2000 Chrysler 300M Has Very Accurate Gauges
The fuel gauge and trip computer in my 300 is pretty consistant when it comes to giving me the fuel stats.
I have never ran the car out of gas totally but have come close a few times. I can tell you that when the gas light first comes on and the computer says i have 0 miles left, if i pull in and fill up immeadiately, i always get 14 to 14 1/2 gallons in the tank,and that is filling it to the brim. Therefore as the car has a tank capacity of 17.2 there has to be 3 gallons of "reserve" fuel.
The most i have driven it on empty was 60 miles without actually running out of gas and when i filled it up on that occassion i got 16 gallons in it so there was probably another 25 highway miles in the tank.I was however driving on the freeway and being very light footed and coasting on occasions.
There have been a few occasions when i have gone to an unfamiliar gas station after having driven maybe 50 miles on empty. Put fuel in and put 18-20 gallons in it. Now since it only holds 17.2 gallons i feel i got ripped off on those occasions.Needless to say i never bought gas there again!! A few weeks ago i put $40 in and got 1/2 a tank, i went to a different gas station a few days later where it was 10cents/gallon cheaper.I put $40 in again and it was just a fraction under full. WTF! Both times the needle was on empty and in the same place.Talk about price gouging. Is there a controller in the pump to alter the calibration of the measuring device?
I am sometimes mindful of the fact that the pump is pumping air as the pipe shakes and the the pump display go staggered.ALWAYS COMPLAIN IF YOUR NOT HAPPY, it wont get you anywhere but it made me feel better.
Story replies
I have a 2000 Intrepid with the same discoveries, besides the gas ripoff. It's smart how they have a 3 gallon reserve.
In answer to altamin's question i would have to say there are many qualities about the 300m that make it and excellent car. The interior and the gadgets are all standard on this model unlike the New SEXY 300, So you get your luxuries like climate control, heated seats etc without having to add them as an extra cost. And it doesnt do to bad for gas milelage averaging 24-25mpg on the highway and 27 if you drive it like your grandmother! But with the high power 3.5 V6 its tempting just to burn the gas up coz its a fun car and handles fantastic if not better than its replacement. HOWEVER, I have had a few electrical issues in mine like the power window motor failing and most annoyingly the rear door lock solanoid failing and thus rendering the door permanantly locked- i thought that wouldnt be to much to fix, well i was WRONG just the man hours to fix that add up to 800 bucks. One other thing was the wheels rot inside and clog the valve so get them replace with some nice twenties :)