Dead Battery Can Affect Fuel Gauge Reading?

[Pitter]

Well car wouldn't start this morning, lots of messages flashing on the screen including low fuel. I jumped it with a portable starter and while it was running I looked at the fuel gauge and it said there was only a range of 44 kilometers. I didn't use the car yesterday and I could swear I filled it the day before. My parking area isn't full of leaked gas and I'm pretty sure they didn't bamboozle me at the gas station. I haven't driven the car to run up the battery yet and will have to jump it again tomorrow to go to town for a new battery but my question is could the failed battery cause the fuel gauge to read inaccurately low? I hope I don't have to coast down my mountain tomorrow with the car in neutral and riding the brakes to make it to a gas station.

 

[N7turbo]

I would not be surprised. The computer seems to freak out about many things when the battery is not providing enough voltage.

But you don't want to ride the brakes down hills in neutral. They can't handle it. They will overheat against the weight of the car. If you can't stay in 1st gear to provide engine braking, leave the car at home.

 

[Jmaz]

After disconnecting the battery I have to reset the clock and programmed radio stations. It also resets the tip odometer(s) and average fuel usage to zero. Probably resets the range also. If you know there's gas in the tank I'd just drive it. Who are you going to believe? Yourself who knows they got gas or the display which got spastic because of low voltage.

 

[Pitter]

Thank you both. I should be ok then on gas to get to the dealer tomorrow. No I won't go down in neutral riding the breaks