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Old Dec 17, 2007 | 12:16 AM
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Default Fuel Gauge question

Okay I am aware there is a problem with C5 fuel gauges. I searched briefly and could not find the answer to my question. Does the problem cause the gauge to show less fuel? My gauge decreases as though I am experiencing horrible fuel effeciency. I have driven maybe 70 miles this weekend and went through more than half a tank says the gauge. So now I am on the "Reserve Fuel" warning and am planning to use some techron fuel cleaner.

-Alex
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Old Dec 17, 2007 | 12:20 AM
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Well, start by refilling the tank to calculate how much fuel you really used as opposed to what the tank says you have left in there. Depending on that result will depend on the next actions to take. The use of Techron is always a decent and easy way to cure most tank gauge issues. From what I've read, it seems that the right tank sending unit has more issues than anything else. Check for codes and post them. If you really used all that gas, then I would expect that your car was running pretty bad and you probably knew it.
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Old Dec 17, 2007 | 12:34 AM
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Originally Posted by dgrant3830
Well, start by refilling the tank to calculate how much fuel you really used as opposed to what the tank says you have left in there.
Well therein lies the problem. If the gauge is showing a decrease in fuel faster than I think the fuel should be used, then it will show empty before the gas is actually empty. I don't want to ignore the sign and end up stranded on the highway with the car.

The car pulls strong and doesn't make any weird noises, so I seriously doubt there are any problems with the engine. However, I may just not be used to the fuel effeciency of a V8 and making this out to a larger deal than it is, if anything.
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Old Dec 17, 2007 | 01:35 AM
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Originally Posted by AlexSmith
Okay I am aware there is a problem with C5 fuel gauges. I searched briefly and could not find the answer to my question. Does the problem cause the gauge to show less fuel? My gauge decreases as though I am experiencing horrible fuel effeciency. I have driven maybe 70 miles this weekend and went through more than half a tank says the gauge. So now I am on the "Reserve Fuel" warning and am planning to use some techron fuel cleaner.

-Alex
Alex, the gauge doesn't necessarily show less fuel. I've seen many variations posted up here. A slow run down like you have is less common. The most common symptom is the gauge drops to zero instantly. In my case it ran up to 3/4 and then slowly increased to full.

A couple of bottles of Techron fixed it and it hasn't recurred for well over a year.

As David says, I think if your fuel useage was that bad, the car would tell you all was not well.

Last edited by DeeGee; Dec 17, 2007 at 01:37 AM.
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Old Dec 17, 2007 | 07:36 AM
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Fill it with Chevron gas, it has Techron in it

I believe that Texaco now has techron in it as well
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Old Dec 17, 2007 | 08:04 AM
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What you are experiencing is one of the problems that can occur with the fuel guage. Try the Techron like you are planning - it may help get the gauge back in proper working order.
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Old Dec 17, 2007 | 09:45 AM
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The same thing happened to me this weekend. - On the way home from shopping the tank said it was down to 1/4 tank. When I left it had 3/4 and I really didn't go all that far. Went to get gas this AM and it said just over 1/2, about what I thought it should. Thought I was lossing it . Dumb question Why does Techron help? No mater I'll try it tonight when I fill up..
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Old Dec 17, 2007 | 11:26 AM
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Originally Posted by Rollin
The same thing happened to me this weekend. - On the way home from shopping the tank said it was down to 1/4 tank. When I left it had 3/4 and I really didn't go all that far. Went to get gas this AM and it said just over 1/2, about what I thought it should. Thought I was lossing it . Dumb question Why does Techron help? No mater I'll try it tonight when I fill up..
It's my understanding that fuel that is not from a "top tier" retailer usually does not have any 'detergent' additives. Wtihout these additives the sulpher in the gasoline leaves a film on the electronic sensors of the fuel sensors. The Techron is a detergent additive that will 'clean' the electronic sensors and allow them to function properly again. I had the problem in my 2000 last summer. I no longer go the cheap route at any gas station, I buy only high test at top tier brands. Do the math, an extra dollar or two per fillup or a $1000 to replace the fuel pump/sensors should they become damaged beyond repair.
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Old Dec 19, 2007 | 10:45 PM
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I tried one bottle, and the problem doesn't seem to be recurring. However I will use another bottle before I fill up on my road trip this weekend just to make sure.
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Old Dec 20, 2007 | 06:25 AM
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That's good to hear. Some guys add a bottle of techron or seafoam a couple of times a year even thjough they use tiop tier gas.
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Old Dec 20, 2007 | 08:06 AM
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http://www.texaco.com/about/news_press_081505.asp

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Old Dec 20, 2007 | 09:31 AM
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Originally Posted by Phanni
That's good to hear. Some guys add a bottle of techron or seafoam a couple of times a year even thjough they use tiop tier gas.
As will I .
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Old Dec 20, 2007 | 10:33 PM
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I was experiencing the fuel gage problem as well. I tried the techtron additive and did not get any better results, but finally found a Chevron station close by the house and started filling with 93 octane with techtron and the problem went away. Saved me $1000 for repair.
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