Pumped 16.5 Gallons??

[Intriceight]

I got gas today and it took 16.5 gallons. I only drove about 20 miles after the low fuel light came on. I know the tank holds 16.3, but I also know I still had at least a gallon left in the tank. Is this a pump problem, or am I missing something?
Thanks,
J

2007 Pontiac G6 GT Sedan 3.5L V6

[grfnkl]

I would say you got scammed at the pump! I've driven up to 30-40 miles after the fuel light coming on only to take 13 or 14 gallons. I find it hard to believe that you only drove 20 miles after the light and took 16.5 gallons. Pretty much you would have been pulling in on fumes. take it up with the gas regulators ( whoever they are) and let them know you may have gotten scammed on gas.

['97ventureowner]

That is a big possibility. There was a recent report on our local news about the government agency that oversees the gas pumps in the state has reported more discrepancies at many gas stations. Most of the time they say it's in the favor of the consumer, but it also can go the other way. Over time it can add up with a few pennies per fill up. The agency has been stretched due to budget cutbacks and lack of enough personnel to cover the area for the annual inspections, and they rely on complaints from consumers who suspect a faulty pump. One way they say you can tell if the pump is not working properly is if the pump starts counting before you feel the initial rush of fuel from the hose into your car.There are a few scrupulous station operators out there who take advantage of a faulty pump in their favor by not repairing it. Usually they are caught by a surprise inspection by the agency that does the monitoring of gas station fuel pumps. (In NY that the Dept. of Agriculture and Markets.)

[Intriceight]

WATCH YOUR PUMPS! After posting this, I let the tank run down just as much as I did the week I noticed the discrepancy, I filled up at a different station, and only pumped 15.5 gallons. I did call the manager of the first station and she gave me the runaround, so the next time I fill up there and have the same problem, the local police department will be having a talk with them.

['97ventureowner]

Originally Posted by Intriceight

WATCH YOUR PUMPS! After posting this, I let the tank run down just as much as I did the week I noticed the discrepancy, I filled up at a different station, and only pumped 15.5 gallons. I did call the manager of the first station and she gave me the runaround, so the next time I fill up there and have the same problem, the local police department will be having a talk with them.

Also consider contacting the governmental agency that oversees the licensing and accuracy of the gas pumps in your state. Is there a sticker on the pump? If so the agency should be listed on it and the last time it was inspected. These agencies are usually short staffed and rely on consumers to contact them with complaints so that they can open up an investigation. If there is no info on the pump as to the agency involved then perhaps the local police will have info on who to contact.
EDIT: I checked your profile and see you live in Florida. Here is the website for the government agency which handles the inspection and licensing of gas station fuel pumps. Contact them with your complaint.:http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/