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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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..
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.
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.
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.