Gas gauge incorrect??

[new97v6]

I went to fill up the other day and my gas gauge read 1/2 tank. when it was all filled it took almost 11 gallons. the tank being 15.5 total shouldnt have taken that much at 1/2. Is this normal to only have about 5 gallons left when the gauge reads 1/2 or is something maybe wrong with the gauge?

[Dominic]

lol, this is normal for an Fbody fuel gauge.

Mine, a 2002, swings 1/4 tank just accelerating and braking [img]smile.gif[/img]

1/2 tank for me is typically 7-8 gallons though. Perhaps the pump is wrong?

[Denis]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by new97v6:
I went to fill up the other day and my gas gauge read 1/2 tank. when it was all filled it took almost 11 gallons. the tank being 15.5 total shouldnt have taken that much at 1/2. Is this normal to only have about 5 gallons left when the gauge reads 1/2 or is something maybe wrong with the gauge?<hr></blockquote>

Nah, this seems to be pretty much the case, at least with the two Camaros I've owned. The gas gauge doesn't match for some reason or other. Usually I have a third of a tank left when it hits 1/2. You get used to it after a while. I actually use my trip odometer more as a gas gauge by resetting it every time I fill up.

:D

[ellik]

the gas tanks are tapered toward the bottom, so when the fuel level is at 1/2, the volume is actually less.... gm never comensated their gauges for this. whenever i reach half on my gauge, i start looking out for gas stations cause i go through the bottom half REAL QUICK!!

[new97v6]

Great, thanks guys. now i know nothing is wrong and to look for gas when it hits 1/4-1/2. i havent had it long enough to go by mileage yet.

[Dojo2000]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by new97v6:
Great, thanks guys. now i know nothing is wrong and to look for gas when it hits 1/4-1/2. i havent had it long enough to go by mileage yet.<hr></blockquote>

I go for about 300 miles then fill it up.

[F1GT]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Dojo2000:


I go for about 300 miles then fill it up.<hr></blockquote>

Me too, at this point my needle is 2-3mm from touching E and I fill up around 13 gallons. Sometimes I push it to see how far I can get and I drove it to 1-2mm after E and get 350+ miles from it and fill up 15.x gallons.

[ellik]

damn.... wish i could plan on getting 300 mi out of every tank.... though i dont get drive much distance either.... hell, i look forward to rare opportunities of getting it above 50mph!! working downtown sucks!