Erratic fuel gauge and poor fuel efficiency

[LeeroyArmstrong]

Since I bought my Mk 1 I've noticed that my fuel gauge has been extremely inaccurate and has fluctuated constantly. I've only had it since Friday and this problem has been really getting on my nerves.

I stuck around 30 litres of diesel in on the day I got it. This only lasted me 210 miles, giving me around 30 MPG off the top of my head. (Correct me if I'm wrong here, I've a feeling I'm horribly wrong) I ran this dry today according to the gauge and put a further 20 litres in the tank, apparently filling it half way.

I have been told the Leon's fuel tank is the same as a Mk4 Golf. (~55 litres) However, on my old Golf 20 litres of diesel would never have taken it to half way. Also bearing in mind, these readings were on flat ground, so no gradients to offset the reading.

I'm no expert on fuel efficiency or anything here but all tyres are correctly inflated, the miles haven't been on short journeys with lots of traffic either. However; the car does need an oil change.

If anyone out there could explain why the fuel economy has been so bad for a 110 TDI I'd be very greatful.

 

[Smurfy]

My fuel guage is a bit iffy on my 2004 tdi 150, I filled it up from half way the other day and it took nearly £55 worth of fuel, bearing in mind it takes about £75 to fill it up, if you fill it full you will find you do loads of miles for the first half of the tank and then goes down dead quick for the second half.

As for MPG, you should have a trip meter on the dash that you can display your MPG, but could be any number of things, oil, glow plugs, air filter, fule filter, EGR Valve, poor driving, the list goes on.

 

[LeeroyArmstrong]

I had to look in the manual on how to find my MPG etc, so I'm glad you mentioned that. Every cloud has silver lining I guess. I always wondered what the switch on the wipers did haha.

Do you think that an oil change would do it any good?