Range when low gas light comes on

[gherikill]

Anyone know how much gas is left in the tank when the low gas light comes on for a 2000-2005 impala with 3.8L. I always get scared when I'm on the highway and the light comes on.

The DIC usually says about 90 km right before it changes to lo, but I don't completely trust it.

[SpinnerCee]

I would assume about 90-100 mi left for real on the highway -- this is just in case you just passed the "last gas for 60miles" sign when the thing stopped indicating.

Maybe 5 gallons -- but I never put it to a real test -- I really think it's a bad thing that the monitor stops giving you ANY info when it goes into "get gas now" mode -- Once I really needed the compass to "find" the gas station as I got a little bit turned around once I got off the highway. LOL

The only way to really know for sure is to drive around with a gallon or two in the trunk and a close eye on the odometer until...

[gherikill]

The only problem with driving with gas in the trunk is the smell. I find that it stinks up the whole car because the fold down seats don't create a very good seal.

[SpinnerCee]

Always use an "approved container" when carrying gasoline

For our experiment, that means a non-vented, totally sealed container.

Portable outboard boat motor gas tanks can be completely sealed, have the capacity you need (>2 gallons) and a hand pump as well to get you up and running fast.

All in the name of science

The idea is to not fill the aux tank until the light comes on -- make a note of the odometer reading, or reset the trip clock, then rock on... Obviously, you wouldn't try this on your way to work, but on the way home is fine -- when you're done, coast to the curb or shoulder, make a note of the odometer, and use what you have in the aux tank (you should know exacly how much is in there) to get to your fillup -- then top it off -- you should reach almost the full capacity of the tank (19gal$) less what you put in from the aux tank.

A safer way: You could also estimate how many gallons are left in the tank when the light comes on by imediately filling up and topping off as soon as it comes on -- 19 minus whatever you put in to fill up is how many gallons are left when you first see the indicator.

Mileage varies greatly, volume does not. So knowing how much gas is left may not tell you how much further you can go. I'm sure this is why the beautiful DIC takes a powder when it feels it's "time."

[richtazz]

Unless you want to replace a very expensive fuel pump assembly, I'd stop driving your car on empty all the time. The fuel cools the electric pump, and they will fail prematurely if constantly run with the tank below 1/4.

[gherikill]

I notice that my 3.8 feels like it has more power right after a fillup, could be psychosomatic though...

Anyone know if the so called "Wintergas" sold at Petrocanada has less or more energy than regular gas. Apparently it has some additives to make cold weather starting easier.

[richtazz]

To a point, yes. Winter gas is more volitile than summer gas, meaning it coverts to a vapor easier. They switch to it in winter because low-volitile summer fuel would make it extremely difficult to start in temps below 0-deg F. They switch to the summer fuel to reduce hydrocarbon emissions especially while fueling your vehicle. It also helps on a smaller scale to reduce pre-ignition (engine knock).

[SpinnerCee]

Gas will also go "stale" over time -- eventually all of its volatility will evaporate -- this may take months -- but a little goes away every day it sits in your tank -- the more empty space there is in the tank the more rapidly this will occur -- when you fill up with fresh gas, you should feel a difference, but only if the new mix of old and new gas is mostly new "fresher" gasoline.

[crazy Jim]

whatever your gas mileage is, multiply that by the two gallons you have left in the tank and that is how far you will get. I second the previous statement that you really should not drive the vehicle when low on gas, changing a fuel pump aint fun and if you have the shop do it just bend over.....