How much gas is left when a typical Taurus gas gauge reads 0?

Question

Hi,I was driving my wifes '99 Taurus Wagon today, and because the fuelgauge said empty, and I mean right on the empty line, I figured Ibetter fill it up. Well, it only took 48 litres (12.75 US gallons) toget it right up to the full line. I'm pretty sure the tank is supposedto hold more than 48 litres. More like 65 litres (17 USG) I think. Ivaguely recall there may have been a recall or something about aproblem with the sending unit or something indicating 0 when there wasplenty of fuel left. I thought it may have even been a recall, andassumed it was fixed until I saw what happened today. Was I dreamingabout a legit problem with a free Ford cure?Thanks,Norm

Scott M · Accepted Answer

4 gallons isnt much when you look at depth of the fuel left in the tank,sloshing. You really should fill it up before it gets real low anyway. It isbad for the pump to let it get so low that it catches air on turns or hardstops. It will cook the pump little by little. I think you should leave italone.

trainfan1 · Answer

The wagon is supposed to have a 16 gallon capacity. On my '97, I have about 60 miles @25 mpg, or just over 2 gallons when the low fuel lamp comes on... I would fill it up right away, though, to prevent damage to the pump.

That said, I have put 22.05 US Gallons in this 16 gallon tank. Just enough to go the 305 mi. to Boston & back...

Rob

Mortimer Schnerd, RN · Answer

It's not just that you may slurp up air on turns; it's that the pump is bathed by the fuel for cooling. If the pump becomes uncovered, it's going to run hot(ter), reducing its effective life. I always refuel immediately after the low fuel light comes on, even though I know I still could run another 100 miles or so on what's left.

Scott M · Answer

Very True

Jeff · Answer

I think it is a trick by Ford to get husband to fill up the gas tank whenthey barrow the car from the wife.

Father Guido · Answer

Thanks for the comments, I think the last one -- to get the husband tofill it up was/is the best. The car had gone just over 315 miles whenI got in.Norm

Eric Toline · Answer

Re: How much gas is left when a typical Taurus gas gauge reads 0?    Group:  Date: Sun, Aug 1, 2004, 10:21am From:     (trainfan1) That said, I have put 22.05 US Gallons in this 16 gallon tank.

trainfan1 · Answer

Eric Toline wrote:

Sijuki · Answer

I agree... my '93 Tempo had a 14 gallon tank and I had on a few occassionsgetting over 18 gallons into it.  Must just be a Ford thing cause never hadsuch discrepancies in any other vehicles of mine.Rob

MajorDomo · Answer

Typically gas gauges are not linear, they will register full at about 85% of capacity and when a gauge reads empty there is three to four gallons remaining in the tank. The reason is twofold, one so you don't run the tank dry and pick up contaminates and to insure the pump remains covered with fuel

mike hunt

Father Guide wrote:

Eric Toline · Answer

Re: How much gas is left when a typical Taurus gas gauge reads 0? Group: alt.autos.ford Date: Sun, Aug 1, 2004, 10:21am From: snipped-for-privacy@usdatanet.net (trainfan1)

That said, I have put 22.05 US Gallons in this 16 gallon tank.

How much gas is left when a typical Taurus gas gauge reads 0?

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