Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: jules on 08 February 2008, 09:46:26

Title: Trip computer - Range function - Do you trust it ?
Post by: jules on 08 February 2008, 09:46:26
Just curious, my low fuel light is on, the needle doesn't move and the range computer says 45 miles left.

My old Senator used to run about 30miles after the range said 0 miles.

(Sorry if this has been done before)
Title: Re: Trip computer - Range function - Do you trust it ?
Post by: Kevin Wood on 08 February 2008, 09:50:51
Whether it can be trusted depends on whether it's got a good estimate of what's going on. It will base its' estimate on recent fuel consumption, so if that is stable and remains the same until you fill up IME you'll get the range it promises.

If you cruise at 60 MPH for hours and then rely on the range to decide that you can get over an Alpine pass (heavier fuel consumption) you will be disappointed!

Kevin
Title: Re: Trip computer - Range function - Do you trust it ?
Post by: Jimbob on 08 February 2008, 09:56:54
I Trust it to show whats left at my current driving style, but I never get below 20 absolute minimum miles left, tend to fill up at the 1/4 to 1/8 mark.

IMO these cars are too thirsty to let it get very low, never know when you  may struggle to fill up.

Not voted as no option that really sums that up
Title: Re: Trip computer - Range function - Do you trust it ?
Post by: albitz on 08 February 2008, 10:02:33
i drove for about 4 miles after it got to 0 once,wouldnt want to do it again though.not good for my nerves or the car.
Title: Re: Trip computer - Range function - Do you trust it ?
Post by: TheBoy on 08 February 2008, 10:44:03
I've taken mv6 done to 0 and beyond.  Took tractor down to single digits, sttarted to hold back.
Title: Re: Trip computer - Range function - Do you trust it ?
Post by: zirk on 08 February 2008, 11:42:54
My MV6 warns you at 30 left, take below that and at about 25 the fuel light goes from On, to intermittant flashing, if i dont fill up now I need to make sure I stop or park on a total even surface, otherwise it refuses to start again!

Title: Re: Trip computer - Range function - Do you trust it ?
Post by: JonArgraig on 08 February 2008, 11:50:03
I wont go below 30 mile range if I can help it, main reason been that there is no 24 hour petrol station on this side of Island, so should I get called out in the early hours I would be knackered.

On my old Carlton is was prity much spot on though
Title: Re: Trip computer - Range function - Do you trust it ?
Post by: bigdods on 08 February 2008, 12:44:17
For me, the fuel light coming on is a gentle reminder. Then the range display flashes at around 25-30 miles left to remind me again. I usually wait until the fuel light is flashing before I fill up. usually 15-20 miles left on the range
Title: Re: Trip computer - Range function - Do you trust it ?
Post by: MickAP on 08 February 2008, 12:48:30
I never go below 50 miles left before I fill up. The orange warning light usually comes on with around 60 miles range left. Mine seems pretty accurate.

Mick
Title: Re: Trip computer - Range function - Do you trust it ?
Post by: wakeyomega on 08 February 2008, 13:09:51
On the very rare occasion I have travelled on after it has hit 0 - but usually will take action before or when the orange light comes. At my age I can do without the extra stress of "will I make it or not...." ;)

Pat
Title: Re: Trip computer - Range function - Do you trust it ?
Post by: Martin_1962 on 08 February 2008, 13:13:53
I ran for a week with it flashing!!

It doesn't measure what is in the tank :o, it guesses according to ECU
Title: Re: Trip computer - Range function - Do you trust it ?
Post by: Rob James on 08 February 2008, 13:18:41
I don't like to let my tank get too empty as I don't know what gunk is at the bottom of the tank.
Title: Re: Trip computer - Range function - Do you trust it ?
Post by: Andy B on 08 February 2008, 13:22:48
When I ran mine down to 4 miles remaining I then filled the right car up. It took 68 litres which I understand leaves about 7 litres left. A gallon & half-ish means about 30/35 miles left knocking about town. Normally I'm never too far from a 24 hr petrol stn.
Title: Re: Trip computer - Range function - Do you trust it ?
Post by: Andy B on 08 February 2008, 13:24:29
Quote
I don't like to let my tank get too empty as I don't know what gunk is at the bottom of the tank.

Has anyone actually seen this gunk in the bottom of an Omega's tank? As they're plastic you're not going to have bits of rust there like I've had in previous cars.
Title: Re: Trip computer - Range function - Do you trust it ?
Post by: Kevin Wood on 08 February 2008, 13:48:17
Quote
Quote
I don't like to let my tank get too empty as I don't know what gunk is at the bottom of the tank.

Has anyone actually seen this gunk in the bottom of an Omega's tank? As they're plastic you're not going to have bits of rust there like I've had in previous cars.

Just give it a good spanking every so often and it'll stay in suspension.  [smiley=evil.gif]

It's not easy to see where any muck would come from except in contaminated fuel.

