Gas Gauge

camper guy · Post by **camper guy** » 18 Nov 2003, 06:37

Curious question.

When I fill my 95 854T, the gauge quickly dives from full to about 3/4, then moves at what seems to be the usage of gas till the tank is almost gone. Is this common? Not looking to fix or make accurate.

Maybe I'm not cursed when it comes to gas gauges, maybe all gauges are lousy.

Tsquared · Post by **Tsquared** » 18 Nov 2003, 12:10

My 96 does the same. It drops very quickly for the first 1/4 tank then slows so it correct at the first hash mark.

Paul93-850 · Post by **Paul93-850** » 19 Nov 2003, 13:26

Yeah - I find the same thing on my 93 850 where the first 1/4 tank dives quickly and the last 1/4 seems to go forever. Well, that's gut feeling for ya and no real scientific method involved on my part. How big are the fuel tanks on these cars? I believe that the guage shows a top end of 70 liters, but I can only ever get 63 or so in the tank.

Sorry that I can't lend much advice on that.

When my tank is so empty that the fuel warning light comes on, a fillup will only register as a 1/4 tank on my gage when I start the car... yes, even if I wait awhile, as in, 1/2 an hour later. However, as soon as I turn off and restart the car, it registers accurately.

Tsquared · Post by **Tsquared** » 19 Nov 2003, 15:24

I have the US version - 18 gallons. When I run it down to where the Add Gas light comes on I can put in 16 gallons. Afer I have topped it off it will stay on the full for about 5 miles (down about 1/4 gallon or 1 liter) then drop halfway to the first hash mark at the 12 gallon mark.

It sounds like your sending unit may be going out. If it does it is easily changed by dropping the tank and unscrewing the bung from the top of the tank for a fairly easy replacemnt (do this with an almost empty tank).

camper guy · Post by **camper guy** » 26 Nov 2003, 06:54

I was more curious if it was just a "feature" of the Volvo. My last Volvo the gas gauge didn't function at all. I haven't run out of gas so it's fairly accurate, just seems to dive quickly from full.

Jeff · Post by **Jeff** » 01 Dec 2003, 18:03

My 93 850 GLT will false register fuel levels until the car is restarted after filling. I thought that they all did that.Owned this one for 7 years and only ever put oil and tires to it. Been checked regularly, but touch wood no problems so far 255 000 kms. Sold my 740 turbo @ 476 000 kms and I understand it is still going at over 550 000 with the same engine and jenkins turbo upgrade....

camperguy · Post by **camperguy** » 01 Dec 2003, 18:06

what is the 6, 12 & 18 marks, gallons?

Jeff · Post by **Jeff** » 01 Dec 2003, 18:16

mine doesnt have that, it goes 30 50 70

Tsquared · Post by **Tsquared** » 01 Dec 2003, 18:49

camperguy wrote:what is the 6, 12 & 18 marks, gallons?

Yes, they are gallons.