How much gas left after the gauge says 0 miles??

Jruff17 · 05-24-2011, 05:35 PM

My EX showed "0" to empty and it took 15.24 gallons to fill. So with a 18.1 gallon tank, I should have had 2.86 gallons left. Hope this helps!

Gandalf · 05-24-2011, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jruff17

My EX showed "0" to empty and it took 15.24 gallons to fill. So with a 18.1 gallon tank, I should have had 2.86 gallons left. Hope this helps!

I don't think its quite so straightforward. I filled mine today (my first fill-up) showing about 35 miles left to empty. It took 16.4 gallons.

I think Miles to Empty is a dynamic number depending on driving conditions at the time of display. I wonder if the actual gauge reading is a better indicator. Mine was at about 2/3 of the way down between 1/4 and empty.

As an aside, after the fill-up, the gas gauge slowly rose up to full. Nothing wrong with that, but it was a bit odd after being used to my 93 X with a mechanical gauge that pretty much just jumped up to full in an instant.

*RandyH2* · 05-24-2011, 09:42 PM

"I think Miles to Empty is a dynamic number depending on driving conditions at the time of display."
I'd be willing to bet you are correct. I think it is using the current MPG data to make the calculation which makes sense but can be misleading if you go from the highway to stop-and-go and don't realize the estimated range has changed. "Sure, Honey, it says we have 14 miles until empty. It's only 2 miles through town after we get off the highway, we'll make it easily..." Not that I would have first-hand experience (in another car), I'm just guessing.

*Joe Dirt* · 05-25-2011, 12:42 AM

I drove about 40 miles after this on in my 2004 Taurus...

YouTube Video

chimoman · 05-25-2011, 07:38 AM

[QUOTE=Joe Dirt;2736048]I drove about 40 miles after this on in my 2004 Taurus...

You rock Mr. Dirt. You rock.

sdm9465 · 05-25-2011, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gandalf

I think Miles to Empty is a dynamic number depending on driving conditions at the time of display. I wonder if the actual gauge reading is a better indicator.

Yes, it's a dynamic value calculated using the amount of fuel in the tank and the average fuel economy over some time period. (I think it is explained in the manual for my 2009 as being the average fuel economy for the last 300 miles. It's quite likely the same in the 2011.) Regardless, 0 to empty and empty on the fuel gauge should occur at the same time.

The amount of fuel left in the tank when the gauge reaches a certain level likely varies a bit from vehicle to vehicle too since the accuracy of the sensors will vary somewhat and the reading is probably affected by the incline of the vehicle too.

dco43054 · 07-01-2012, 07:20 AM

So, I never try to run my Explorer out, but I was wondering if I was going to a couple nights ago. I was down to about 10 miles showing on the display, but no problem, there is a gas station about 2 miles away, and I'm guessing there is a buffer on the display.

Well, there were wicked storms on Friday night, and the northeastern quadrant of the city was without power. In the hunt for a gas station with power, I went about 6 miles after the display hit zero.

Because of the storm, the station's data hookups were down, so I couldn't use the credit card to fill up, and just dropped about $20/5.5 gallons in to get on my way. I wish I could have to see just what it would have taken.

But - at least I know that you can go 6 miles after 0 miles on the display.

Bob71 · 07-01-2012, 12:24 PM

My wife for different reasons kept putting off getting gas because had not been close to the place we usually get gas. We were going to the store and she was below 5 miles I her she could drive. She wanted to know why I wanted her to drive I told her if we run out of gas I wanted people to know it was her and not me. When I filled the tank it took 17.8 gals. That is as close to empty, as I would want to get?

During the week she drove with the 30 miles to empty it changed every time you start the car. Example 5 miles to work the 30 miles changed to 25 mile to empty, the next time she started the car it was 22 miles to empty. She would loose mileage each time she started the car. Not sure how the dynamic value is calculated but it changes when the engine is started with the gas left in the tank.

I also explained the damage she could have done by running so low on gas. Just like I told her never put gas in when you see the gas truck filling the gas station tanks.

Essex4x4 · 07-01-2012, 02:07 PM

I know this is for the 5th gen explorer but my 4th gen has the same thing in it. "miles to empty" If that thing says 0 and you don't buy gas you are screwed. I have had my exp shut off at 0. I don't test that anymore and do not recommend testing that at all.

spitfisher · 07-01-2012, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GTMD

Just a heads up.Running your tank close to empty could possibly damage your fuel pump.The fuel lubricates and cools the electric pump.This has been documented in several articles.The cost of repair varies from $300 to $600.I would advise anyone to research this, before you push it to the limit.

Finally someone brings up some logic, youre absolutely right. in the summer time running to the car to inside the 50 mile warnings is OK, try to avoid it in the winter, condensation from warming a up and cold nights in the winter can make a messy octane level for a 40k + car.

