Non-linear gas gauge ? USA Forester

[Andy Leszczynski]

On a recent long trip, I noticed that there seems to be a non linear
realtionship between the markings on the gas gauge.
It seems that the needle drops faster once it goes below 1/2 way.
Road conditions & driving speed and style remaining the same.

Has anyone else noticed this?

Same happnes for me in both cars. Still annoing after driving those for
more then 3 years :-(.

2002 Legacy Outback
2002 Impreza 2.5 TS

 

[ZZ]

On a recent long trip, I noticed that there seems to be a non linear
realtionship between the markings on the gas gauge.
It seems that the needle drops faster once it goes below 1/2 way.
Road conditions & driving speed and style remaining the same.

Has anyone else noticed this?

 

[Ragnar]

On a recent long trip, I noticed that there seems to be a non linear
realtionship between the markings on the gas gauge.
It seems that the needle drops faster once it goes below 1/2 way.
Road conditions & driving speed and style remaining the same.

Has anyone else noticed this?

Yes, both by Outback Sport and WRX do it. Also, IIRC, my Jeep and Sonoma
did it too.

Its annoying as hell. I get about 200 or so highway miles from the first
half tank and then the next half is about 120 miles.

 

[Hallraker]

Yes, both by Outback Sport and WRX do it. Also, IIRC, my Jeep and Sonoma
did it too.

Its annoying as hell. I get about 200 or so highway miles from the first
half tank and then the next half is about 120 miles.

I think that's because the tank is also non-linear. It's got less space in
the bottom than in the top, and so the last half is going to go a lot
quicker. Add to that the fact that the older models (like my Outback) had
slightly defective sending units for the fuel sensor, and you've got a gauge
that can never be trusted. I've learned to live with it though, and so I
just wait until I've gone almost 300 miles and then fill up again.

-Matt

 

[Alan]

On a recent long trip, I noticed that there seems to be a non linear
realtionship between the markings on the gas gauge.
It seems that the needle drops faster once it goes below 1/2 way.
Road conditions & driving speed and style remaining the same.

Has anyone else noticed this?

I have never seen a car with a linear gas gauge. They usually hang out near
full for a while, drop rapidly in the mid-range, and then slow down near
empty.

 

[steam_mill]

Every car I have owned:
1978 Renault 12
1988 Ford Mustang
1989 Pontiac Sunbird
1991 Toyota 4Runner
2002 Honda Accord
2000 Subie OBW

Has suffered from the same affliction. First half of the tank is
roughly two thirds of the tank.

I usually go 300 KM on first half and 200 on second half!

Joe

 

[John Rethorst]

First half of the tank is
roughly two thirds of the tank.

My experience as well.

 

[Bart]

The needle drop fast on the last 1/4 on my Forester.

 

[L. Kreh]

I've noticed in my Outback and every other brand of car I've owned. It's magic!

 

[Wilco van Diest]

Hi,

I have the same "problem" with my Forester. (and all my previous cars)

I found a good description of this magic phenomenom at
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-gauge.htm"

regards,
Wilco

 

[Edward Hayes]

Never owned a car where the gage was linear. In fact my 2000 Forester is
probable the best I've ever owned. The first 1/2 tank yields about 175 miles
and the last half to the red empty light yields about 325 miles total so
it's quite good. ed