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Old Mar 21, 2005 | 08:21 PM
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Default gas gage problem

If I fill the tank and drive for about 45 minutes, the gage drops to empty. If I stop for about 2 hours it works ok for about 45 minutes and drops to empty. The dealer said it could be from high sulfer fuel corroding the contacts on the sender. Has anyone else had this problem and what was the fix?
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Old Mar 21, 2005 | 08:24 PM
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Many have had that issue. I have had that intermittently in my 97 coupe. It seemed to happen most when I used gasoline that wasn't "high tier". Now that I use only Chevron or Shell, I seem to have eliminated that problem. I think using a consistent brand and grade of gasoline will help.
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Old Mar 21, 2005 | 08:28 PM
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what gas octane, and which place are you going to? Also where do you live?
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Old Mar 21, 2005 | 08:32 PM
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i had the problem and the dealer reprogrammed my computer and changed the sending units and I still have the problem.
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Old Mar 21, 2005 | 08:38 PM
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Originally Posted by 98Pace97Coupe
Many have had that issue. I have had that intermittently in my 97 coupe. It seemed to happen most when I used gasoline that wasn't "high tier". Now that I use only Chevron or Shell, I seem to have eliminated that problem. I think using a consistent brand and grade of gasoline will help.
I bought it used so I don't know what was used before. I use BP 98 octane.
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Old Mar 21, 2005 | 08:38 PM
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Originally Posted by old guy in a vette
If I fill the tank and drive for about 45 minutes, the gage drops to empty. If I stop for about 2 hours it works ok for about 45 minutes and drops to empty. The dealer said it could be from high sulfer fuel corroding the contacts on the sender. Has anyone else had this problem and what was the fix?
Have the dealer do the computer software upgrade......if that doesn't work......to fix the problem the dealer needs to change the sending units in BOTH tanks...........this has been a problem since 97

It has nothing to do with the gas..........what dealer said that..........the dealer should know of the problem.
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Old Mar 21, 2005 | 08:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Z0Sick6
what gas octane, and which place are you going to? Also where do you live?
BP 98. I live in south west Georgia.
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Old Mar 22, 2005 | 12:26 PM
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Originally Posted by OOTS
Have the dealer do the computer software upgrade......if that doesn't work......to fix the problem the dealer needs to change the sending units in BOTH tanks...........this has been a problem since 97

It has nothing to do with the gas..........what dealer said that..........the dealer should know of the problem.
looking like I might need the other tank sending unit now...had one replaced...........
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Old Mar 22, 2005 | 12:37 PM
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Try running a bottle of Techron through the tank. Many have used it and reported good success in dealing with the fuel guage problem.
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Old Mar 22, 2005 | 12:40 PM
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Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
Try running a bottle of Techron through the tank. Many have used it and reported good success in dealing with the fuel guage problem.
Let's follow the easy path first. Could be just sulfur buildup on the sending units. Many have fixed this problem by running a bottle of Chevron Techron fuel system cleaner through the tank. Just buy a bottle at any auto parts store and try that first before you get the dealer involved and waste money.
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Old Mar 22, 2005 | 12:57 PM
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In a seperate thread, someone suggested using BG44K on full tank. I've used the stuff in my mini-van with wonderous results. I've seen this same problem in my 02 intermittenly. I used the BG44K and it went away. Search for BG products and you'll find a local dealer. It's about $20 a can.
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Old Mar 22, 2005 | 01:03 PM
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Originally Posted by old guy in a vette
BP 98. I live in south west Georgia.
98 octane

Sounds close to racing fuel. Most regular in SC is 88 octane, and
premium is 93.
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Old Mar 22, 2005 | 01:06 PM
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Originally Posted by old guy in a vette
BP 98. I live in south west Georgia.
98....Are you sure??
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Old Mar 22, 2005 | 01:06 PM
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Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
Try running a bottle of Techron through the tank. Many have used it and reported good success in dealing with the fuel guage problem.


my gauge would go to empty @ about 1/2 tank...after reading posts about this, i tried the techron-no problems since...chevron is not available around here, so i put in a large bottle of techron @ every oil change...haven't had a problem in about a year....
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Old Mar 22, 2005 | 01:15 PM
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Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
Try running a bottle of Techron through the tank. Many have used it and reported good success in dealing with the fuel guage problem.
That is only a temporary fix. Both units need to be changed........sometimes you can get away with only changing one sending unit but 9 out 10 times you have to do the other eventually anyway.
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Old Mar 22, 2005 | 01:21 PM
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I have not had this problem since I have owned my vette. I use nothing but Sunoco Ultra 94 here in Canada and my guages have never let me down.

Jason
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Old Mar 22, 2005 | 01:23 PM
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This is a very common problem with our cars. Thank you Chevy for being cheap on the minor components again. 9/10 it's just the gas you are using. Sometimes having the dealer swappping the units out creates a workaround because you do happen to get a little better sensors, but if you use good gas it should also fix the problem.

I use BP/Amoco exclusively in my car and I no longer have this issue. When I used the "generic lowest bidder" gasoline places I would have this problem on every tank. Chevron Techron, BP/Amoco, and Shell should result in a properly working gas gauge.
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Old Mar 22, 2005 | 05:09 PM
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I too had this problem and I use nothing but the highest grade Shell gas. The dealer replaced both sensors (under warantee) and the problem is gone.
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Old Mar 22, 2005 | 05:21 PM
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Originally Posted by JDs00PewterCoupe
Try running a bottle of Techron through the tank. Many have used it and reported good success in dealing with the fuel guage problem.

Techron is the bomb
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Old Mar 22, 2005 | 05:47 PM
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Just had mine in the shop yesterday and they replaced the left fuel level sensor. Adding a bottle of Techron did not cure mine, it would show empty when I started it after filling up with gas.
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