Gas guage acting up.
04-25-2006, 11:46 AM
#1
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Gas guage acting up.
This has happened on the last 2 tanks of gas, when I get down around a quarter tank, the gas gauge goes flat out empty, the check gages light comes on and the DIC shows LOW FUEL. I use Chevron 93 Octane all the time. I filled the tank right after this happened the last time and was only able to get 13.3 gallons in the tank, which should leave 5 gallons in the tank.Turning the ignition off and back on does no good. Any thoughts as to the cause. Thanks
04-25-2006, 11:54 AM
#3
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I did a search, found nothing, Techron is made by Chevron and it is in their gas, so don't think changing gas types is the answer either.
04-25-2006, 12:36 PM
#5
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Had the same thing happen to my 2002 while it was still under warranty except mine died for good. Took it back to the dealer where they replaced both right and left tank sensors. It's been fine ever since.
04-25-2006, 12:45 PM
#6
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I would still run a bottle of Techron through it - can't hurt. If that doesn't work, then you may have to get the sending units replaced. Had to do that with my '99 when the gas gauge was acting up.
04-26-2006, 07:43 PM
#9
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I've been combating the problem since last winter. Always used Chevron, but the guage started dropping off as you described. Now it's changed it's mind and doesn't go below 2/3 of a tank, so I'm keeping track of mileage for now! I'm in SoCal btw, and it's a '00 FRC.
Tried running 76, Shell, Chevron, Mobil, Arco, Valero, and been through 3 bottles of Techron, no results. The switch to 76 worked for a while, but not anymore.
How much to replace the sensors? Is this the same as replacing both fuel pumps? ($)
Tried running 76, Shell, Chevron, Mobil, Arco, Valero, and been through 3 bottles of Techron, no results. The switch to 76 worked for a while, but not anymore.
How much to replace the sensors? Is this the same as replacing both fuel pumps? ($)
04-26-2006, 07:50 PM
#10
Safety Car
If you're already using top notch fuel then you need to replace the fuel sending units. My tech said the passenger side is usually the culprit so he changed that one out first. But, the problem came back and needed to replace the drivers side also. Both uints were replaced with the new part and I have not had a problem since. 
04-26-2006, 08:01 PM
#11
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I had this problem and switched from Chevron to Mobil on the advise of the head mechanic at West Coast Corvettes. He said the Mobil is a detergent gas. I have not had the problem sense. It has been two years now. By the way, once my gas gauge says about 1/2 tank, I keep an eye out for a Mobil station. Hope this helps.
05-02-2006, 02:19 PM
#12
Le Mans Master
Well, I guess I know why mine did that today. Been getting gas at HEB Grocery stores in Houston recently 
Guess I need to take the extra $.15 per gallon hit and go back to Chevron
Guess I need to take the extra $.15 per gallon hit and go back to Chevron
05-02-2006, 02:23 PM
#13
Le Mans Master
I had this problem and added a bottle of Techron fuel additive and it cleared it right up. I add a bottle every 3 or 4 tanks and have not had the problem since. I am wondering if this ethanol they are putting in the fuels is going to have any bearing on it.
05-02-2006, 03:16 PM
#14
Safety Car
Originally Posted by agentf1
I had this problem and added a bottle of Techron fuel additive and it cleared it right up. I add a bottle every 3 or 4 tanks and have not had the problem since. I am wondering if this ethanol they are putting in the fuels is going to have any bearing on it.
This is a very common problem. I use Chevron with Techron, however this is not enough. i add a bottle every 4 tank fulls and have had no problems yet.
05-02-2006, 03:59 PM
#16
Team Owner
with putting in a fuel additive first. Start with the cheapest fix and then go from there. I like using Lucas Fuel system cleaner. A $7.00 bottle is good for a little over 100 gallons worth of fuel. Seafoam also works great and only requires about 1/3 of a can in a full tank to do the job.
If this doesn't work replace the sensors.
05-02-2006, 09:25 PM
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It might take a bottle or two (or three), but give it a try. Worked for me.
In addition to intermittently going to empty, mine would never read full (7/8 is as high as the gauge would read). A few bottles of techron and with a fill up the gauge now reads full and doesn't do the drop to empty trick.
It might take a bottle or two (or three), but give it a try. Worked for me.
In addition to intermittently going to empty, mine would never read full (7/8 is as high as the gauge would read). A few bottles of techron and with a fill up the gauge now reads full and doesn't do the drop to empty trick.