| From | Message |
JonnyO
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/26/2002
01:01:56
|
 Subject: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
Don't know if anybody else has experienced this, but I have an 02 CC that, according to the owner's manual/window sticker/sales brochure has a 22 gallon fuel tank.
But I've noticed something odd... when the little fuel light on the dash comes on (indicating, according to the owner's manual, that the fuel level is down to 1/8 of a tank) and I go to fill the tank, I can only get about 17 gallons in. I find it hard to believe that the truck still had 5 gallons left in the tank with the needle nearly on "E" and the fuel light on.
What gives? Do these trucks really have a 22 gallon tank or not. I could, of course, run it clear down until it runs out of gas, then re-fill it to see it's true capacity... but that would be kind of stupid! :-)
I just find it odd that when the tank is supposed to be down to 1/8 level (1/8 of 22 is 2.75) that it still has 5 gallons in the tank.
Anyway, has anybody else experienced/noticed this?
Just curious.
|
Doh
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/26/2002
02:33:47
|  RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
I have a 2002 QC which is supposed to have a 24 gallon tank. Our light seems to come on at approximately 20 gallons (21 gallons would be about 1/8 tank). I think they just turn on the light a little early to prevent people from running out of gas.
Haven't tested that theory though!
|
Bluethunder
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/26/2002
08:42:44
| RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
Its a 22 gallon tank. When the low fuel light comes on there is still 3-5 gallons in the tank
|
Travisb
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/26/2002
10:29:33
|  RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
How accurate are the digital displays of how much fuel is left? I have run it down to "0" miles left to empty and the most I've ever been able to get in the truck is 17.8 gallons. Is there really another 4 gallons left but the display will read "0" miles left?
By the way, I generally average 16.5 mpg according to the display and when I've calculated it myself it's within a tenth or two every time.
Travis
'01 CC 4X4 4.7 Auto
K&N, Borla, Rhino, 3923's, Custom grill inserts, Tint, Westin, Hinged Tonneau, Sony
|
Steve-O
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/26/2002
11:17:01
| RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
I have an '02 QC that has the 24 gallon tank. I found out the hard way and the sure way that it is truely 24 gallons. My wonderful and MOOCHY stepfather used my truck last summer and ran it completely out of gas. Then he had the nerve to call me to come bring him some gas! But that's another story. After a friend towed it to a gas station, we filled it up and it held just over 24 gallons. Thankfully gas prices were around $0.88 a gallon back then. But I found out the hard way that the '02 QC really has a 24 gallon tank.
Steve
|
Demon-Xanth
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/26/2002
11:47:54
| RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
Remember that the tank is kind of long and skinny. It's easy to be going up a hill and have the gas slosh away from the pickup. I think that's why they have it come on earlier.
|
TKE
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/26/2002
14:32:57
| RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
Same story here. Sticker says I have a 22 gallon tank and I have been putting in 16.9 gallons when I fill the tank after the light comes on. Guess it beats running out of gas!
|
Graphite
*GenIII*
6/26/2002
18:05:29
| RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
The fuel light comes on early because the fuel pump needs to be kept cool. If you ran out of gas, it could damage the pump.
Give in to your grown up tastes! (R)
2002 graphite /silver
|
MotorsportDak
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/26/2002
19:07:23
| RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
I beleive Dodge threw the gas gages in that way, to have the light come on, and the tank to appear empty on the gauge, so that people wouldn't run out of gas. 22 gallon tank, use 15 gallons, light comes on, got 7 left, that would give me plenty of time to get to a gas station. They were smart to do this, saves people some time from running out of gas.
|
dan
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/27/2002
08:28:57
| RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
I agree 100% with motorsport. I have checked it several times and it's a consistent 15 gallons used when the light comes on, leaving 7 gallons in the tank (2002 CC 4x4, 3.9 5-spd). You have to account for the truck's range. With Daks getting 15-17MPG on avg, this leaves you a range of approx 110 miles or so. Other cars I have driven that get say 25-30MPG on average have the fuel light come on when there is about 3-4 gallons left in the tank. This gives you approx the same range.
|
Dimarini
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/27/2002
09:31:04
|  RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
It's called a safety factor.
|
MightyDakSXT
GenIII
6/27/2002
09:38:57
| RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
Your fuel light comes when you've used 15 gallons? Must be different for the various model years. My gas light comes on when I've used 17 gallons. I thought I was pushing my luck when I put over 300 miles on a tank of gas, but when I filled up, I still had 4.5 gallons left.
