why does the light come on when your gas is low, but then turns off again when you drive for awhile?

Answer 1

In some cars the warning for low fuel besides a light coming on is a series of chimes and then a digital readout stating there are 50 more driving miles. As you continue to drive the miles decrease until you refuel. Then the mileage to drive is recalculated by average miles x gallons at which time the fuel warning is reset automatically and will not come on again until the fuel is used to 50 driving miles left.

Answer 2

The car heats up, heating the gas in the tank enough to raise the float so it doesn't trip the sensor. The light will come back on eventually though.

Answer 3

some cars adjust the gauge based on fuel consumption, so if you are driving around and using a lot of gas accelerating then the meter will go down, but once you hit that highway you travel at a lower rpm causing the gauge to rise back up.

Answer 4

gas moves around and causes the light to go off and on. I usually dont put gas until it stays on without turning off

Answer 5

There is what is called a float in your gas tank that controls the gas gauge. If you lets say, go up a hill the gas moves to the rear of the tank pushing the float up and sending it to the gauge.

Answer 6

Most of the above are good answers. Here's some good advice: don't allow your tank to get that low. You never know when you might get stuck in traffic, or need to get somewhere distant in a hurry. Be prepared! Keep extra food and water in the pantry, and extra fuel in the car. Good common sense.

Answer 7

Gasoline expands as it warms up. This could be due to the weather or to your exhaust running past the tank, or something else that warms the gasoline. The larger volume of gasoline "tells" the gas light indicator that you have more gasoline now.

Answer 8

The sencor inside moves around when you turn. if the light ever turns on, you should re-fuel.A car running on empty can damage your fuelpump,.which can cost in the hundreds to replace.

Answer 9

There is a sensor. If you go up or down hill it makes the sensor think the tank is empty or full.

Answer 10

Mine does that. If your car is older, don't trust it! It will come on, but when I ease off the accelerator it goes off. When I rev the engine, it comes back on.