Tank capacity

arg

Active Member
Dec 13, 2016
18
4
Why can I only get 44 litres in my tank when the distance to go meter reads 0 miles?

In theory there is 6 litres left, but since I don't if I can only get 44 litres in or the gauge is under reading, is there a way to pump the fuel out of the tank to see how much is left?

i.e. disconnect the fuel line at the fuel filter and enable the fuel pump in the tank, to pump it into an external container?
 

Dr.Dash

Active Member
Aug 30, 2015
342
73
Midlands
Fuel gauge can be recalibrated via VCDS iirc.

Draining the fuel is more trouble than it's worth via the method you describe. Syphoning the tank would be more sensible than disassembling it imo.

Or:
-Put a 10 litre can of fuel in the boot,
-when Range = 0 reset the trip computer and drive
-when the engine coughs immediately pull over and add your fuel, drive to the nearest petrol station and fill up.
you now have the answer.

I've managed 40 miles past Range = 0, bearing in mind that the range calc is based on the last 30 kms moving average, hence why it typically increases after a cold start.
Have fun, and welcome to the forum.:)
 
Last edited:

ben4012

Active Member
Sep 20, 2016
257
24
Fuel gauge can be recalibrated via VCDS iirc.

Draining the fuel is more trouble than it's worth via the method you describe. Syphoning the tank would be more sensible than disassembling it imo.

Or:
-Put a 10 litre can of fuel in the boot,
-when Range = 0 reset the trip computer and drive
-when the engine coughs immediately pull over and add your fuel, drive to the nearest petrol station and fill up.
you now have the answer.

I've managed 40 miles past Range = 0, bearing in mind that the range calc is based on the last 30 kms moving average, hence why it typically increases after a cold start.
Have fun, and welcome to the forum.:)

Don't do this. It could be a bleeding nightmare. Pun intended.
 

AndrewJB

Friend to SEAT UK & Cupra Racing
Aug 16, 2007
11,211
484
Maranello
If you pull the nozzle out slightly when filling you will find you can actually get another 6 litres in.
 

kazand

Is powered by Medtronics
Jun 6, 2010
4,138
73
Brum
There will always be an amount left in your tank when your range reads zero, it's the reserve. You wouldn't be too happy if the moment your range indicated 0 the engine stopped, would you? Hence the reserve. Plus, the range to zero is not precise, it can vary according to driving styles.
I have driven 30 miles when the range has read zero when out in the wilds , so there must be a good amount. Not something I'd wish to repeat though.:help:
Not really sure why you want this info any way, why not just refuel when the red bars come on ? The capacity of the tank isn't going to affect your mpg and Tesco's don't give discounts for buying in bulk...
 

silles

Active Member
May 4, 2017
517
88
all cars have reserves, u can probably do 30-40 miles after range goes to zero. I do that all the time with rental cars which need to be return empty :) really pisses of GF when i do so :lol:
 

BlackFR

Full Member
Jan 22, 2002
1,724
5
Not too far away
I got 52.16 litres in to mine last night with the range showing as 10 miles of fuel left. That was just normal filling until the first time the pump cut out. I had assumed it was a 55L tank as I fairly regularly fill up with this amount. Slightly concerned that may not be the case now...

 
Last edited:

daniel575

Active Member
Apr 2, 2014
123
1
Mine - a 2013 1.6 TDI - supposedly has a 40 litre tank however I've filled up with 41-43 litres several times even though the range was still above 0. I wonder whether the tank is actually a bit larger or are the pumps cheating us?

Rarely happens though as I tend to refuel before I reach 3 bars in all cases. I hate the idea of getting stuck without fuel or suddenly needing to go somewhere urgently and having to refuel first. Always prefer to keep it full.
 
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