Fuel consumption problem?!

[ChrisR]

In the past my fuel guage has always worked fine, going down at a steady rate until empty/low.

However, I filled the car up 2 and a half weeks ago. (A full tank usually lasts me 3 weeks(ish))

-After 1 week the tank was 2/3 full.
-After 2 weeks the tank was 1/3 full.
-After 2 weeks and 2 days the tank was almost empty! (despite usage being the same!) In fact the guage has dropped from 1/3 full to empty after 2 short journeys!

I know faulty guages (ie ones that read empty when tank isn't empty, etc...) aren't uncommon but this has never happened before and i'm curious as to the problem?

The engine's running fine and there's no leaks or anything untoward. And i used the same petrol I always do. (BP Ultimate unleaded)

HELP!....

 

[Anonymous]

Mine has always been like that, i always thought it was due to the shape of the tank...

It seems to take ages to get to 1/2 full, then empties in days...

Daz

 

[LightWarrior]

Its normal mate.

See here: http://www.howstuffworks.com/fuel-gauge.htm

Be warned though. DO NOT go to this site if you dont have plenty of time. I always semm to end up with about 5 articles open at any one time, and read it for hours

 

[Tom (the imposter)]

According to the article, the Bravo 1.8 has a micro-processor controlled fuel sending circuit, so they could have compensated for the shape of the tank to give a more accurate reading.

From experience, once past the half way mark, it starts moving a lot quicker towards empty.
From a fill up, can take anything between 50 - 70 miles before the gauge moves a line.

 

[LightWarrior]

yeah, i get about 50 miles before it moves, and it moves rapidly once past halfway...