Reserve fuel tank capacity theory SHATTERED! (read on)
03-25-2004, 10:06 AM
#1
AudiWorld Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Reserve fuel tank capacity theory SHATTERED! (read on)
As most of you know, the theory to date has held that our reserve tanks hold 2-3 gallons of fuel based on the tank capacity (17.4 gallons according to Audi) and the amount of gas necessary to fill the car. Throw that one out the window! As usual, I felt it necessary to challenge another theory, primarily due to convenience, and lost. Basically, once I hit 0 on my computer I was able to drive only 18 highway miles until I stalled out on the side of the road. Tried starting but not even a hiccup. Hence, I would guess our reserve tank holds only 1 gallon of fuel.
After calling my assistant to pick up 1/2 gallon of gas to get me going, I refueled and was able to put 15.52 gallons in my car, which leads me to believe the 17.4 gallon capacity to be a vicious rumor perpetuated by the folks at Audi! (just kidding)
So, lessons of the day are as follows: Don't be a fool and keep challenging theories; and two, there are no gnomes in your trunk consuming an extra gallon or two of fuel every time you fill up!
After calling my assistant to pick up 1/2 gallon of gas to get me going, I refueled and was able to put 15.52 gallons in my car, which leads me to believe the 17.4 gallon capacity to be a vicious rumor perpetuated by the folks at Audi! (just kidding)
So, lessons of the day are as follows: Don't be a fool and keep challenging theories; and two, there are no gnomes in your trunk consuming an extra gallon or two of fuel every time you fill up!
03-25-2004, 12:15 PM
#6
AudiWorld Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I imagine it shuts the engine down before causing any damage, although my CEL light is now on!
That could just be from running out of gas and needs to be Vagged. Car is running fine.
Trending Topics
03-25-2004, 01:00 PM
#8
Don't trust the trip comp for miles left is what I've learned
I've run dry with it showing 15 miles remaining, and 1/8th left in the tank. (this was after 2 days at the track.. I think my trip comp was in denial that a little 4 banger could eat that much gas ;-) )
I've also driven over 20 miles after it said 0.
Lesson learned? Fill up when it beeps :-)
I've also driven over 20 miles after it said 0.
Lesson learned? Fill up when it beeps :-)
03-25-2004, 01:13 PM
#10
Hmmmm, I've had the *exact* same thing happen at the track..
Although it was only the first day at the track - had to pull over on the back straight at Watkins Glen. 6 MPG! I think you're right - the trip computer just doesn't believe what it's seeing ;-)
It's strange, ALWAYS on the street I have some non-trivial number of miles after the trip computer hits 0. The gas gauge is pretty reliable at that point too, and I don't worry until the needle starts to hit the red mark.
It's strange, ALWAYS on the street I have some non-trivial number of miles after the trip computer hits 0. The gas gauge is pretty reliable at that point too, and I don't worry until the needle starts to hit the red mark.