4 Gallons reserve??? Thought these had 20 gal. tanks
06-16-2007, 03:45 AM
#1
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4 Gallons reserve??? Thought these had 20 gal. tanks
I did something recently that I generally never do. I ran my tank almost down to empty. In fact, it was so low, the DTE was no longer displaying mileage left to empty.
I got to the gas station expecting to fill up with at least 19 gallons. The tank only took 16 gallons with me filling it up to the neck. Do these cars have that much in reserve? What is the most you guys have put in your tanks?
I got to the gas station expecting to fill up with at least 19 gallons. The tank only took 16 gallons with me filling it up to the neck. Do these cars have that much in reserve? What is the most you guys have put in your tanks?
06-16-2007, 07:29 AM
#2
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Location: Long Island, NY
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Yeah Dave, about 4 gal reserve. During the first few months I had my '06 I was filling up after the low fuel light went on and only able to put in 16.xx gals, so I drove close to 100 miles after the light went on and then was able to put in a little over 19 gals in.
06-16-2007, 10:02 AM
#5
My .02 cents if you will,
I have heard that you shouldn't run your car too low. Your 'maintenece free' fuel pump is in there and can have issues if left to run low.
I usually fill about 17.XX gallons.
I have heard that you shouldn't run your car too low. Your 'maintenece free' fuel pump is in there and can have issues if left to run low.
I usually fill about 17.XX gallons.
06-16-2007, 06:11 PM
#9
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If indeed there are 4 gallons of reserve fuel, then running it down until the light comes on should not cause a problem. I only hope that the idiot light consistently comes on at the same amount. I would hate to run it down to E, thinking that I still have 4 gallons left, only to find out that I am indeed empty.
06-16-2007, 07:28 PM
#10
I think that DTE estimation is designed so that it's "idiot" proof. I've driven 40+ miles with that on * and never had a problem.
I guess that's the reserve. I don't think it's a separate tank though like those higher end automobiles.
I guess that's the reserve. I don't think it's a separate tank though like those higher end automobiles.
06-16-2007, 08:59 PM
#12
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Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
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The fuel pump is in the bottom of the gas tank and is cooled by the gasoline there. Run the gas level too low and you risk overheating the fuel pump -- particularly in warmer weather.
Be smart and try to refill at 1/4 of a tank -- and certainly don't go past where the warning light comes on at about 1/8 of a tank on the gauge -- we all know that there will still be about 4 gallons or more at this point. Nissan did this because they did not want to replace burned-out fuel pumps under warranty.
Be smart and try to refill at 1/4 of a tank -- and certainly don't go past where the warning light comes on at about 1/8 of a tank on the gauge -- we all know that there will still be about 4 gallons or more at this point. Nissan did this because they did not want to replace burned-out fuel pumps under warranty.
06-16-2007, 09:31 PM
#14
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SilverMax_04, Ramberg and 4MySwee are correct (as usual).
The fuel pump, located inside the gas tank, depends on being immersed in gasoline it order to keep from overheating. You don't want to have to replace it.
If you actually run out of fuel, bad things could happen with your engine and catalytic converter. Again, you really don't want to get into that mess.
Even if you weren't risking paying big bucks because of the possible problems we have mentioned, letting your tank run low is unwise. Suppose that, for any of hundreds of reasons, there was a widespread power outage in your area. Gas pumps do not operate without power. Unless you store gas in your garage (not smart), you have what is left in your tank. Period.
Getting in the habit of refilling with four or five gallons left in the tank can also save you when driving in unfamiliar areas where you don't know where or if there is fuel available nearby.
The fuel pump, located inside the gas tank, depends on being immersed in gasoline it order to keep from overheating. You don't want to have to replace it.
If you actually run out of fuel, bad things could happen with your engine and catalytic converter. Again, you really don't want to get into that mess.
Even if you weren't risking paying big bucks because of the possible problems we have mentioned, letting your tank run low is unwise. Suppose that, for any of hundreds of reasons, there was a widespread power outage in your area. Gas pumps do not operate without power. Unless you store gas in your garage (not smart), you have what is left in your tank. Period.
Getting in the habit of refilling with four or five gallons left in the tank can also save you when driving in unfamiliar areas where you don't know where or if there is fuel available nearby.
06-27-2007, 07:51 AM
#16
Ok peeps here it is.
The entire fuel system with the tank is somewhere along the lines of 21.5 gallons. I know it because I run out of gas once and fill up when its on E (Enough). I used to fill up about 19 gallons every time I went. After I ran out of gas I put in over 21 gallons of gas so I decided to go in early each time filling it with about 17 gallons of 93. Anyhow, last week or so I was on a highway and couldn't get any gas so I drove all the way home (on fumes I guess). I went to BP and filled her with 20.8 gallons. I was like wow, thats not good.
