Fuel Guage Indicator on 98 E300TD
 

Well, I finally purchased a 1998 E300 TD with 31,000 miles in wonderful condition. Over the weekend, I decided to fill the tank, since I was approaching a 1/4 tank. I added roughly 14 gallons, which brought the indicator to full. I assumed 3/4 of a 21 gallon tank would be roughly 15 gallons. I reset the odometer and recorded the purchase into my logbook.

I have driven roughly 200 miles and the indicator is already pointing to a half tank. I was expecting better milage. 10 gallons * 30 mpg should be closer to 300 miles at half tank.

I have read there are some known problems with a fuel level sensor. Could this be my problem and if so, how do I rectify? Is this something that can be done by someone with limited mechanical skills, or do I need to get a dealer / local shop involved?

I will know better once I refill the tank and measure the actual mpg, but I am nervous because I just purchased the vehicle and there is no warranty since it is past the 4 year mark.

Any hints will be appreciated.

SpannMan

When I fill mine, it seems like it takes 2 or 3 gallons after the pump does its automatic shutoff. I get just over 500 miles on a tankful or right around 30mpg. The gauge seems to be pretty accurate when it is really full, about 125 miles per quarter or so. I think it's way too early for you to be worried about that. My mileage has gotten better as I have had the chance to really give it some exercise.

Len
'99 E300TD
44,000 miles

The gas gauge accuracy is good, but the filling techniques of most owners is not consistent. I can usually get an extra couple of gallons in after the nozzle on the pump shuts off too. Diesel fuel foams quite a bit, so I typically put the pump nozzle on the slow fill notch, and clean the windows, check under the hood, and otherwise entertain myself as I pump 20 to 21 gallons into the tank. I routinely get 650 miles to 680 miles to 20 to 22 gallons per fill up. I fill it until I see unfoamed Diesel at the filler neck, which then sinks away on this car. On my older cars, once you got clear fuel up to the point in the filler neck where it was visible, the level stayed there.

The point of all this is once you fill it up a number of times, with some kind of consistent procedure, you will begin to have an idea of what the mileage is. I typically get at or over 200 miles to the first quarter tank, and 170 for each of the next two quarter tanks, and then the light comes on to indicate I am on reserve after the 610 to 640 mile mark (about 90 to 120 miles into the last quarter). This is with mostly highway driving, about a 70/30 split highway to city. I live near a good Diesel fuel source, so I routinely drain the tank down to about a gallon left before refilling.

Hope this helps, Jim