onboard (IIRC), so depending on what type of fuel flow has been registered at the injectors for this driving cycle, the approximate range will be based on that average MPG.....which from my experience, is roughly between 40+ miles until the ECU determines you'll have dry tanks.
great explanation. This IS how it works. Drive it and smile Mike. Don't fret those DIC displays.
09-13-2012, 06:19 PM
#11
Knowing the flow rate of all 8 injectors (in lbs/hr. at 100% duty cycle), the ECU knows pretty much spot on what the fuel consumption rate of the engine is, as it controls the injector pulse as well. Combine that data with the vehicle speed sensors at the wheels, the ECU computes instantaneous MPG.
09-13-2012, 06:58 PM
#12
Burning Brakes
That range number will fluctuate with the previous driving habits (fuel flow as measured at the injectors) and logged MPG, IIRC.
With the amount of highway driving I do in Phoenix, my average MPG can be well into the mid-upper 20's. When this happens, I won't get a low fuel lamp indicator until I'm at 1/16 of a tank. At that time you have roughly 2 gallons of reserve fuel onboard (IIRC), so depending on what type of fuel flow has been registered at the injectors for this driving cycle, the approximate range will be based on that average MPG.....which from my experience, is roughly between 40+ miles until the ECU determines you'll have dry tanks.
With the amount of highway driving I do in Phoenix, my average MPG can be well into the mid-upper 20's. When this happens, I won't get a low fuel lamp indicator until I'm at 1/16 of a tank. At that time you have roughly 2 gallons of reserve fuel onboard (IIRC), so depending on what type of fuel flow has been registered at the injectors for this driving cycle, the approximate range will be based on that average MPG.....which from my experience, is roughly between 40+ miles until the ECU determines you'll have dry tanks.
09-13-2012, 08:42 PM
#14
Race Director
I saw the low fuel light once (range displayed about 40 mi's remaining) and had to drive another 15 mi's before refueling.
Took just under 17 gals....
too close for comfort...
Took just under 17 gals....
too close for comfort...
09-14-2012, 04:14 PM
#15
Melting Slicks
That instantaneous MPG number is derived from injector pulse width and vehicle speed sensor outputs, as measured at that exact moment in time.
Knowing the flow rate of all 8 injectors (in lbs/hr. at 100% duty cycle), the ECU knows pretty much spot on what the fuel consumption rate of the engine is, as it controls the injector pulse as well. Combine that data with the vehicle speed sensors at the wheels, the ECU computes instantaneous MPG.
Knowing the flow rate of all 8 injectors (in lbs/hr. at 100% duty cycle), the ECU knows pretty much spot on what the fuel consumption rate of the engine is, as it controls the injector pulse as well. Combine that data with the vehicle speed sensors at the wheels, the ECU computes instantaneous MPG.
09-14-2012, 04:18 PM
#16
Burning Brakes
Member Since: Jun 2010
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I usually get gas just about when the low range comes on. The boyfriend though.. that man runs EVERYTHING on the gas light. Drives me bonkers. Usually when I fill up I get about 300+ miles range, depending on my ***-hattery level of driving at the time
09-14-2012, 04:37 PM
#17
Race Director
...I was wondering about the range. When I filled up my regular 2009 Vette, the range displayed was usually around 280-300 miles. With the Z06 though, when I fill it up it displays 189-190 and it's stayed there for a while despite me driving around. Also I noticed it tells me "Range Low" at closer to 1/3 a tank as opposed to 1/4 tank that my 2009 would tell me.
Coming from an '06 Z51 to an '08 Z06, I understand completely.
09-14-2012, 05:30 PM
#18
I'm not doubting how instantaneous mpg is calculated, I'm just saying that the estimated range isn't based on it (as was previously suggested) since instantaneous is exactly that, the mpg at that very instant. The estimated range is based on your recent (last couple hundred miles or so) fuel consumption and mileage.
I'd be willing to bet that if the OP clears his Average MPG readings from the DIC, fills the gas tank up, and then drives a steady state 65 MPH for 10 minutes on level ground, his estimated range will show well over 450 miles and his displayed Average MPG number will be in excess of 26 MPG