The entire fuel system with the tank is somewhere along the lines of 21.5 gallons. I know it because I run out of gas once and fill up when its on E (Enough). I used to fill up about 19 gallons every time I went. After I ran out of gas I put in over 21 gallons of gas so I decided to go in early each time filling it with about 17 gallons of 93. Anyhow, last week or so I was on a highway and couldn't get any gas so I drove all the way home (on fumes I guess). I went to BP and filled her with 20.8 gallons. I was like wow, thats not good.
06-27-2007, 08:46 AM
#17
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I find this to work pretty well: In the warmer months when I'm getting better mileage I wait until the low fuel light comes on and then I drive an additional 50 miles. With doing this, every time I fill up I put between 16.8 and 17.5 gallons in(depending on my mileage that week). In the colder months I do the same thing only instead of driving 50 additional miles, I drive 30 more miles.
06-27-2007, 08:51 AM
#18
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Since the fuel in the tank cools the fuel pump, you should switch your "extra driving after the light" so that there is more fuel in the tank during the summer -- when the pump really needs cooling. You don't want to risk burning up the fuel pump from lack of cooling.
06-27-2007, 09:03 AM
#19
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I've NEVER burned out a fuel pump in any car and I've always done the "extra driving" after the light comes on. I think 2.5 to 3 gallons is sufficient to cool the pump which is what I have left in the tank every time I fill up (if not a little more than that).
06-27-2007, 09:31 AM
#20
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More fuel volume cools better than less. And you need more cooling (relatively) in the summer than in the winter. But your driving style ends up with less fuel in the summer than in the winter. Duh?
Better to be safe than sorry.
Better to be safe than sorry.
06-27-2007, 04:56 PM
#22
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From the approach some use, one would think that getting more miles between fillups meant getting more miles per gallon. Whatever.
But don't expect Nissan to replace your catalytic converter under warranty if you let the car run out of gas and the converter then fails emmission inspection.
But don't expect Nissan to replace your catalytic converter under warranty if you let the car run out of gas and the converter then fails emmission inspection.
06-28-2007, 07:27 PM
#27
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Originally Posted by NipsirC04
so I guess I won't go below the quater tank anymore.
06-28-2007, 07:44 PM
#28
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What SilverMax said - That is exactly the way I do it. That gives over 300 city miles or over 400 freeway miles between fillups, leaving a safe reserve for emergencies and risking no damage to any parts.
But others obviously prefer to go a little closer to the 'limit'. I know those others are out there. If they weren't, then Vegas and Atlantic City would be out of business in a week.
But others obviously prefer to go a little closer to the 'limit'. I know those others are out there. If they weren't, then Vegas and Atlantic City would be out of business in a week.
06-28-2007, 08:33 PM
#29
Light is right, there is no reason to go way low, unless of course you hate going to the gas station or simply have no time.
The point i was making is that the whole system is over 21 gallons so that if you get your light on, you have about 5 gallons remaining which translates to at least 60-75 miles before you get the weird feeling of the car stopping while you still have your foot on the gas pedal. All I am saying is don't freak out and get off the highway risking getting lost on local streets just because your light just came on. That's all.
The point i was making is that the whole system is over 21 gallons so that if you get your light on, you have about 5 gallons remaining which translates to at least 60-75 miles before you get the weird feeling of the car stopping while you still have your foot on the gas pedal. All I am saying is don't freak out and get off the highway risking getting lost on local streets just because your light just came on. That's all.
06-28-2007, 09:22 PM
#30
this is kinda funny. everyone is saying how bad it is about letting the tank get empty. Well on 6th gens the issue about all the bits of dirt and w/e on the bottom of the tank getting sucked up..shouldnt be too big of a deal, compared to high mileage 3rd and 4th gens.
But not sure how many of you noticed. But i work at a dealership, and id say atleast 90% of the cars are on empty when we get them, and we drive them around, on empty for awhile. salesmen take out the cars and run out of gas occasionally. I agree its not good for the fuel pump, but in my time working there(2 years and counting), weve never ran into any fuel related issues other then no gas. We actually still have 3 brand new 05 maximas with about 500 miles on each. I can garuntee you that each of those 3 have run bone dry atleast 5 times and never have more then a 1/4 tank of gas. I can tell you its not just our dealership, alot of them are like this, some better then others, but some are worse.
Now im not saying its fine to do that, because once they light comes on, its a sign not to see how much more you can get, its a warning light, tellin you to get your a$$ to a gas station. Personally once i get to about 1/8th of a tank i start lookin for a gas station.
But not sure how many of you noticed. But i work at a dealership, and id say atleast 90% of the cars are on empty when we get them, and we drive them around, on empty for awhile. salesmen take out the cars and run out of gas occasionally. I agree its not good for the fuel pump, but in my time working there(2 years and counting), weve never ran into any fuel related issues other then no gas. We actually still have 3 brand new 05 maximas with about 500 miles on each. I can garuntee you that each of those 3 have run bone dry atleast 5 times and never have more then a 1/4 tank of gas. I can tell you its not just our dealership, alot of them are like this, some better then others, but some are worse.
