Fuel level not reading properly-diesel Gladiator

[70sByproduct]

Hello All..
The other night I was running to the store, and was about to hit 450 miles on a full tank. The guage was reading around 1/4 full, then it died. Ran out of fuel. Luckily I was real close to a gas station, got 5 gallons, did the procedure to prime the fuel system, then I was running and on my way.
Has any one ran into this? Gas or diesel? It has the digital instrument cluster( willys).
Thanks for reading!

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[Mr._Bill]

The Jeep gauges are not known for accuracy.

My daddy taught me to always fill it up when you got down to half, and never go below a quarter.

 

[JTL21]

I routinely run mine down less than 1/4 tank according to the gauge and it's not unusual for me to wait until the low fuel light comes on just because I'm rarely far from a good place to fuel up. What you described has not happened to me yet on my JT.

The only somewhat similar situation I've experienced was years ago I borrowed my dad's diesel excursion and it ran out of fuel on me even though it said I should have 50 miles left. Even my dad was surprised because he's ran it negative before and didn't run out.

I'm no expert but something doesn't seem right to run out of fuel when the gauge shows 1/4 tank remaining. I know every fuel gauge I've ever had isn't exactly super precise but to be off that much seems a bit much. The mileage is a good indicator though. If you don't want to spend time or $$$ messing around with it just go off the mileage instead. That's what I used to do with an old F-150 I used to drive.

Curious what you find out though if you do try to get to the bottom of it.

 

[70sByproduct]

I will update as this moves forward... this will be under a warranty... this could be a calibration issue, or faulty sender... we'll see.

 

[biodiesel]

I'm subscribing to this thread for updates. Ideally, we don't want diesel to drop below the 1/4 tank mark. Diesel fuel keeps the lift pump cool. People who run their fuel low frequently, especially in hot weather climates, are typically the folks with premature lift pump failures. We see this time and time again on the forums.

When people talk about their driving range or towing range, I try to remind them that the range is actually reduced if you abide by the 1/4 tank rule. This is one reason why I added auxiliary fuel tanks to my 2015 and 2020 EcoDiesel trucks.

The Gladiator has a small 18-gallon fuel tank. Remove a 1/4 tank, and you're left with 13.5 gallons of fuel!

Thankfully I don't plan to do long distance towing with the Gladiator, so I don't have to worry so much about towing range. The small tank, however, does pose a challenge and requires pre-trip planning, especially if you live in a remote area.

 

[70sByproduct]

I have been using my gladiator to to a 20 ft center console boat, and it pulls it with out any problems. I moniter the trans temp and it never goes above 1/2. It does get a little fuel thirsty , but that is expected. It could just be a calibration issue, but that is good advice for the 1/4 tank rule, thanks for that. I have been using hot shot at every full up .had the hpfp recall done and I haven't noticed any fluctuations with the MPG except when towing. I will update after I pick it up from getting looked at.

 

[biodiesel]

I have been using my gladiator to to a 20 ft center console boat, and it pulls it with out any problems. I moniter the trans temp and it never goes above 1/2. It does get a little fuel thirsty , but that is expected.

For a midsized truck, the Gladiator EcoDiesel is a very impressive tow rig.

It could just be a calibration issue, but that is good advice for the 1/4 tank rule, thanks for that. I have been using hot shot at every full up .had the hpfp recall done and I haven't noticed any fluctuations with the MPG except when towing. I will update after I pick it up from getting looked at.

I would guess it's a calibration issue as well, I'm just not familiar with how it works. I hope it's something as simple as swapping out a sensor.

I've read that fuel coming from the return line can be as hot as 180*F. As the fuel level gets lower and lower, that heat inside the tank becomes more concentrated, especially if the vehicle is being driven for several hours. You want to keep your fuel temperature in that 80*F - 100*F temperature range for optimum performance. Diesel will eventually become compromised if it gets too hot, which is why some people install a fuel cooler if the OEM didn't come with one.

 

[70sByproduct]

When I used to work on VW TDIs, they had the fuel coolers. I never really knew why back then, but you answered that old question, and it makes total sense. Regardless, even after my issue is repaired, I will fill up around 1/4.
It could also be something like the sender float catching up on internal plumbing, which I have seen happen in the previous career

 

[biodiesel]

When I used to work on VW TDIs, they had the fuel coolers. I never really knew why back then, but you answered that old question, and it makes total sense.

Yes, VW, Duramax, and the Sprinter van all have fuel coolers.

Regardless, even after my issue is repaired, I will fill up around 1/4.

It's not always convenient, but it is best practices. I've considered installing an auxiliary fuel tank with an auto controller, but I may carry a portable 15 - 20 gallon fuel tank in times when extra fuel would come in handy.

It could also be something like the sender float catching up on internal plumbing, which I have seen happen in the previous career

That's above my paygrade. I have no idea how the fuel level is communicated to the digital display.

 

[Rusty PW]

Yes, VW, Duramax, and the Sprinter van all have fuel coolers.

My Nissan 370Z has a temp sensor in the fuel tank.

 

[70sByproduct]

Update... since August,.. I didn't make an appointment at the dealer because I fish a lot in the fall and I figured I can take care of the gauge issue in Nov., Dec. when im done towing my boat. One morning, the remote start didn't work, I tested the batteries and had a bad starter battery under the main. When I replaced it, I did a capacity discharge and reinstalled the batteries. I also cleaned a ground that was starting to look green. Sense I did this, the Gauge is more accurate, along with the range read out. The "needle" dips below a 1/4 tank. I try not to let it dip below that any way. I have heard that a weak battery can cause weird things to happen. I have also seen this first hand. As for now, m going to let sleeping dogs lie...

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