Kevin
Title: Re: Trip computer - Range function - Do you trust it ?
Post by: shyboy on 08 February 2008, 14:26:36
Being an out and out coward, ever since the last petrol blockade I fill my tank when it gets to the 3/4 mark, so don't rely on the range reading.
Son tells me I'm getting fewer mpg because of extra weight but I like the comfort of knowing I'll never get caught out.
Title: Re: Trip computer - Range function - Do you trust it ?
Post by: Danny on 08 February 2008, 14:30:25
your range adjusts with your manner of driving aswell though so its never a good idea to trust it

i did a heavy footed journey and then put petrol in, it displayed 100 miles on the range, but after driving sensibly for 11 miles, it read 108 by the time i got home!

basically, if your petrol light comes on, go the petrol station, cos if anything, its embarrassing running out of fuel!!
Title: Re: Trip computer - Range function - Do you trust it ?
Post by: Kevin Wood on 08 February 2008, 15:03:22
Quote
Being an out and out coward, ever since the last petrol blockade I fill my tank when it gets to the 3/4 mark, so don't rely on the range reading.
Son tells me I'm getting fewer mpg because of extra weight but I like the comfort of knowing I'll never get caught out.

'bout time we had another one of those. It was fantastic! Unleaded and Diesel sold out in a day or two round here, but all the garages still had LRP, and I don't have a cat in the Westfield so I could buy as much fuel as I wanted ;D

Roads were nice and quiet too, so I could burn it as fast as I wanted. 8-)

Kevin
Title: Re: Trip computer - Range function - Do you trust it ?
Post by: platty on 08 February 2008, 15:09:32
Tractor never gets below 20 litres - I might push it a bit sometimes, but only if I will be stopping at a station, otherwise she won't start. Need to get the lift pump replaced...
Title: Re: Trip computer - Range function - Do you trust it ?
Post by: zirk on 08 February 2008, 16:32:25
Quote
Quote
Being an out and out coward, ever since the last petrol blockade I fill my tank when it gets to the 3/4 mark, so don't rely on the range reading.
Son tells me I'm getting fewer mpg because of extra weight but I like the comfort of knowing I'll never get caught out.

'bout time we had another one of those. It was fantastic! Unleaded and Diesel sold out in a day or two round here, but all the garages still had LRP, and I don't have a cat in the Westfield so I could buy as much fuel as I wanted ;D

Roads were nice and quiet too, so I could burn it as fast as I wanted. 8-)

Kevin

Nice one,  :) but you wait untill LPG starts going through the roof!!
 >:( different story then?
Title: Re: Trip computer - Range function - Do you trust it ?
Post by: Kevin Wood on 08 February 2008, 16:40:06
That's LRP (as in lead replacement petrol) not LPG, sadly.

Kevin
Title: Re: Trip computer - Range function - Do you trust it ?
Post by: Andy B on 08 February 2008, 19:36:59
Quote
......
basically, if your petrol light comes on, go the petrol station, cos if anything, its embarrassing running out of fuel!!

Coward! ;D There's loads left when the light comes on, there's even quite a bit left when it starts to flash! I set off for home from halifax one morning when the light was on, it had come on the previous night on the way to work! :-[ I don't think I've ever driven that far on a motor way in the inside lane. That's when it was showing 4 miles left on the trip.  ;D I'd debated on having a few laps of Tesco's carpark to see if I could run it down to zero. ;)  ;)  ;)
Title: Re: Trip computer - Range function - Do you trust it ?
Post by: Richard A on 08 February 2008, 19:56:32
Once had 'Range 1 mile' on the read out for a few miles on the M6 south over 'Shap', got the services filled up with 69 litres (tank holds 75 litres) over a gallon to spare ! ! ! !  :y
regards
richard
Title: Re: Trip computer - Range function - Do you trust it ?
Post by: Doodley on 08 February 2008, 21:20:40
Quote
I've taken mv6 done to 0 and beyond.  Took tractor down to single digits, sttarted to hold back.

was it ok after? I thought it was bad news to let a diesel to get to the bottom of the tank :question
Title: Re: Trip computer - Range function - Do you trust it ?
Post by: Neil_MV6 on 09 February 2008, 11:49:18
Topped up my 2002 3.2 MV6 and was shocked to see the readout below.  I'd been doing a steady 70mph on the M25.

Ended up doing 420miles (of light footed driving) by the time the trip showed only 3 miles left.  I filled up with about 70 litres so there was still 5 ish litres left in the tank when it showed almost empty.

(http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2291/2252515768_8be5f70694.jpg?v=0)

At least I know theres some to spare in an emergency.  :)
Title: Re: Trip computer - Range function - Do you trust it ?
Post by: Tab on 09 February 2008, 15:20:00
i don't trust the mfd, i try not to let it get below about 40ish miles range. the light comes on about 35 miles left.

i had the astra down to 12 miles range but the needle was sitting right on the bottom.