Update on my fuel mileage problem...

[Dixie Dawg]

new '01, bought last Monday with 350 on odometer. Fueled up that evening shortly after fuel light came on, 28 gallons. Haven't towed anything, and about 70% city driving. Anyway, on Saturday I went to see my Dawgs play, so I was traveling interstate and was getting low early, light came on after only 380 miles on tank!! Fueled up again, this time right as light came on, and only took 27 gallons. Is my gauge bad, or just getting that bad of mileage on my new CTD? This is really bothering me, thanks for any and all help.

 

[KatDiesel]

Several things, first off the truck is new. Secondly you have an auto, 4. 10, 4x4 worst combo for fuel milage. Your getting "roughly" 14mpg which isn't bad. I am lucky to get that but thats due to my driving style.



I wouldn't worry yet.

 

[Dixie Dawg]

Kat, I filled up. Only took 28 gallons the first fill up, but should have had a full 34 gallon load. I calculate 11 mpg. Also, I assumed I had 3. 54 gears. Didn't see the 4. 10 on option sheet. Any help is appreciated.

 

[Mundgyver]

I would not worry too much right now. When my low level light comes on, and if I fill it at that instant, I have consistantly found that I have exactly 9 gallons of fuel left in the tank. This is using the method of toping out the tank to where another drop will not go in. My first tank was great for mileage at 18 and on the 3rd tank dropped like a rock. I was sweating pretty good. I now have 40,000 on it and my mileage is really good. Best tank range was 715 miles at 22. 3 mpg set at 65mph. I have gotten 24, but have to drive like I have an egg-shell under my foot. Put some weight in it and don't worry too much. It will come up.

 

[KatDiesel]

oops looks like I jumped the gun on the 4. 10. I guess I was thinking of my truck. Check your sheet again to see which gear set you have? Sorry bout that.



And the light comes on with 8 to 10 gallons in the tank. So rarely will you put more then 27 or 28 gallons, if you fill up when the light comes on. 380 miles diveded by 27 gallons of fuel (as in your first post) = 14mpg, unless I missed a number or something? How are you calculating your milage?



As I said I am usually right at 14mpg on my truck with 21k on the ticker. But I don't worry bout it since I know my driving style is terrible for fuel milage.

 

[Ray J]

It DOES get better with break-in and towing... ... I have the 4 x 4 and 4. 10 combo. At 16K miles, I can consistently get 17. 8 (non-towing) by keeping it at 65. If I drop to 60/61, I can hit the low 18's... . BUT... its boring as hell.

Being ruled by mileage numbers takes all the fun right out of driving the Ram... . and I do enjoy driving it... . so now I just use it and let the numbers fall where they may. I spot check every once in a while to make sure they haven't taken a drastic nose dive (without apparent reason).

 

[Dixie Dawg]

Alright guys, feeling better now. This being my first diesel, I'm worried about driving on low fuel, ran my gasser out a few times around here off-road. This 2nd tank I put in friday has 225 on it and reading over half a tank left, however thats all I-75 miles. Anyway, thanks for the help y'all!

 

[Hale on wheels]

I have a similar truck to you, and I was also dissapointed at the fuel mileage when I first got the truck. I have about 16k now and it has gone up to 19, so just put a few miles on it and I think you will see the mileage increase as I did.

 

[RKelly]

Might be a good idea to tow something, get the engine hot to help seat the rings.

fyi: My fuel level sending unit went, and the gas guage just sat on Full all the time.

sorry... . I mean diesel guage, diesel... ... .

In the nice warm weather, like this week, I'm up to 21. 2 mpg's !!!!

see stat's below... .

ray