What's going on here? It's never done this before.

 

Could be wrong, but I believe "Distance to Empty" is a automatically calculated number (by the car) based on recent prior driving. If I'm in stop-and-go traffic, my DTE range reports short range. At a steady pace during long distance cross-country driving, it increases to 350-475+ miles. Monitor it for about 20 miles and see if it changes...

 

Ok! Well, I just had a new ECM programmed and installed from the dealership last week. I've put nothing but stop and go city miles on it (about 200 miles). Maybe that's the problem. Thanks for responding!

 

What's your average mpg reading? Should be down around 10 or 11 mpg for 19 gallon tank.

Any chance this was a time when you left the engine on as she filled up? I ask because the car doesn't recognize added gas until you cycle the ignition, but if this were the case your needle wouldn't be at full.

Just some ideas. Let us know how it goes.

John

 

Thanks for responding. I didn't bother to check my average miles per gallon but I've always filled the car up with the engine turned off.

 

It's been a while since I've posted in this thread. Yes, I'm getting around 11 mpg according to the trip computer.When I fill up it's still showing 205 Range MLS. Here's an example of what I'm experiencing. I live two miles from the grocery store. When I left my house it showed 28 miles to empty. By the time I was driving one mile to the end of the street the numbers were dropping from 28 to 20 when I got to the stop sign going in a 25 mph speed zone. When I stopped at the sign I looked and the range to empty was back at 28. In essence I can sit with the car stationary running and the range to empty will increase. But I'm still baffled why it shows a 205 mile range to empty when I top the tank off and the needle shows full. I need answers! This is frustrating.

 

Redline had the correct answer in post #2.


Z

 

Since I had the new ecm put in, I've only driven it once on a trip on the interstate to another city 130 miles away and back the next day. The 205 range to empty never increased and I had to pull over and get gas on the way back because it was getting near empty and the fuel warning light came on. Do you think I haven't taken enough long range trips?

 

did you do any town driving before the 260 mile round trip ?

What does the instant mpg display when you are on the highway ?

I get under 15 mpg in town with constant stop ‘n go, and over 24 mpg on the highway, (45-90 mph). Many here get better mpg than I do. I keep my foot in it most of the time. So my numbers are not likely to be commonplace.

Z

 

PS: my gas tank float doesn’t often reflect the true state of gas fill in the tank. So my gas gauge is often off. But if I’m on a long trip where I’m using gas and re filling the tank twice or more in one day, then the gauge starts to be more accurate.

The miles-to-empty display accuracy fluctuates in sync with the gas level gauge display. So I don’t fixate on it.

But the gas used, instant mpg, and average mpg displays are always right on the money. I use the “gas used” display to inform me of
my need to fill up the tank, or not.

This would be a good time to point out that our fuel pumps depend on gasoline in the tank to cool them. Running the tank under 1/4 has been linked to the pump running hotter. A hot running fuel pump will have a shorter lifespan.

Given what a pain in the rear it is change fuel pumps, and expensive for the 4.2 pumps as well, it worth the extra time and effort to fill up more often to keep the minimum fuel level over a 1/4 full.

Z

 

Yes I did. I didn't check my instant mpg when I was on the interstate though. Tomorrow I will get in the interstate and try it before the Superbowl starts.

 

Thank you.