Gas Tank Capacity

[Wubbman]

Hey, I've been wodering about this for some time. The manual for my '95 (a proper '95 manual) says the gas tank holds 18.5 gallons. But, whenever I fill the car up when its on empty, the most it takes is 13 gallons. I checked the manual several times and I'm positive I read the figure right (not 18.5 liters). This is thus very confusing. Does anyone have an explanation for this?

[skeemer]

Your fuel guage could be miscalibrated.

Are you sure its on E and not somewhere between 1/4 and E? The needle can fluctuate in turns and braking/accelerating.

[amf1932]

The gas gauge sending unit(in the gas tank) could be slightly defective. The tank does hold 18.5 gallons, but there is a reserve of a couple of gallons, so when it reads E on your gauge you still have some fuel. Also, fuel gauges are not that linear as far as the display is concerned. Did you ever notice that'll stay on full to ½ full a longer time than when it goes from ½ full to empty? Every car has idiosyncrasies in their fuel measurement systems. ;)

[Lex3486]

I just filled up tonight and noticed the same thing! Mine's a 93 BTW. And I look back through my gas receipts and it's been pretty consistent; the most I recall seeing I think was 15 and I usually let it go till the light comes on or slightly before. I also avg. about 15 mpg (17 last tank and 13 this past one tonight) but then again, I know there's something wrong with my tranny, so I'm guessin that's got some to do with it. <_<

[amf1932]

Lex3486,

Mine's a 93 BTW

Hey, Is that the same as a BMW? :D :D