As someone pointed out, once it hits a quarter of a tank, start looking to fill up, all you doing is putting off the inevitable.

sgparnes · 07-02-2012, 11:39 AM

How about the Seinfeld episode where Kramer and a car salesman drive to see how far they can go until the car runs out of gas.

sdm9465 · 07-03-2012, 11:45 AM

Well, I managed to run out of gas in my 2011 a few months ago. My 2009 will easily go 25 miles after indicating 0 to empty as would the 2002 and a Freestyle I previously owned. Never ran out in any of them. The 2011 didn't make it 10. My wife was not impressed. I won't be playing that game again!

goofydisneydaddy · 07-04-2012, 02:13 PM

There is no reserve. Last night, after driving 10 hours, I pushed it to the limit. DTE said 8 miles left when I got to my destination. This morning, filled up at gas station with 6 miles left and it took 18.02 gallons.

VinceL · 07-04-2012, 02:19 PM

As a test, we ran ours down to 0, and we found that we still had a gallon of gas left when we filled up. We don't make a habit of such things, but we were curious how much petrol the old girl had left in her when she told us she couldn't go any farther

Essex4x4 · 07-05-2012, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VinceL

...but we were curious how much petrol the old girl had left in her when she told us she couldn't go any farther

Old? Do you have another expy that is of a previous generation? I would say a 2013 would be an infant lol.

Quote:

Originally Posted by goofydisneydaddy

...This morning, filled up at gas station with 6 miles left and it took 18.02 gallons.

cuttin it close eh?

**FordCustSrvc** · 07-06-2012, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by donm527

Actually I hit 0 and I drove another ONE MILE to my Chevron station

So we all know now it's got at least another mile...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob71

My wife for different reasons kept putting off getting gas because had not been close to the place we usually get gas. We were going to the store and she was below 5 miles I her she could drive. She wanted to know why I wanted her to drive I told her if we run out of gas I wanted people to know it was her and not me...

Quote:

Originally Posted by sdm9465

...The 2011 didn't make it 10. My wife was not impressed. I won't be playing that game again!

Quote:

Originally Posted by goofydisneydaddy

There is no reserve. Last night, after driving 10 hours, I pushed it to the limit. DTE said 8 miles left when I got to my destination. This morning, filled up at gas station with 6 miles left and it took 18.02 gallons.

Quote:

Originally Posted by VinceL

As a test, we ran ours down to 0, and we found that we still had a gallon of gas left when we filled up. We don't make a habit of such things, but we were curious how much petrol the old girl had left in her when she told us she couldn't go any farther

donm527, Bob71, sdm9465, goofydisneydaddy, & VinceL,

This entire thread really made my Friday!

There will be some difference between model years along with whether it’s 4x4 vs. 4x2 due to the different fuel tank designs. The DTE (Distance To Empty) is a rough calculation to tell you when you’re getting low on fuel. Some vehicles are more accurate than others in relation to this because of the fuel tank design. The end result is that DTE is a rough estimate, but when it gets low you should be looking for fuel.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Dirt

I drove about 40 miles after this on in my 2004 Taurus...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TuEdU_lrtZk

I hadn’t seen that episode, Joe Dirt; hilarious! Is that how you felt?

Cory

*peterk9* · 07-06-2012, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by goofydisneydaddy

There is no reserve. Last night, after driving 10 hours, I pushed it to the limit. DTE said 8 miles left when I got to my destination. This morning, filled up at gas station with 6 miles left and it took 18.02 gallons.

There is no reserve tank in that you can't switch over to another tank, but according to my 2011 Owner's Guide, there is a reserve and the total capacity of the tank takes the reserve into account.

Peter

TripFoeYa · 10-22-2012, 08:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bill #4 Explorer

I've driven over a 100 miles when on "E". No problem.

Bill, this isn't alarming to you on how far off the trip computer is? I just posted in this thread about similar issues and it's bothering the hell out of me.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/...6&postcount=49

suzook · 10-22-2012, 12:58 PM

I just drove 23 miles after 0 miles showed. It took 18.2 gallons. Not sure why i waited...LOL

*IAmTodd* · 10-22-2012, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FordCustSrvc

I hadn’t seen that episode, Joe Dirt; hilarious! Is that how you felt?

Cory

It's normal Saab behavior, we do it all the time!

07-01-2012, 12:24 PM	#28
Bob71 Wannabe Elite Explorer New Orleans, LA 2011 Explorer Limited Join Date: Aug 2011 Posts: 22 Vehicle Specs	My wife for different reasons kept putting off getting gas because had not been close to the place we usually get gas. We were going to the store and she was below 5 miles I her she could drive. She wanted to know why I wanted her to drive I told her if we run out of gas I wanted people to know it was her and not me. When I filled the tank it took 17.8 gals. That is as close to empty, as I would want to get? During the week she drove with the 30 miles to empty it changed every time you start the car. Example 5 miles to work the 30 miles changed to 25 mile to empty, the next time she started the car it was 22 miles to empty. She would loose mileage each time she started the car. Not sure how the dynamic value is calculated but it changes when the engine is started with the gas left in the tank. I also explained the damage she could have done by running so low on gas. Just like I told her never put gas in when you see the gas truck filling the gas station tanks. __________________ 2011 Ford Explorer LTD FWD, Gold Leaf Metallic/Stone, Rapid Spec 302A, Dual Moon, BLIS, Tow Pack, Mud Guards, Black pin stripe

