What is the reason for the fuel gauge dropping after converting to gas?
3 Answers
The reason for the fuel gauge dropping after converting to gas is that the vehicle's fuel consumption is calculated based on the distance traveled. Therefore, the distance traveled while running on gas is converted into an equivalent amount of fuel consumption, which is reflected on the fuel gauge, even though no actual fuel is being consumed. The fuel gauge is a device that indicates the usage of the engine oil in the vehicle. Overview of engine oil: Engine oil, also known as engine lubricant (English name: Engine-oil), serves to lubricate and reduce friction, assist in cooling, seal against leaks, prevent rust and corrosion, and provide shock absorption for the engine. Composition of engine oil: Engine oil consists of two parts: base oil and additives. The base oil is the main component of the lubricant, determining its fundamental properties. Additives compensate for and improve the shortcomings of the base oil, imparting certain new properties, making them an important part of the lubricant.
I've encountered this issue of the fuel gauge dropping after converting to gas quite a few times. The reason is that after installing the natural gas system, the original gasoline level sensor might be interfered with or give false readings. When the vehicle switches to gas mode, the gasoline system should be shut off, but if the wiring wasn't done properly during the conversion—like if the sensor circuit was shorted or connected incorrectly—the fuel gauge might show a false drop. In some older cars after conversion, the actual gasoline level in the tank doesn't change, but unstable electrical signals cause the gauge to misread. Another common issue is the fuel pump stopping in gas mode, making the sensor mistakenly think the fuel level is decreasing. This isn't a major malfunction, but it's best to have a professional shop check the wiring and connections, since erratic fuel gauge readings while driving can affect safety. Just avoid tampering with the conversion parts yourself and have a reliable technician handle it.
My car had the issue of the fuel gauge dropping after being converted to CNG. I asked the conversion shop, and they said it's because in a dual-fuel system, the gasoline system is shut off when using natural gas, but improper conversion can cause problems with the fuel level sensor signal transmission. For example, a loose connector or relay failure can make the fuel gauge incorrectly show a drop. I remember last time it was because the socket wasn't secured properly—after plugging it in, the fuel gauge started jumping around. Now, I make it a habit to check the fuel gauge reading before driving to ensure it's stable before setting off. I suggest you quickly inspect the conversion parts, especially details like wiring and fuses, to avoid issues when driving on the highway. Don't delay—fix it early for peace of mind.
