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Mine did the same. It's a bad fuel sending unit. I hope you're still under warranty. It's a known problem which GM probably should do a recall for but won't.
I had the same problem driving back from Detroit back in August. I knew I had a 1/2 tank, then all of a sudden.....empty, with a message on the DIC saying "Get gas now". I said to my wife "look, the car thinks you're driving" (she never fills up the car till it's bone dry).
Any way, at Corvettes at Carlisle, at the Chevy tent, they had a table set aside that read "Technical Help" from GM engineers.
I asked about the fuel gage problem and was told they (GM) are aware of the problem and feel the problem is with fuel having high sulfur content. He went on to say that it does not happen in all parts of the country.
The cure.....he told me to use Techron. As a matter of fact he told me to use 2 bottles.
I did, and I've had no troubles since.
Everyone I've talked to has had this problem. Techron did NOT cure the problem for me. I just live with it. It comes and goes. Mine seems to go away with turning the ignition off and then back on. Some say it's the sensors, but I've heard of people who have replaced the sensors and still had the problem reappear. Seems to me to be more of a PCM glitch???
I had the same problem driving back from Detroit back in August. I knew I had a 1/2 tank, then all of a sudden.....empty, with a message on the DIC saying "Get gas now". I said to my wife "look, the car thinks you're driving" (she never fills up the car till it's bone dry).
Any way, at Corvettes at Carlisle, at the Chevy tent, they had a table set aside that read "Technical Help" from GM engineers.
I asked about the fuel gage problem and was told they (GM) are aware of the problem and feel the problem is with fuel having high sulfur content. He went on to say that it does not happen in all parts of the country.
The cure.....he told me to use Techron. As a matter of fact he told me to use 2 bottles.
I did, and I've had no troubles since.
It is a common problem. Try adding the Chevron Techron fuel additive as prescribed.
Everyone I've talked to has had this problem. Techron did NOT cure the problem for me. I just live with it. It comes and goes. Mine seems to go away with turning the ignition off and then back on. Some say it's the sensors, but I've heard of people who have replaced the sensors and still had the problem reappear. Seems to me to be more of a PCM glitch???
Techron is bandaid. The real fix is to replace both fuel sending cards internal to the tanks. My understanding is the high sulfur gas etches the cards making the float/sender unit useless.
Big $$ as the tanks must be dropped. Luckily I got our 2001 fixed under warranty.
There are several fuel system cleaners that are your first option.
Techron, Berryman Chemtool B-12, BG 44K. If this works after a few tankfuls switch to a top tier gasoline to prevent reoccurence www.toptiergas.com
It is also possible that you have a losse, or corroded ground. There is a post with great photos and location description.
From: "It's 106 miles to Chicago, we've got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes, it's dark, and
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Originally Posted by Blindfingers
Techron is bandaid. The real fix is to replace both fuel sending cards internal to the tanks. My understanding is the high sulfur gas etches the cards making the float/sender unit useless.
Big $$ as the tanks must be dropped. Luckily I got our 2001 fixed under warranty.
Bob
I agree with this to a point - the real issue is the high sulfur content of many of the commonly available fuels. The Techron seems to dissolve the sulfur build up. Replacing the fuel senders is only a temporary fix if you continue using high sulfur fuel. It seems to only make sense that the problem will return with brand new senders.
I use Chevron exclusively and have no issues. If Chevron is not available in your area - Texaco fuel also has Techron in it now. Or, as rws.1 pointed out - you can purchase Techron fuel additive in your local auto parts store and add it to the fuel tank BEFORE you add the fuel. That way when the fuel goes in - it will mix up the addidtive.
Mine is at the dealership now - but I have a different gas gauge problem - filled the tank up and when re-started the gauge went to E. Tech called today and it seems that the baffling in the tank came loose and snagged the sensor which fried it. Now I have to wait for a new gas tank and sensors to be shipped
clear codes, if it's still there, pull the pass side sending unit and clean the contacts w/ brakecleaner and cotton swabs, i did this on my '98 and it's been good for the past 6 months