07-01-2012, 02:07 PM	#29
Essex4x4 Wannabe Elite Explorer SoCal Newbury Park 2006 4x4 XLT 4.6L V8 Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 1,688 Vehicle Specs	I know this is for the 5th gen explorer but my 4th gen has the same thing in it. "miles to empty" If that thing says 0 and you don't buy gas you are screwed. I have had my exp shut off at 0. I don't test that anymore and do not recommend testing that at all. __________________ James Brantley Gilbert - Country Must Be Country Wide http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8peBU...feature=relmfu With the aerodynamics of a brick and the fuel economy of the space shuttle it makes me smile and brings the power on. Love it!!

07-04-2012, 02:19 PM	#34
VinceL Wannabe Elite Explorer Spring, TX 2013 Explorer Limited Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 2,167 Vehicle Specs	As a test, we ran ours down to 0, and we found that we still had a gallon of gas left when we filled up. We don't make a habit of such things, but we were curious how much petrol the old girl had left in her when she told us she couldn't go any farther __________________ We just bought American! She got the 2013 Ex Meet the Gray Ghost HERE Check out the Gray Ghost on Fuelly.com Average Mileage: 21.3 Best Tank: 26.5

10-22-2012, 12:58 PM	#39
suzook Wannabe Elite Explorer Stony Brook, Long Island 2012 Explorer Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 131 Vehicle Specs	I just drove 23 miles after 0 miles showed. It took 18.2 gallons. Not sure why i waited...LOL __________________ 2012 Explorer XLT 4WD, Tri-White, Moon Roof, 205A package NAV

05-24-2011, 05:35 PM	#21
Jruff17 Wannabe Elite Explorer Arizona 2011 XLT Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 37 Vehicle Specs	My EX showed "0" to empty and it took 15.24 gallons to fill. So with a 18.1 gallon tank, I should have had 2.86 gallons left. Hope this helps!

05-24-2011, 09:42 PM	#23
RandyH2 Elite Explorer MI '11 Limited AWD Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 620 Vehicle Specs	"I think Miles to Empty is a dynamic number depending on driving conditions at the time of display." I'd be willing to bet you are correct. I think it is using the current MPG data to make the calculation which makes sense but can be misleading if you go from the highway to stop-and-go and don't realize the estimated range has changed. "Sure, Honey, it says we have 14 miles until empty. It's only 2 miles through town after we get off the highway, we'll make it easily..." Not that I would have first-hand experience (in another car), I'm just guessing.

05-25-2011, 07:38 AM	#25
chimoman B New Brunswick Explorer 2011 Ltd Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 622 Vehicle Specs	[QUOTE=Joe Dirt;2736048]I drove about 40 miles after this on in my 2004 Taurus... You rock Mr. Dirt. You rock.

07-01-2012, 07:20 AM	#27
dco43054 Wannabe Elite Explorer cmh 02 XLT, 11 XLT Join Date: Apr 2003 Posts: 568 Vehicle Specs	So, I never try to run my Explorer out, but I was wondering if I was going to a couple nights ago. I was down to about 10 miles showing on the display, but no problem, there is a gas station about 2 miles away, and I'm guessing there is a buffer on the display. Well, there were wicked storms on Friday night, and the northeastern quadrant of the city was without power. In the hunt for a gas station with power, I went about 6 miles after the display hit zero. Because of the storm, the station's data hookups were down, so I couldn't use the credit card to fill up, and just dropped about $20/5.5 gallons in to get on my way. I wish I could have to see just what it would have taken. But - at least I know that you can go 6 miles after 0 miles on the display.

07-02-2012, 11:39 AM	#31
sgparnes Wannabe Elite Explorer Atlanta, GA 2011 Limited WMetTr/Pecan Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 156 Vehicle Specs	How about the Seinfeld episode where Kramer and a car salesman drive to see how far they can go until the car runs out of gas.

07-03-2012, 11:45 AM	#32
sdm9465 Wannabe Elite Explorer Nova Scotia 2011 Limited & 2009 EB Join Date: Apr 2011 Posts: 110 Vehicle Specs	Well, I managed to run out of gas in my 2011 a few months ago. My 2009 will easily go 25 miles after indicating 0 to empty as would the 2002 and a Freestyle I previously owned. Never ran out in any of them. The 2011 didn't make it 10. My wife was not impressed. I won't be playing that game again!

07-04-2012, 02:13 PM	#33
goofydisneydaddy Wannabe Elite Explorer Falls Church, VA 2012 Limited Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 88 Vehicle Specs	There is no reserve. Last night, after driving 10 hours, I pushed it to the limit. DTE said 8 miles left when I got to my destination. This morning, filled up at gas station with 6 miles left and it took 18.02 gallons.