Hi All,

In checking my mileage results against the "Trip Computer" I'm finding it to be very accurate, which leads me to ask - Why is my gas guage on Empty when I've only used 14.5 gallons of the 17 gallon tank? It seems like way too much for a reserve. How many gallons do you put in when you're on empty? ric

 

about 14 gal. where the the computer shows remaining only 30 miles. i guess they are making sure you don't call road side assistant b/c empty tank.

 

Yeah, the TL is big on the reserves. After the trip computer says 0, you have about 2 1/2 gallons till empty.

 

yeah, you've got like 10-30 miles left after your computer says 0, depending on how you drive. that's city driving. that yellow light indicator is completely worthless, you have at least 60 miles left.

 

This info is excerpted from a very long thread I started about fuel tank capacities, etc. and is based on actual and precise testing

a. When the low fuel warning light comes on, if you are getting 25 mpg you can go 94 miles, but if you are only getting 20 mpg, you can only go 74 miles. Of course, other miles per gallon figures will result in different results.

b. When miles to empty reads zero, that is time to fill up, but you can still go 57 miles at 25mpg, but only 45 miles at 20mpg.

c. When filling the tank, if you stop at the first shutoff, you will have about 17 gallons in the tank.

d. The tank will actually hold about 19 gallons, but it is not recommended to fill the tank to capacity, so stop at the first shutoff.

If you want to read the whole thread, go here http://www.acura-tl.com/forums/showt...threadid=71425

 

Good to know. I squeezed 16.7 gallons in when my miles to empty read about 20 (was 14.3 at the first shutoff), so I was beginning to worry that maybe they "fixed" the accuracy for later builds. I missed the thread the first time around.

 

Can you explain what you mean by shut off? Thanks in advance. Sorry if its a stupid question.

 

This is when you are filling the tank and the nozzle automatically shuts off by itself. This is due to the nozzle sensing the tank is up to capacity.

I guess they design these things with the manufacturer's specifications in mind, because the shut off point seems to bear out the findings based on the manufacturer's specified tank capacity.

Unless there is something wrong with the nozzle, the first shutoff is a good time to quit filling because then you will have about the same amount of gasoline each time you fill up, regardless of starting point or gallons filled.

 

Thanks Ron

 

J RIDE.. i think by SHUT OFF he mean that when he was filling up the gas tank, that at 14. something, the gas pump shut off. as in saying i am full. But he kept on and squeezed somehow 16. something..

 

I couldn't have said it better myself. And I really tried.

 

So is there a way to have Acura program the gas guage to be more accurate. I would like a true 30 miles when the gas light comes on.

Thanks

 

There probably is a way for acura to recalibrate it but they would most likely charge an arm and leg for it. BTW, thank you for searching

 

I was thinking Warranty!!!

 

Forget warranty. These cars are marketed and designed for the average person with average automotive knowledge. Better to make the common man weary when the trip computer reads zero miles till empty and save catalytic converters...yes running out of gas in our cars will self destruct your converters at YOUR expense. Thats why there is a big DONT RUN OUT OF GAS note in your owners manual. For the few people that know that you can go thirty miles beyond zero miles till empty, by all means go for it.

 

I'm so glad to find out roughly how many miles you have left after the miles till empty reads zero. I have had a couple close calls with that thing - but it sounds like you have a 20 to 30 mile cushion no matter what your MPG is. Thanks for this post!!!