I'm not talking a major noise here but it is noticeable.

 

A few weeks after I got the car I let the fuel drop to where it was saying about 60 miles left to empty according to the Maxidot.

 

Not that low (I've gone far lower on previous cars) but as I was nearly home I turned the radio off and could hear a humming from the rear. Ah, fuel pump I thought, I'm clever like that!

 

Whilst 60 miles left isn't that low I began thinking, that whilst it isn't, with the 110PS FWD diesel doing into the 50s there is going to be only about a gallon left and spread over the bottom of the tank it ain't going to be that deep. The pump was obviously working harder but hopefully not sucking air? Filled up the next morning and the noise had gone.

 

After that I made sure I filled up once it dropped to around a 100 left.

 

When I set off for work this morning on my 20 mile commute I noticed that I had 75 miles left. Sure enough when I reached work the pump was humming away and showing 55 miles left. Trip to the service station soon sorted that but I'm just wondering if anyone else has noticed this when getting low on fuel and is it likely to cause any damage to the pump?

 

I shall of course always try and refuel around the 100 mark but this is effectively reducing the range of the tank, not by a 100 of course as it is unwise to run really low. And I'm lugging around 2 gallons of fuel I can't use.

 

I used to hear the pump in my old cars many years ago, but with the more modern stuff I can't remember the last time I did. Perhaps they did hum when low on fuel but were better insulated from the driver? 

Skoda simply clever the pump gets louder to remind you to fill up

Fuel tank acting as a sounding box when it is empty?

Fuel tank acting as a sounding box when it is empty?

And not being surrounded by as much fuel to deaden the sound.

The dealer said to keep the tank below half full if not driving often in order that fuel consumed was relatively 'fresh'.

Imagine farm machinery being treated that way - with kid gloves.......what else can I worry about!

Thanks for the replies.

 

It is a nice even tone so the amplification ideas sound plausible.

 

Is the bottom of the tank flat or is there a well so that the draw off is always well immersed when the level is low to stop air being drawn in?

 

I shall try and stick to my 100 miles minimum though!

The 4x4's have a slightly larger capacity saddle tank with the main pump in one side, and a lift pump the other. As the fuel level drops, the lift pump transfers fuel from one side to the other so the main pump can supply it to the fuel lines.

Not sure about the 2wd versions, but pretty sure it's a standard flat tank in which case the pump should be capable of pumping right down until the tank is almost dry, without pumping air.

It does suggest that you have a fault either with the pump or something resonating when the tank isn't damped by fuel.

Your dealer should be willing/able to check once the car is on their ramp (hopefully!).

Edited 16 December, 201510 yr by speedsport

Or own a FWD.

Can't say I've ever noticed the pump noise but I've definitely run the tank much lower than 60 miles left on the Maxidot on the odd occasion, with no ill effects.  (I actually think that the range indictor errs somewhat on the safe side.)

It'd be nice to know if the stated fuel tank capacity is the 'useable' quantity or includes an undeclared unusable quantity.

The 4x4's have a slightly larger capacity saddle tank with the main pump in one side, and a lift pump the other. As the fuel level drops, the lift pump transfers fuel from one side to the other so the main pump can supply it to the fuel lines.

Not sure about the 2wd versions, but pretty sure it's a standard flat tank in which case the pump should be capable of pumping right down until the tank is almost dry, without pumping air.

It does suggest that you have a fault either with the pump or something resonating when the tank isn't damped by fuel.

Your dealer should be willing/able to check once the car is on their ramp (hopefully!).

I think the 2WD have an ordinary 55ltr tank. Seem to remember reading about it in one of the "Plumbers" posts way back.

FYI According to manual front wheel drive 55ltr capacity and 4x4 vehicles 60ltrs

^ ^ I've been almost stranded in deepest Lincolnshire with 5 miles indicated, got to Stamford without probs, may have been touch and go!!

On 16/12/2015 at 19:17, VAGCF said:

I'm not talking a major noise here but it is noticeable.

 

A few weeks after I got the car I let the fuel drop to where it was saying about 60 miles left to empty according to the Maxidot.

 

Not that low (I've gone far lower on previous cars) but as I was nearly home I turned the radio off and could hear a humming from the rear. Ah, fuel pump I thought, I'm clever like that!

 

Whilst 60 miles left isn't that low I began thinking, that whilst it isn't, with the 110PS FWD diesel doing into the 50s there is going to be only about a gallon left and spread over the bottom of the tank it ain't going to be that deep. The pump was obviously working harder but hopefully not sucking air? Filled up the next morning and the noise had gone.

 

After that I made sure I filled up once it dropped to around a 100 left.

 

When I set off for work this morning on my 20 mile commute I noticed that I had 75 miles left. Sure enough when I reached work the pump was humming away and showing 55 miles left. Trip to the service station soon sorted that but I'm just wondering if anyone else has noticed this when getting low on fuel and is it likely to cause any damage to the pump?

 

I shall of course always try and refuel around the 100 mark but this is effectively reducing the range of the tank, not by a 100 of course as it is unwise to run really low. And I'm lugging around 2 gallons of fuel I can't use.

 

I used to hear the pump in my old cars many years ago, but with the more modern stuff I can't remember the last time I did. Perhaps they did hum when low on fuel but were better insulated from the driver? 

 

Hello,

 

I am hearing the same noise with my 150 4X4 yeti, its not very loud but can hear a difference when fuel is low,  just wondering if you had any updates on this problem?

 

many thanks 

Edited 5 February, 20188 yr by Quarry588

Not a problem is it, empty sound amplified, full sound deadening.

I have been 10 miles past zero on one trip without running out as there were no garages nearby that I knew.