New way to save fuel

[jx2mad]

I have discovered a new way to save fuel in my 1998 Defender TDi. Just turn the lights on and the fuel gauge goes up.. only a little but definitely reads higher. I know that the fuel sender is an earth return circuit and possibly the lights too but.. how does turning on my lights affect the fuel sender.. and no! the voltage to the sender does not change. Jim

[rick130]

I have discovered a new way to save fuel in my 1998 Defender TDi. Just turn the lights on and the fuel gauge goes up.. only a little but definitely reads higher. I know that the fuel sender is an earth return circuit and possibly the lights too but.. how does turning on my lights affect the fuel sender.. and no! the voltage to the sender does not change. Jim

Yep, that's normal.
Defenders are infamous for instrument earthing.

FWIW, our Patrol does the same thing with the spotties on.

[Grover-98]

I love driving down hills as i get a higher reading then

[jimbo110]

I've also heard that driving the new Puma Defenders in the rain can fill the tank too

[Grover-98]

I've also heard that driving the new Puma Defenders in the rain can fill the tank too

[Hymie]

My brother in law reakons he gets better economy in his Nissan Diesel as he coasts down hills in neutral.
I reakon either way the fuel rack is going to be at idle if his foots off the throttle, am I right?

[Bushie]

My brother in law reakons he gets better economy in his Nissan Diesel as he coasts down hills in neutral.
I reakon either way the fuel rack is going to be at idle if his foots off the throttle, am I right?

You would be right - but, in gear the engine will be driven to higher revs thus using more fuel ie firing more often.

BTW - I wouldn't recommend down hill in angel gear


Martyn