Miles to Empty? Well not really

[AD1787]

Does anyone find the miles to empty feature pretty inaccurate?

My manual says the M45 has a 20 gal tank and when it says miles to empty at zero, I still haven't filled up over 17.5 gal. There should be 2 full gallons left

Any thoughts?

[eric313131]

I haven't look at it too much, but I just got a 2003 m45. And I thought the calculations on that were a little strange. I will do my own calculation and see if there is a difference.

[mazz]

i get the same thing in 2006m35zero miles gas stations start appearing on nav and i still have 3 gallons leftbetter wrong this way than the othermazz

[palincal]

Miles to empty doesn't take into account the reserve fuel. As far as I know most systems are like that. It is similar to analog gauge where you still have 2-3 gallons left in the tank after the needle shows empty. My M35 also has 2.5 gallons left in the tank when mile to empty hits 0.

[tytamto]

The MTE is not very accurate. It was true for every car I have owned that had a trip computer.

But there is a method to Infiniti's madness; since most fuel pumps are electric, and cooled by the fuel that runs through them, they are not supposed to run dry/empty. To prevent their failures, most gas gauges/trip computers will indicate 'empty' prior to running fully dry. Like others have said, around 2-3 gallons prior to being empty.

Another reason not to run your tank to the last drop of fuel is that there are sediments and other impurities in the gas tank, at the bottom. Even though all cars have inline fuel filter, it is still not recommended to do so.

Also, the reserve cushion will most likely ensure that you won't be stuck on the side of the road without any gas. Most experts advise to refuel around 1/4 tank levels.

[AD1787]

Awesome. I am cool with that as long as its consistent. Sounds like mine is right in line with everyone elses.

Thanks

[M4T5]

Also to add, the fuel system itself could take up to 1 gal of fuel to cycle from the tank, to the engine, and back to the tank. Trust me I know, I was testing this on my 05' Silverado SS that had the DIC read out that also shows how many galons of fuel was used. Knowing I had a 26 gal tank, I let it hit 24.9 galons used and the engine completely shut off. No sputter or surging. Just completely shut off. I know this is not a good comparison, but it gives everyone the idea. I had to have it towed to the nearest gas station and filled it up. It took 25.2xx galons of fuel to fill it up. I'd say it was pretty accurate. Too make things worse, I had to take it into the dealer to have an O2 sensor replaced. I guess when it ran out of fuel it created a lean mixture and burnt out one O2 sensor.Also, our vehicles do not have an inline fuel filter anymore. Most vehicles now all use an intank "lifetime" (meaning 100K mi.) fuel filter. So it would be very costly to replace it due to it being integrated into the fuel pump assembly.It would hold true and be very wise to never let your gas tank go lower than 1/8 to 1/4 empty if possible. It will not eliminate the filter from picking up sediments, but it will reduce it.plus your fuel keeps your fuel pump cool. Running below 1/4 tank could reduce its life expectancy.I hope this is somewhat informative to some of you.

HAVE A HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL!!!

J

[tytamto]

Good point M4T5.