slnned

This might be a stupid question but out of curiosity I was wondering
When ever i put gas in only 15 gallons go in. I tried this when the gas light was on as well. I believe in the manual it says this car has a 20 gallon tank then why would only 15 go in? and if i wait like 20 sec
and put gas in .5-1 gallons go in after.

MaximaZero

That means you still have 5 gallons to go once the gas light turn on. Nissan's way of giving you plenty of time to find a gas station.

lightonthehill

slnned - The gas tank measurement systems of most cars are not very accurate. There are just too many variables, such as whether the car is on a surface which slopes to the left or the right, or on a surface which slopes uphill or downhill. This difficulty of accurate measurement is true not only while we are filling the tank, but while we are driving.

Another factor to consider is the fact the tank should NEVER be allowed to run dry. Having to call AAA for a can of gas is the least of the problems this can cause. The most bothersome one is the fact this may ruin the catalytic converter. This is very expensive to replace. If one lives in a state with emissions inspections, a damaged converter will not pass muster.

The final factor is that a system that informs us we need gas as the tank runs dry is not user-friendly. We need to have the 'gas low' light come on with at least three gallons left in the tank. Folks who have not lived in the Arizona desert may not understand why we need such an advance warning, or such a 'cushion'. I have lived in the Arizona desert, and understand very well the necessity for a significant 'cushion'.

Due to some of the variables mentioned earlier in this post, the system cannot determine exactly when the tank has three gallons left. It tends to 'err' on the side of safety, so usually warns with around four, sometimes five, gallons left.

This is exactly how all my Maximas have handled the 'gas remaining' situation, and I would hope it is always done this way.



edit - and the fuel cutting off at the pump, only to be allowed to add more gas a few seconds later, is strictly a function of the sensor in the nozzle of the pump. This sensor also has difficulty determining exactly when the tank is full. But we won't go there unless you need the complete explanation.

ethorn

I normally put 18 or so in mine when I fill up. I feel comfortable driving in my max (doesn't mean it will work in yours) until the gas needle touches the stop needle that it rests on when the car is off.

6thGenMax

iTrader: (6)

the DTE and Gas gauge in the max reads 16 gallons of the 20 it can hold. the other 4 is nissans reserve. you have roughly another 80 miles to go when your DTE reads *** or the gas light is on.

tubells

nothing wrong with your max... all cars do that ... give a warning light when there is abt 8 - 10 litres of gas still in ..


a word of advice though when you fill.... once the pump stops ... DO NOT try to overfill (even if the gas price is low) there is an excellent reason for it - I read it once but cant remember why now .. but if you do a search on any search engine you will find it.

NismoMax80

iTrader: (6)

yep, 4 gal reserve. I ran it empty and squeezed 16 in to fill. On E right now. Think I'll make it till Wed? ($.06 off Texaco Prem on Wed) DTE was at 16.2 and keeps fluctuating. I dirve about 10 miles a day. Nice to live near work and the gym. Full tank lasts me about 2 weeks. Didn't this week though. Had some free time and just drove her for around having fun.

andymax95

When I'm running late for work, everyday, I usually wake up to my gas light being on, and hit the fuel info and states 15.6 mph and DTE says *, but my car still manages to make it to work and back which is a round trip of 60 miles. This is a good and bad thing to know at the same time.

2004 Smoke

After I fill up, I hear a tremendous gurgling sound afterwards, as the gas settles. I have never heard this in another car.

Makes me wonder if I should wait until all the gurgling is gone before I put the cap on - on the other hand, I know it has a breather, so this probably isn't required.

Still....wierd....

CWatson

that is weird, my max doesnt do that, but if your not having any problems then it really isnt a worry
p.s. i dont think i have ever had my max low enough that the fuel light came on

morteljc

back from the grave!!!! lol

cfr94

I have a little over 31,000 miles on my 08 & I've tracked everything from the heads up display (MPG, Spd, ET, etc) since the beginning. I average putting in 18 gallons. I can assure you it's a 20 gallon tank and I agree with everyone else stating that the 'reserve' is Nissan's doing. I actually put in 20.040 gallons in it this last fill up. Shocking but true.

JD05

I get a Gurgling sound also when the tank reaches full its been doing that forever i pretty much ignore it,it hasn't caused any issues.

PetitFrereMaxima

iTrader: (2)

Wow, that is interesting. 20 gallons? Did you overfill? I remember I have filled up even after the pump shutoff. I have done this like twice. I filled until the tank was overflowing. I still got in but 18.xx. But I will never do that again and not advisable at all. Now, I stop when pump shuts off.

NIKV69

There is always a 3 to 4 gallon reserve built in so us idiots don't run out of gas

Snidely

I don't think I've ever filled up without the light on!!!

Nerver? Amazing

rubzmaxima

I have an 08 maxima and every time i fill up it only fills 12 gal. i run it down until the light comes on. i find it very hard to believe that i have an 8 gal reserve. Help

BossMaxima

iTrader: (1)

this thread will never die lol

krazy6

iTrader: (5)

This thread is hanging on for dear life. lol

NIKV69

You sure? I would think Nissan built in a 5 gallon reserve. When my light goes on I drive a little past and it takes 15-16 gallons.

rubzmaxima

i get less than 200 miles to a full tank. is that normal?

LandsEnd

Maybe you have 5 gallons of sludge on the bottom of your tank which is why you only get 15. Try cutting the gas tank open with something sharp, and inspect it. If you find sludge then scrape it out, & glue it back together with some super glue. Should be good to go then. Oh, don't forget to put a small plastic tub underneath to catch the gas that pours out before you cut it open. Now you saved gas from being wasted or accidentally injested, and can just pour it back into that thing on the side of the car that the gas pump goes into. Good luck with it.

dee.signs

Mdid you buy this vehicle from an auction? You could have a couple kilos of cocaine In it. Lol

xoomer.com

iTrader: (19)

Follow this inspection with a blinker fluid change and you'll be set for another 100K miles.