2002 SXT, 3.9 Liter V6, RC, 5-speed, 3.55 rear, Extang Tonneau, Autolite 3923 Plugs, Borg Warner Cap & Rotor, Quick D Intake, Modified V8 TB, Gibson Catback Exhaust, Robert Shaw 180 Degree T-stat, Custom Grille
|
JonnyO
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/27/2002
11:26:13
| RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
Yeah, mine seems to come on at 17 as well. Regardless... just glad to know what I'm experiencing is normal.
I've just never heard of a 5 gallon "safety factor"... but I'll take it. :-)
When I was a kid I was always on "E" and ran out of gas more times than I'd like to admit. Having a little more fudge room is just fine with me.
Thanks everyone!
|
OffRoadRuss
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/27/2002
11:37:58
| RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
Another take on the early warning:
I would imagine that DC doesn’t want you to use the last drops of gas to prevent the particles at the bottom of the tank from clogging up the fuel filter... Especially since you have to drop the tank to replace it...
I recall running out of gas on an OLD beater back in high school... After putting in a few gals of gas, it still wouldn’t start... It turned out that the gas line and filter was clogged with gunk...
|
Demon-Xanth
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/27/2002
13:00:30
| RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
I agree with the gunk thing, my sister ran out of gas in her bug a few times and at one point was replacing the filter every couple of weeks. She ended up just getting a replacement tank.
|
dan
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/27/2002
15:13:34
| RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
mightydak - yeah mine comes on and usually there's 15 gallons to fill up. sometimes slightly more but right around the 15 gallon point. I thought that was weird myself having 7 gallons in "reserve" so to speak and I also have an SXT. I am near needing a fill up so I will let the light come on and then hit the nearest station. We'll see what this one comes out at.
|
nate
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/28/2002
00:56:09
| RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
By running your tank until you have used ~20 gallons every time, you can prevent the buildup of "gunk" in your tank (by burning the deposits before they become too thick / large)
You should already be figuring your mileage on every tank - it can tell you alot more than just what your fuel economy is. Fill up when you've run out at least 18 gallons. (unless your in the desert or something. Or on I-16 on your way to savannah to macon - fill up whenever possible)
|
Bob W
GenIII
6/28/2002
21:02:48
| RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
I have heard it before that if you run your tank to low "the gas will be dirty" That does not make sense! all of the gas you usa comes from the same place, THE BOTTOM OF YOUR TANK! any crud in your tank would be picked up every time you went up or down hill or turned left or right stoped fast or BLAH BLAH It just does not make sense.
Gibson headers, Gibson Cat-back, Edelbrock IAS shocks, K & N drop in, 180 stat, Jet stage II chip, ARE Lid
|
Iman23
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/28/2002
22:48:31
| RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
Good to know that we all have noticed this. I've got a 2001 QC w/ a 24 gallon tank and the light comes on when I've still got 7 gallons left. Kind of deceptive...
--Iman23
|
Kotadude21
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
6/29/2002
00:39:07
| RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
it is 22 gallons, i know from experience dude (billy madison)
I once filled up with gas and put 21.937 Gallons in.
I have the reciept to prove it to people. I was running on fumes.
brent
www.geocities.com/kotadude21/mytruck.html
|
Kevin
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
10/18/2002
12:52:26
| RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
I have my '01 in for service and asked them to take a look at this exact thing. I know that when they printed the brochures, there was a disclaimer that they were putting in smaller tanks mid-year (20gals) but when I got my build sheet it states 22gals. If they state there's a 22gal tank, I'm going to run it close to Empty then put a gallon of gas in the back and wait until it runs out then fill 'er up and see.
