C4S Fuel gauge / computer

[oldhatter]

My 996 is the latest in a long line of cars with pathetic range on a fill up (Departed Noble M12 and EVO VI being prime examples, as well as still owned Caterham). Because of this I find the range to empty function useful and normally brim the tank at each fill with Optimax. However last week I twice got caught out and had to splash & dash with normal unleaded. The first time I made do with 8 litres, but was surprised that the range to empty didn't seem to register the extra fuel. I put this down to a glitch, but later in the week got caught out again on the Welsh borders and decided I needed 20 litres to be safe.
This time it was obvious that not only did the range till empty not change, but the fuel gauge didn't register the extra fuel either. I must admit I found running apparently empty slightly distracting, and the issue didn't resolve itself until I found an Esso station with Super Plus and filled to the top again. Do they all do this? Should I read the Manual?
Steve

[dazren]

I don't have an answer to your query but I have read that the fuel tank on RHD 996 is 20 litres less than the tank on LHD 996.

DAZ

[tifosi]

Any idea why that would be? where exactly is the fuel tank located on a 996?

[domster]

Steering column probably.

[Clubsport]

Doesn't sound right...I never had probs with my 02 996 in this respect a mate with a C4 who does a reasonably high mileage,had range indications last year...Porsche
said it was normal,after more complaint they replaced his sender unit and the problem has not been mentioned since...that was the only gripe he had with the whole car,so now he is very happy.

Tifosi,when you open the front lid the petrol tank is leaning against the front bilkhead,biggish dome covered in carpet..This is the reason why you cannot get much luggage under the bonnet (4wd system aside).

[dazren]

domster said:

Steering column probably.

DAZ

[charlie360]

I've noticed similar things with my 996 although only twice so shrugged it off and thought I was imagining it. I must say the tank is rather pathetic having come from a 360 with nearly 100 litres

[lightweight]

My 996 C4S has exactly the same problem and is going in to AFN on Thursday for a fix it is one of 2 things aparently it may just be a recalibration or it could be the sensor in the tank both thankfuly under warenty as the sensor is a tank out job

[tifosi]

ok cheers Clubsport

>> Edited by tifosi on Tuesday 21st October 13:33

[oldhatter]

Thanks Lightweight, I'll get it looked at under warranty.
Steve

[JamieBeeston]

hmm, i tend to get around 300-350 miles from the tank, hardly what I would call low, esp given the 150 i used to get from the TVR.. and I am not exactly, how shall i say, light footed.

Last trip up north, london --> crewe, my average speed was 87 according to the computer, and thats including stopping for dinner and the obligstory traffic

[oldhatter]

"i tend to get around 300-350 miles from the tank, hardly what I would call low,"
(sorry I don't know how to do that "Jamie said" thing)
Looks like I'll have to get the GT3 on order PDQ :-)
Consumption seems to me to be very dependent on type of mileage. The 4S is probably the best everyday car I've ever had (though I still smile when I think back to 968CS) and I use it every day. Certainly judging by the computer the key is not weight of right foot but type of driving. Commuting in traffic I guess range is around 200 - 240 miles, but on a decent run this increses to 280 - 300. By a decent run I mean "using" the cars abilities properly.
Steve