Fuel light flashing...

[MyLeon]

For the second time since I got my 184 DSG I managed to run low enough on fuel to get the fuel light flashing.
The first time, it started flashing 100yrds from the fuel station. This time I was 15 miles away.
Both times I could only get 48L in the tank.
The light starts flashing when the tank range reaches 0 miles.
How far has anyone gone with the light flashing? Who holds the record for being the bravest (stupidest?) so far?
Please note this is not a challenge! I don't want stranded Leons clogging the roads... ☹


2015 Leon ST FR 184 DSG

 

[JACUPRA280]

For the second time since I got my 184 DSG I managed to run low enough on fuel to get the fuel light flashing.
The first time, it started flashing 100yrds from the fuel station. This time I was 15 miles away.
Both times I could only get 48L in the tank.
The light starts flashing when the tank range reaches 0 miles.
How far has anyone gone with the light flashing? Who holds the record for being the bravest (stupidest?) so far?
Please note this is not a challenge! I don't want stranded Leons clogging the roads... ☹


2015 Leon ST FR 184 DSG

If you run the fuel tank dry in a diesel it can suck all sorts of crap (carbon deposits) into the engine. Why would you even let it get that low?

 

[MyLeon]

Because I like living on the edge...? Oh, and there are no fuel stations anywhere near on that particular route


2015 Leon ST FR 184 DSG

 

[Biker]

If you run the fuel tank dry in a diesel it can suck all sorts of crap (carbon deposits) into the engine. Why would you even let it get that low?

Out of interest, what are the carbon deposits in a diesel tank and where do they come from?

 

[kazand]

Out of interest, what are the carbon deposits in a diesel tank and where do they come from?

Coal.

 

[JACUPRA280]

Not a mechanic, just saying what I've heard. Am I not right in saying that crap can get sucked into the engine? Regardless of it being CD.

 

[stu_m]

I have had many cars and bikes run dry and never had a problem with crap been pulled in to the lines!

After all the fuel pick up is at the bottom anyway!

 

[StevenM]

I regularly do 30 miles + after the light starts flashing and the most I've managed to stick in is 51 and a bit litres...not bad for a 50 litre tank!

I think the light starts flashing when you've used 45 litres.


Sent from my piece of shite iPhone - according to Muz.

 

[MyLeon]

I regularly do 30 miles + after the light starts flashing and the most I've managed to stick in is 51 and a bit litres...not bad for a 50 litre tank!

I think the light starts flashing when you've used 45 litres.


Sent from my piece of shite iPhone - according to Muz.

I think the 50 litres stated must be 50 'usable' litres. Also, I assume it's a figure based on being full as the pump cuts out the first time. I always squeeze another litre or so in after that.

The issue with running a diesel dry is the fuel delivery system. It could need bleeding afterwards to get the air out.
As far as crap being sucked up from the bottom of the tank, it's the same as a petrol, in so much as muck will find its way in, a tiny bit at a time. But this shouldn't be an issue on our new cars.

The light definitely starts flashing at 0 miles range (well it does on mine). And the range is dependant on current consumption, which for me yesterday was particularly bad due to abnormal traffic conditions.



2015 Leon ST FR 184 DSG

 

[dephead2004]

In olden days when petrol tanks were made of steel and they were less well sealed than now water plus steel plus oxygen in the air meant rust. These fine particles would drop to the bottom of the tank and if the pump had to suck on a rusty puddle of petrol, it was inevitable that some bits got sucked up into the filter or before fuel filters into the carburettor with the inevitable consequence.

 

[StevenM]

The light definitely starts flashing at 0 miles range (well it does on mine). And the range is dependant on current consumption, which for me yesterday was particularly bad due to abnormal traffic conditions.



2015 Leon ST FR 184 DSG

Yes, mine always starts flashing at 'zero' miles too and if I fill up straight away it will take 45 litres (give or take a smidge) and if I continue to drive for 20-30 miles it'll take 47-48 litres.


Sent from my piece of shite iPhone - according to Muz.

 

[Leonfr140]

Funny subject!! First time ever in 4 cars I have let it get to 0 miles, although to start journey I had 5 miles and I was going to do near 10 miles!! It to me felt like it was going to die, thankfully it didn't!! With this is mind I got 493 miles out of the tank 1.4 Act!! But only managed to put in around 49 litres!! I won't be doing that again though!!

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

 

[FRvirgin]

Not tried it with the Leon yet but our Octy 3 150CR can also do 50+ miles after the maxidot shows zero miles range! Must be a feature of the MQB platform!

 

[andrewpain]

I get twitchy when mine drops below two marks on the dial.
Only had the light flash once. Why take a chance?

 

[StevenM]

My Mrs only has to fill up every three to four weeks so she will generally do it once she's gets below a quarter of a tank and passes a petrol station.

Whereas I do 600-1000 miles a week so if I filled up when I hit a quarter I would forever be at the pump. I've got it judged to perfection and haven't ran out yet...famous last words and all that!


Sent from my piece of shite iPhone - according to Muz.

 

[kazand]

After many years of working in remote areas of Wales & Scotland , particularly in winter when there is a real risk of getting stuck, I tend to fill up at the first station I see once the tank dips below half. At least if you get stuck you have a fullish tank to keep warm. Equally the same rules apply when overseas, fuel stations can be very sparse in less populated areas.

 

[J500ANT]

I've never seen my red light flash - even on the current one which had 5 miles of fuel in when I got it, and put 48 litres in. Maybe it's a later thing (mine have been 13MY and 14MY)

 

[Snah]

I frequently fill mine up with 55 litres but then I am already driving 20 km+ with remaining distance of 0 km's.
But it takes some time to get the last 4 litres in.

 

[Seastormer]

I still run about with a 5L container in the boot for emergencies, and use and replace every 3 months as modern fuel starts to lose quality after that.

 

[Dan FR]

If you run the fuel tank dry in a diesel it can suck all sorts of crap (carbon deposits) into the engine. Why would you even let it get that low?

Has to be one of the oldest fairytales going... Try lifting up the in tank pump on any car made in the last decade and it will be absolutely spotless in there