Fuel Tank Level Dropping at Different Rates

[CajunMick]

On my 2011 F250 I noticed fuel dash gauge when on full would tend to drop sooner than say 3/4 to 1/4 range . I attribute that to fuel tank shape. Level drops quicker from full to 3/4 mark, then as driving further tends to do, see slower drop, readouts of level.
I’m seeing similar on this Maverick. Anyone else experiencing similar attribute, fuel level drops faster from full to say, 3/4 mark, then trends slower as driven?

Not a biggie issue, just comparing results.

Sponsored

 

[Sharksforarms]

Haven't really paid much attention to that but when I was going through OBD setting, im pretty sure I saw a PID that lets you read the actual percentage of fuel remaining according to the truck if you want to get more granular with it.

 

[CajunMick]

When it get# low, will see on dash a warning for the Low level, with DTE status. And even tho I not yet got to the low low warning. Prob won’t happen. There’s a fuel station around the corner, and I have CC ready to swipe thru.

 

[Scott Asheville]

A year into owning my Maverick, I don't believe I've ever looked at the fuel gauge. Because I keep the miles till empty value displayed. And because it warns me at 50 miles. My wife could tape over that gauge and I'd never know it.

Sorry OP - I know I'm not answering your question. FWIW, I have had vehicles in the past with really wonky fuel gauges.

 

[MetalsGeek]

I've kept pretty detailed refuel data (including gage readings), since my '23 XLT hybrid was new. I logged fuel level as a percentage, and the amount present as 13.8 gals less my fill-up. In a dozen refuelings, my gage accuracy has been really good. The highest error was 8% of reading, and most others are within 3%. Of course, most of the data was taken when the tank was less than half full (all between 23% and 58% full), so initial drop is not covered. However, my gut reaction to the gage is that it's uncommonly accurate for a vehicle. Especially a Ford!

 

[CajunMick]

I've kept pretty detailed refuel data (including gage readings), since my '23 XLT hybrid was new. I logged fuel level as a percentage, and the amount present as 13.8 gals less my fill-up. In a dozen refuelings, my gage accuracy has been really good. The highest error was 8% of reading, and most others are within 3%. Of course, most of the data was taken when the tank was less than half full (all between 23% and 58% full), so initial drop is not covered. However, my gut reaction to the gage is that it's uncommonly accurate for a vehicle. Especially a Ford!

Thanks for info.
im now at 1/2 tank. Been driving around and still 1/2 tank displayed. I suspect levels at fattest part of the tank, say like the middle of a coke bottle.

 

[MetalsGeek]

Thanks for info.
im now at 1/2 tank. Been driving around and still 1/2 tank displayed. I suspect levels at fattest part of the tank, say like the middle of a coke bottle.

Yes, totally. Between the shape of the tank and the inherent nonlinearity of the sensor, there's room for a lot of error, especially in older systems where the gage was hard wired. I have not looked into this, but have a sneaking suspicion that the Maverick gages are all driven by a computer, in which case Ford could have easily put compensation in software. I used to be an instrumentation engineer and did that all the time.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

Yes, totally. Between the shape of the tank and the inherent nonlinearity of the sensor, there's room for a lot of error, especially in older systems where the gage was hard wired. I have not looked into this, but have a sneaking suspicion that the Maverick gages are all driven by a computer, in which case Ford could have easily put compensation in software. I used to be an instrumentation engineer and did that all the time.

 

[MakinDoForNow]

Yes let the computer take care of the computations. Take sample tank add a quart at a time tilt the tank into different positions then add second quart and repeat until tank is full. Adjust fuel gage based on tilt sensor readings. Hmmmm is there a temp sensor in fuel tank also?

 

[Bobkath]

24 XLT. I have noticed that the gauge drops quicker after the 1/2 mark.
Also noticed the MPG change from 34mpg to 44mpg depending how long and fast you drive.

 

[Eldrick1]

I have the digital guage. Would be hard to know as there are 8 dashes (2 per quarter tank). I have not noticed it bring inaccurate

 

[MetalsGeek]

Yes let the computer take care of the computations. Take sample tank add a quart at a time tilt the tank into different positions then add second quart and repeat until tank is full. Adjust fuel gage based on tilt sensor readings. Hmmmm is there a temp sensor in fuel tank also?

A temp sensor? Now you're starting down the rabbit hole, my friend, with no exit in sight. LOL!
Funny: I built a microprocessor controlled torch cooler for my TIG welder, and did a massive overkill in terms of technology that would make Mercedes Benz proud. A flow meter, multiple temperature sensors, solenoid bypass valve, backpressure regulator, etc. All I really needed was to shut off the noisy, annoying pump when not welding. It works great though, and was a fun Arduino project. I may well own the smartest torch cooler in the world...

Sponsored