85Krtagena

I just bought my self a 98 gs400 with 112k miles (beautiful car) however. It is eating fuel very quickly. The empty tank fuel light comes on and I have only being able to get 280 miles at 12-13 gallons. The car is not running rich and I do not smell fuel.

Is it normal for the fuel light to come on so quickly?

Has anybody ever had this problem?

How do I improve the miles per gallon?

thanks

fnkmachine

Hello, I've also recently purchased a 98 GS4 and I seem to be getting the same amount of mileage now that I've set the trip odometer twice when refueling. My fuel warning light comes on pretty quickly as well, I'd say at almost half way below past the quarter tank level and the lowest line. And I do half city, half highway mostly.

Longchampe

That doesn't seem off. My 98 GS3 got 22.5mpg last tank, mixed city/highway driving.

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

Thats about right. However, theres a guy on here who got 500, not sure the validity of that though.

One thing I DO know (and has been confirmed by a few others) that our engine LOVES Chevron Premium I went to Stockton (about 130 miles from here) on just over a quarter tank. With 76 (which I always use) uses about 1/3 or more of a tank.

oh and thats with easily an extra 1000lbs of wheels and equipment

raytseng

Getting low 20mpgs is within the spec of this car, which appears to be what you are getting.

Assuming the rest of your car has been maintained, the biggest mechanical factor to increase MPG is to check your tires and air pressure. First is the choice of specific tires, then it's to Increase the air pressure to perhaps 35 or so, or a few PSI over the recommended. Give it a try.

But, the tank size should be a bit higher around 15-16gallons before you are riding on E. If your car runs out of fuel at a lower amount of gallons, there is a possible problem with either 1) how you are filling your tank, or 2) the jet system to get the fuel from the passenger side of the tank over the hump to the driver's side fuel pump is not working properly.

Otherwise, the non-mechanical factor of your driving habits is important.

GS4hunnit

you should get well over 400 miles on a tank with mixed city/freeway driving. I always divided by 18 because I believe thats our tank size. I made my trip from Modesto, Ca to San Diego, Ca with 2 fill ups, at 1/4 tank at Temecula and arrived at our destination with 3/4 tank. So its not a gas saver per se, but its not a gas guzzler either. Check all the basics my friend.

lextout

i got once 430 with 80% hiway 20% city,keeping the rpm needle below 3k is key.

85Krtagena

I also forgot to mention that the check engine light comes on.I had just checked it and it said that is the fuel purge Regulator. Could this be causing dad is bad could this be causing the fuel light to come on so quickly?

lextout

If the light comes on at 12gallons, then you have an extra 5 gallons left, so yes that's correct. If you use up all 18 gallons then you will get more then 400 miles out of a tank of gas.

SwayNV

I get about 300 miles on a tank.... but then again I don't usually take the GS on trips out of town, so it's 100% city. =(

LuxuryGS3

iTrader: (12)

100% city you'll get 260-300.

85Krtagena

So do you guys think the the fuel pressure regulator being bad has something to do with the fuel light coming on so quickly? Is there a write up on how to change the fuel pressure regulator? where is it located?

If i keep driving the car even though the fuel light came on and dont stop for gas until i reach about 340-380 miles, would that hurt the car in any way?

Thank you guys.

raytseng

So mpg sems ok but capacity is the issue? Search for the diy on changing the fuel pump filter as a star ting point to change.. or it can be the jet return like i mentioned..or if you follow the cel, then change the regulator.
If you want to check your fuel capacity, running to empty once won't kill your car, but does put a strain on the pump. but yes light should go on at 14-15 gallonos used, with a couple in reserve. I suggest though you bring a spare can of fuel, rather then idling at a gas station or something like that.

raytseng

Or the light ends up being accurate and the car stops working at 14 gallons used

Arcadian

I had to convert mine from metric, but I am getting 20.5 mpg in the winter, all city driving. Which, is about right for this car. In summer I get 22-23 mpg and on the highway 28-29 (up to about 95mph, then it drops pretty fast).