Miles remaining on gas seems off

[FoCoBronc]

I've searched and don't see any threads on this topic. I have a 2.7L 4 door with 20.8 gallon tank. Every time I fill up the indicator says I have 315 or 316 miles remaining. The mpg indicator consistently averages 17.8 mpg. The math does not work. Does anyone know if Ford factors in a "reserve" of 1-2 gallons for emergency? My Tacoma always read 385 miles remaining on fill-up and was generally accurate. What have you noticed?

Sponsored

 

[AMTRV]

It's never a reliable indicator....too many variables involved

 

[Silver-Bolt]

It's an average.

 

[FoCoBronc]

huh, ok. seems like it would be easy math for computer to look at either last tank mpg (or cumulative average mpg) and tell you how many miles left. I get it if you go from off road to highway, but my use is fairly consistent. Not a biggie issue, just odd....

 

[Tacanta14]

I've searched and don't see any threads on this topic. I have a 2.7L 4 door with 20.8 gallon tank. Every time I fill up the indicator says I have 315 or 316 miles remaining. The mpg indicator consistently averages 17.8 mpg. The math does not work. Does anyone know if Ford factors in a "reserve" of 1-2 gallons for emergency? My Tacoma always read 385 miles remaining on fill-up and was generally accurate. What have you noticed?

I watched a youtube video just a day or two ago and the guy ran his "remaining miles" to zero, set his miles to zero, and drove something like 44 more miles before he ran out of gas, so yes, there is a (probably) 2 gal reserve. Good to know and I wish I could remember what his name was, but he does quite a few youtube videos.

 

[FoCoBronc]

that could explain it- and makes sense. I think my BMWs used to have a reserve built in

 

[Scohin]

that could explain it- and makes sense. I think my BMWs used to have a reserve built in

Yes Ford does put a 2gal reserve on E. Other manufacturers will put them on as well

 

[2ata]

The mpg indicator is not correct. Actually do the math and calculate fuel economy. I bet you’ll be 2mpg below what the dash says.

 

[FoCoBronc]

These two comments together might explain it. Thanks. If I take 20.8-2 gal reserve = 18.8. 316 miles remaining on full tank divided by 18.8 is 16.8 mpg which is slightly below what my indicator is saying. But close enough.

 

[El Bronco Blanco]

My wife's CX-9 has like a 4 gallon reserve and she gets super mad about it too. Can't wait for her to yell at me about this one too when I get my Bronco.

Sponsored