Tank on EmptyTank on Empty
 

Leaving New Orleans

July 9, 2008 about Ford Escape

I left New Orleans on I-59 east going towards Mississippi after taking a cruise to Mexico. I was thrilled to be off the ship and through customs - and it was only 8:00 a.m! So, I got in the car and didn't notice the fuel gauge was low until I was well north of the city. That's when the light came on. I had meant to fill up the tank before I left town, but forgot after the excitement of the cruise.

If you've never been on this stretch of interstate, just let me tell you, there are NO gas stations until you get close to Hattiesburg, Mississippi. I estimated I was about halfway between the two cities, about 30 or 40 miles from Hattiesburg. I also knew that I had gone about 25 miles after the light came on a few times before, but with normal city driving.

So here's how I made it in on fumes: I reset the mileage counter to zero, so I could know how many miles I had gone since the light came on. I watched the mileage signs on the side of the road so I'd know how far I was from Hattiesburg. I drove about 45 - 50 mph, turned off the air conditioning, rolled up the windows, and coasted as much as possible. Oh yeah, and I prayed. A lot.

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Story replies

July 10, 2008 by good job

wow i know exactly what your talking about ive been on that same road and often wondered if someone runs out of gas they will have trouble lol i guess i finally met someone or someone who was about to experience it. i have not been to mississippi in a while think im gonna visit

August 18, 2008 by Rufus Washinton

I was the hitchhiker you almost ran over. I am going to sharpen my ax and wait for you.

April 1, 2013 by Ahmed

Not unless the fotruh gear is overdrive, which most four speeds aren't. Most three and four speed transmissions are a 1:1 ratio in their final (high) gear so the engine is turning the same RPM's, for any given speed, in both. The only thing the 4 speed does is give you closer gear spacing so the engine doesn't have to rev quite as high between shifts. Gas savings would be minute if any at all.

April 1, 2013 by Ahmed

Not unless the fotruh gear is overdrive, which most four speeds aren't. Most three and four speed transmissions are a 1:1 ratio in their final (high) gear so the engine is turning the same RPM's, for any given speed, in both. The only thing the 4 speed does is give you closer gear spacing so the engine doesn't have to rev quite as high between shifts. Gas savings would be minute if any at all.

April 1, 2013 by Ahmed

Not unless the fotruh gear is overdrive, which most four speeds aren't. Most three and four speed transmissions are a 1:1 ratio in their final (high) gear so the engine is turning the same RPM's, for any given speed, in both. The only thing the 4 speed does is give you closer gear spacing so the engine doesn't have to rev quite as high between shifts. Gas savings would be minute if any at all.

September 27, 2015 by Shul

Your clutch maestr cylinder/slave cylinder needs to be replaced and possibly your clutch disc/pressure plate also. This is assuming you have already made sure your clutch fluid level has been checked and topped off.

December 22, 2016 by Emily

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June 6, 2018 by Kalin

Now that's sulbte! Great to hear from you.