Have a 2002 Quad Cab 4X4 with 5.9L engine--just got the truck and still getting to know it. Manual says fuel capacity is 26 gallons.

I can only add 16 to 18 gallons and tank is full per the gauge and gas pump shutoff. The trip computer works--show miles to empty and si fairly acurate, gauge show full aftr fill and falls in faily linear fashion as fuel is used, tank appears to be in excellent condition--no apparent damage of any kind.

What is going on?

Is it possible tank was replace with a smaller capacity tank?

With that engine it's a PITA because 18 or so gallons only goes about 235 miles...

Would appreciate any clues.

 

heres what i estimate..

1500 rams

-26 gallon fuel tanks

-4.5 to 5 gallons per quarter tank

-5-6 gallons reserve

 

My needle hits the empty peg with 4.5 gallons still in it (21.5 gal used) and the low fuel light comes on at 18 used. The Ram has a pretty big "reserve" in the gauge calibration, because these things guzzle gas, especially while towing.

and if you're getting 235 miles out of 18 gallons, be happy, cuz that 5.9 is a thirsty bastard, 13mpg is good for that engine. And get a Superchips, the 5.9 is a sleeping beast, and the Superchips will awaken it. Boost the power, and probably get better gas mileage to boot.

 

I also have the 2002 5.9, and I can tell you, you can go like 75 more miles after your trip monitor says "0 miles to empty". It is a large reserve, just don't try to push it too far. Alot of people have replaced the 26 gal tank with the larger one(I think its a 35 or 36). I don't think it costs alot, you'll just have to ask around. Probably the best way to increase the distance between fill-ups. Oh, and mine was averaging 12.2mpg till I changed the plugs. Now I'm at about 14.5.

 

smallest tank ever used was a 26.

 

Ditto, I've pretty much estimated a 6 gal reserve in the 26 gal tank. You only ever read 20 gals on the gauge until you hit to the left of 'E'.

 

However, I know on my 35 gal tank, when it was on "E" and I filled up, my DTE still had a few miles left but I know I did around 32-33 gals of fuel in it. I know on my wifes Mini Cooper, her manual states she has a 12gal tank with a 2 reserve.

 

Thanks for the reply's and the information. Like I said truck is new to me and I'm still getting used to it's idosyncasies (sp?) and items the owners manual doesn't tell you.

Thanks again--

 

I know my owners manual says there is a reserve, just not how much.