Kevin
|
mddaktogo
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
10/18/2002
15:30:12
| RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
my method is when the light comes on - I add 50 or 60 miles to actual mileage so it goes to an even number and I keep on driven til I get to that number. that way I'm not nervous about running out of gas and I put more in when I get gas
|
BlackDak02
*GenIII*
10/18/2002
15:39:18
|  RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
Yeah, the light came on yesterday and I put about 40 miles on and it only took 17 gal.
2002 Black CC SLT 4x4
4.7L 45RFE 3.55 LSRD
"Nothing is more fairly distributed than common sense: no one thinks he needs more of it than he already has."
Descartes
|
empinball
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
10/18/2002
15:54:01
| RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
New 02 QC Dak owner chiming in with my first post. I've heard (maybe someone can back me up here) that all vehicles are supposed to be able to travel at least 400 miles on a tank of gas. My Dak sticker says 24 gal tank with 17mpg highway = 408 miles. My former Land Rover Discovery had a 25 gal tank with 16 mpg highway = 400 miles. I can tell you I never got more than 290 out of that pig and the only time it ever came close to 16 mpg was when it was on a $%^&*@# tow truck. I've never pushed it too far with the Dak, but the 2 times I've filled up I've been able to go 360 before the light came on.
|
MightyDakSXT
GenIII
10/18/2002
15:57:33
| RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
A couple of days ago I had 362.2 miles on my tank of fuel. I was gambling a bit just to see how far I could go without filling up right away when my fuel light came on. Thinking I was about to run out of fuel at any minute, I caved and made a stop at the local Mobil station. After filling up, I discovered that I still had a little over 2 gallons of fuel in my tank.
2002 RC SXT, 3.9 Liter V6, 5-spd, 3.55 rear, Extang Tonneau, Autolite 3923 Plugs, Borg Warner Cap & Rotor, Quick D Intake, Modified V8 TB, Gibson Exhaust, Robert Shaw 180° T-stat, Custom Grille, JBA 9mm Wires, Clear Corners, Window Tint, Weatherflectors
|
Steve
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
10/20/2002
13:35:10
| RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
i've ran my 22 gallon tank to E, then went about 10 more miles, and it still only took 17 gallons. i was curious about this as well, glad to see some answers.
|
DMENTAL
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/04/2002
18:52:47
| RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
I have found that if the sending unit is cranked down to far with the set screw, the gauge is off.
I think they might use the same unit for the 16 and 22 gallon tanks...
If the set screw is loosened it will read more correctly.
I have gone through three sending units and I think it all started because I complained to the dealer that the gauge was off...
So thet replaced the sending unit and since then I have had the sending units contacts corrode (not where the wires hook up but where the float moves the arm thing). I almost think it may corrode because of ethanol in the fuel, but I have no real proof of that...
|
utjg
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/04/2002
22:31:38
| RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
ethonal does not cause corrosion anymore then alcohol-it'd first cousin-does.
|
DMENTAL
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/05/2002
00:19:10
| RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
I never said I was sure, but I was guessing at what could be the differing element in the gas (or tank fumes) the caused the gauge to go WONKY and corrode the contacts...
It could be something in the detergent in the gasoline...dunno. it just happens.
Funny thing is, my gauge has been fine since I had the contacts scrubbed(about two yrs ago). There is a little bit of a drop-out when it get to almost half a tank (Gauge goes to E) then picks up again after another 1/16th of a tank. But it is better than spending 360 frickin' bucks to get it fixed at the dealer!
|
Skeletor86
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/27/2002
19:43:42
| RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
Does the computer have anything to do with setting the fuel gauge? I can take my QC 4x4 down to E and and still have 4 gallons left, or go well below E(space between the needle and E and still have a gallon or two left. They replaced my computer for the remote entry and it started doing this, so I thought they set it up for a CC or Reg cab with the smaller tank. Just a thought.
|
Skeletor86
Dodge Dakota
JOIN HERE
12/28/2002
12:45:04
|  RE: Fuel Tank Capacity
IP: Logged
Message:
I am taking it in on the 2nd for the dealer to look at is there anything I should point out?
|
| | P 1 Next Page>> |
