Fuel tank reading error?

[JeepJL18]

Hi there!

So I had a half tank of gas in my new JLU. I parked on a hill probably 40 degree incline. I let it set for 5 minutes, then started up. Once I started up, it said that my gas tank was empty? I am assuming this was because of the hill. My jeep was facing DOWNHILL. I wonder if the fuel sensor is on the rear of the tank?

I pulled back on level lot, and turned car off and on again and went back to saying i had my original half tank.

My question is 2 things.

1. Has anyone else seen this on their new JL?

2. I thought this type of thing was fixed a LONG time ago on the readings of fuel tanks.

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[malic7]

I had this happen a few weeks ago driving up and down a rugged trail. I had at least 1/4 tank left if not more, but the gauge said I was about out. I was in a kind of panic because I wasn't near a gas station, needed to get off the trail, and still had 20 miles to the nearest station. After I got off the trail onto level dirt road, it still showed I was about out. I shut the engine off and back on, everything was good after that. I had enough fuel left to make it 80+ miles to a gas station near my home! I don't know if that was a fluke, but my blind spot detection was also stuck on in both mirrors...not sure if that's a feature of "low fuel" as well.

 

[xpsruler]

My JL does the same thing, particularly when the front is lower than the rear on inclines. First time I noticed it was halfway through a trail in Moab while slowly going down a steep hill. I was afraid my 4 wheel drive burned through all my gas but once level again went back to halfway pretty quickly. It definitely appears to be related to sensor location as it happens mainly when the tank is half full or lower.

 

[Spank]

Mine has been iffy a couple times, too, but not from parking on a hill or any kind of incline. On more than one occasion, I'll have a quarter tank of gas magically disappear and the Jeep will read empty, then moments later come back. It doesn't happen often and I can't quite pinpoint if there's a pattern to it, but I rarely let the tank go beyond a quarter before filling it up anyway.

 

[mer43]

Topped off my tank. This is the reading before AND after 4 gallons were added. Something is a little strange.

 

[Rhinebeck01]

@mer43
A little confused in what you are saying.... IF you fill the tank til you can no longer get fuel in it, what then does the dash gas gauge display?

 

[mer43]

Rhinebeck01,
I thought I was filling up. Filled it as high as I could, and she took approx 4 gallons. It was as full as I could get it. Before and after, the same reading on the gauge. Is that clearer?

 

[Rhinebeck01]

@mer43

Ok, yes, clearer now.

Well, you might want to try a different service station's fuel nozzle/pump before you conclude that it is a JL issue which, yes, it could very well be.

But, it could also be the pump / nozzle that you used is the culprit. Perhaps, the nozzle you used is shutting down prematurely. You think you topped it off but you actually did not. Yes, this is a possibility.

 

[mer43]

Understood. But would have expected the levels to change on the display, even a little bit.

 

[mer43]

This is my first new Jeep since my 2005 Rubi LJ. I'm learning the displays and controls. Sounds like the fuel system is tough to fill as well.

Learning all the gotchas...

 

[Rhinebeck01]

@mer43

Well, that 4 gallons may not have been enough added to reflect a big change in the readout. Just work at getting a tad more in when you do your fill up.

Also, you probably are aware of this, but it is not good to be trooping around on empty or close to it, especially in hot weather. The fuel pump is in the fuel tank and it is the gas around it that cools it. No gassee no coolee... and that can kill / hurt a fuel pump.

Oh,
Last week, I read a forum post today where someone was saying they wish the JL fuel door had a hook or something to place the tethered gas cap on when you get gas. I took the post to heart, went into the garage and came up with a simple stick on, black plastic hook. Cost of hook about $.08+. Looks decent and should do the job..

See here: https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/jl-fuel-door-install-video.4861/#post-298762

 

[mer43]

Rhinebeck, I was able to fill it all the way up with correct readings this time. Man what a battle! That filler neck must really be a mess under the skins.

Thanks again!

 

[weeitsmikelee]

@mer43

Ok, yes, clearer now.

Well, you might want to try a different service station's fuel nozzle/pump before you conclude that it is a JL issue which, yes, it could very well be.

But, it could also be the pump / nozzle that you used is the culprit. Perhaps, the nozzle you used is shutting down prematurely. You think you topped it off but you actually did not. Yes, this is a possibility.

I don't think it's a gas pump issue. When I go to the MPG page on the dash I can see the miles to empty and the fuel gauge decrease due to engine idling, aggressive driving, or driving on an incline. When I drive more economically, I'll see the fuel gauge go back up and the miles to empty increase as well. I've triggered a "fuel low" warning anywhere from 25-40 miles to empty

 

[Rhinebeck01]

I don't think it's a gas pump issue. When I go to the MPG page on the dash I can see the miles to empty and the fuel gauge decrease due to engine idling, aggressive driving, or driving on an incline. When I drive more economically, I'll see the fuel gauge go back up and the miles to empty increase as well. I've triggered a "fuel low" warning anywhere from 25-40 miles to empty

@weeitsmikelee

When l spoke gas pump issue it was in regard to let's say getting the gas into the tank and that all gas station pumps/nozzles are not created equal... You misunderstood l believe..

 

[js1911]

2018 JLU Rubicon. When starting while on incline the fuel gauge is definitely incorrect. Goes to low fuel light and does not reset to actual level until after level restart.

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