Now im not saying its fine to do that, because once they light comes on, its a sign not to see how much more you can get, its a warning light, tellin you to get your a$$ to a gas station. Personally once i get to about 1/8th of a tank i start lookin for a gas station.
06-28-2007, 09:23 PM
#31
Originally Posted by Fastmax05
i have gone around 55 miles or so AFTER THE DTE is on * ahhah just wanting to see how much will go in 
06-29-2007, 06:04 PM
#32
Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 77
Originally Posted by 96blkonblkse
this is kinda funny. everyone is saying how bad it is about letting the tank get empty. Well on 6th gens the issue about all the bits of dirt and w/e on the bottom of the tank getting sucked up..shouldnt be too big of a deal, compared to high mileage 3rd and 4th gens.
But not sure how many of you noticed. But i work at a dealership, and id say atleast 90% of the cars are on empty when we get them, and we drive them around, on empty for awhile. salesmen take out the cars and run out of gas occasionally. I agree its not good for the fuel pump, but in my time working there(2 years and counting), weve never ran into any fuel related issues other then no gas. We actually still have 3 brand new 05 maximas with about 500 miles on each. I can garuntee you that each of those 3 have run bone dry atleast 5 times and never have more then a 1/4 tank of gas. I can tell you its not just our dealership, alot of them are like this, some better then others, but some are worse.
Now im not saying its fine to do that, because once they light comes on, its a sign not to see how much more you can get, its a warning light, tellin you to get your a$$ to a gas station. Personally once i get to about 1/8th of a tank i start lookin for a gas station.
But not sure how many of you noticed. But i work at a dealership, and id say atleast 90% of the cars are on empty when we get them, and we drive them around, on empty for awhile. salesmen take out the cars and run out of gas occasionally. I agree its not good for the fuel pump, but in my time working there(2 years and counting), weve never ran into any fuel related issues other then no gas. We actually still have 3 brand new 05 maximas with about 500 miles on each. I can garuntee you that each of those 3 have run bone dry atleast 5 times and never have more then a 1/4 tank of gas. I can tell you its not just our dealership, alot of them are like this, some better then others, but some are worse.
Now im not saying its fine to do that, because once they light comes on, its a sign not to see how much more you can get, its a warning light, tellin you to get your a$$ to a gas station. Personally once i get to about 1/8th of a tank i start lookin for a gas station.
After reading this I am very happy I purchased my 07 with 27 miles on the OD. My tank has never come close to hitting bone dry!
06-29-2007, 10:15 PM
#33
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Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: a meadow south of Atlanta
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ladams02 - I'm with you. I knew when the Maxima equipped the way I wanted was on its way to my dealer, watched it unloaded off the truck, and 'locked it in' immediately. I did this more because what some test-driving customers do to cars than because of what the folks at my dealership might do.
Being retired, and being long-time friends with many of the folks (including the owner) at my dealership, I hang around there quite a bit; enough to know they try to do things correctly, and take pride in their work. But, as the poster you referenced shows, there are dealerships where folks just don't give a rat, and caveats Nissan puts in writing are totally ignored.
I would guess that some of the warranty problems folks have to get fixed are caused by poorly trained and poorly supervised employees at dealerships who either mistreat or even abuse brand new vehicles.
To those who continue to insist Nissan is blowing smoke by warning against running out of fuel, and claim they are able do this with impunity, just remember that, when playing Russian roulette, not every chamber is empty . . .
Being retired, and being long-time friends with many of the folks (including the owner) at my dealership, I hang around there quite a bit; enough to know they try to do things correctly, and take pride in their work. But, as the poster you referenced shows, there are dealerships where folks just don't give a rat, and caveats Nissan puts in writing are totally ignored.
I would guess that some of the warranty problems folks have to get fixed are caused by poorly trained and poorly supervised employees at dealerships who either mistreat or even abuse brand new vehicles.
To those who continue to insist Nissan is blowing smoke by warning against running out of fuel, and claim they are able do this with impunity, just remember that, when playing Russian roulette, not every chamber is empty . . .
07-16-2007, 12:29 PM
#35
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 276
Originally Posted by ladams02
After reading this I am very happy I purchased my 07 with 27 miles on the OD. My tank has never come close to hitting bone dry!
This happened to me when I went to go test drive the Charger....
GOOD thing it ran out when the guy was bringin it around.... it really turned me off... along with his attitude "This young college graduate whipper snapper..... you can't afford a charger?!" is a huge reason why i got the MAx.... i'm sure the power would have gotten me had i sampled.... Haven't driven one since... don't really care too...
07-16-2007, 03:10 PM
#36
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Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 119
Originally Posted by dopestar129
I've NEVER burned out a fuel pump in any car and I've always done the "extra driving" after the light comes on. I think 2.5 to 3 gallons is sufficient to cool the pump which is what I have left in the tank every time I fill up (if not a little more than that).
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