I posted this under another thread, moved here after some friendly advice.


Not sure where to post this, but since the thread is themed on fuel and mileage, I will try here.

I have pressed my '03 S to the limits of the fuel range.

Using my navagation system computer to gauge the distance I have witnessed a few oddities.

While testing luck, and the accuracy of my computer, I drove 42 miles in my MCS while the computer was reporting zero (0) range remaining. (All the while calling my wife every 10 miles telling her she would have to come get me, and her laughing )

I safely made it to a gas station and filled approximately 13.9 gallons. I was over the 400 mile mark, but could not tell you exact as I do not remember.

Now, this past weekend, my MCS computer read 66 miles to empty. I jumped in it and the poor thing would not start. The SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT SOON was on and the car would not fire up. I called for a tow truck, he showed, he asked if I had gas (doh- face to palm), I showed him the mileage range and he agreed that I must have gas in the tank.

Ok, so now he tows my Mini to Crevier Mini and I wait for their call.

They call.

They say I am out of gas and that there are no issues with my car. (doh - double palms to face - shaking head).

My point is, routinely I have run my Mini to zero or little left on the Mileage Remaining read out and I have never run out of gas. Now, with 66 miles left and the service light on, I am told I have, in fact, run out of gas.

Has anyone seen there Onboard Computer present data that they thought was wrong or changed over a period of time? This is extremly embarassing and confusing, as for 3+ years my driving habits have not altered and now twice in less then 4 weeks my SERVICE light has come on and both times I was told it is becasue of a "Low fuel misfire" - but that no issues can be found.

Am I really just pushing my luck be running down to ~2-3 gallons left in the tank or is SOMETHING really wrong?

 

I have run out of gas twice

I also have gone PAST 0 but only about 5 miles.

The first time I had the just played around with the finidhing touches on my brake ducts. The nav told me 18 miles to go.

The second time I had just installed my header.
The nav told me 22 miles to go.

My scientific deduction tells me that.... when the front is "up" on a steep slope or on jack stands. The fuel level sensor thinks there is more gas in the tank than ther really is.
Also I am not always easy on the "skinny pedal" after moding and out for a test drive.

Maybe the level and the fact that what gas IS in the tank is the used VERY quickly the gauge and computer can't keep up.

I put gas in before testing now...

 

Rule to live by..
if it is at 1/4 of a tank filler up...
you will never run out of gas this way.

But if you want to stick it to the Gas company only fill up your car when gas price dip in price...

Oh maybe have a can of gas in your car just in case.
I think Walmart or other places sell a sealed can of gas that last for a few years in the trunk. it is not normal gas, but it works....
I can not find it to link it..

 

Picked up my MCS from the dealer today. They stated that it started right up and that no problems were found, at all.

They also said they did NOT put any gas in the tank, and I filled it up immediately with 11 gallons. So I was not out of gas.

Now I am really confused as to why it would not start. 4 gallons left in tank, regardless of the angle of tank, gas should have reached the pick up point. So starving the fuel does not seem right.

Any failure to start issues that are unresolved with any of your Minis?

((edited an abbreviation))

 

Moved from Navigation and Audio to 1st Gen Beneath the Bonnet, since this is not really a navigation issue, but rather troubleshooting the OEM factory stuff.

 

i'd say the computer says zero at the reserve point. i've only got the red idiot light but i'll bet it comes on roughly when your nav says zero .