Gas mileage not accurate?

2013 NISSAN PATHFINDER
155,000 MILES • 3.4L • V6 • AUTOMATIC
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BASHURAKI
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
So, this is not a really big deal, however, I was curious as to why my vehicle's gas mileage on my dashboard never reads accurately. For instance, if I put gas in and fill it to full, it is most likely going to show a reading around 360 miles worth of gas, even though the gas needle if full to the right. This is not correct. I noticed that if I reset the battery, the gas mileage on my dashboard will then read correctly at around 480-500 miles if filled full.

Like I said, it's not really a big deal, because as long as the gas needle is ready accurately then I'm okay with it. I was just curious about why the reading is always off. Does this have something to do with a fuel gauge sensor, or maybe the fuse?
Sep 13, 2022 at 9:58 AM
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STRAILER
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,832 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
It is the gas level sensor which wears in time and can change resistance which makes the reading off, or the mileage calculator need an update patch. Also, I would check the air in the tires and clean the MAF sensor. Here is the location of the MAF sensor and a generic guide to show you how:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-tire-pressure-gauge

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/mass-air-flow-service

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
Sep 14, 2022 at 10:24 AM
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