c5 gas guage problem
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
c5 gas guage problem
driving down the road and the gas guage went from 1/2 to empty. got the light on the dash that said to check guages. heads up display also showed empty. stopped and filled up the tank--no difference. since i have a tendancy to go after the most complicated repair instead of looking for the easy fix, sure would like some advice from someone who has experienced this themselves. thanx
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Joined: Jul 2007
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From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
It is a well known issue with the fuel gage on the C5, What happens is after time sulfur builds up on the contacts on the sending units in the tanks and quit reading, There are a couple things that might help to clean them up.
1. Use Chevron gas only with techron, It is known that using Chevron helps keep the senders clean, I always use Chevron and never an issue, Knock on wood.
If you don't have Chevron in your area buy some techron from your auto parts store and use it a few times. Also Shell or Texaco is good.
2. Another option is to use Sea Foam, I have never used this stuff, But some say it works also.
Good luck with your issue.
If you search for fuel gage you will find a lot of info on this.
Mr.Bill
1. Use Chevron gas only with techron, It is known that using Chevron helps keep the senders clean, I always use Chevron and never an issue, Knock on wood.
If you don't have Chevron in your area buy some techron from your auto parts store and use it a few times. Also Shell or Texaco is good.
2. Another option is to use Sea Foam, I have never used this stuff, But some say it works also.
Good luck with your issue.
If you search for fuel gage you will find a lot of info on this.
Mr.Bill
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 951
Likes: 2
From: Rochester MN
ne of your fuel xmitters has gotten sick... I had it happen to me but since it has healed..
Read out your error codes and it will most likely tell which side is failing.. You have two saddle tanks which are interconnected..
There are two fuel pumps, electric in the left side and a jet pump in the right side.. I've heard they are not too bad to replace (the xmitters). The right side is the expensive side. You replace not only the xmitter but the jet pump. The left side you can replace
the xmitter only.. I think...
You'll undoubtedly have guys say to try techron to fix the problem.. It's cheaper than
tearing things a part so you can try it but I think it's a placebo..
Good luck..
Read out your error codes and it will most likely tell which side is failing.. You have two saddle tanks which are interconnected..
There are two fuel pumps, electric in the left side and a jet pump in the right side.. I've heard they are not too bad to replace (the xmitters). The right side is the expensive side. You replace not only the xmitter but the jet pump. The left side you can replace
the xmitter only.. I think...
You'll undoubtedly have guys say to try techron to fix the problem.. It's cheaper than
tearing things a part so you can try it but I think it's a placebo..
Good luck..
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: GRAYSLAKE IL
Oldtimer
St. Jude Donor '13
Techron would be my first try at a fix. It may take a few applications but give it a try. I've been using Shell gasoline in my '99 since I got it new in '99 & have had no issues w/gages. You may want to look at switching gasoline brands also. Good luck!
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Try the Techron a couple of times and see if it helps. If not, you may have to look at the sensors themselves and see if they need replacing.
Instructor
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Note the back of the label. Something to do with not to use it more than once every 1000 miles. Then they throw in "or as needed".
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Nice. 
Keep an eye on things though. Techron is a good product but it's not "Doctor Feelgood's Magic Cure-All Elixir". 
If things don't significantly improve after a treatment or two, be prepared to start replacing fuel sending units.
Tip: Keep in mind that Texaco gas has just as much Techron in it as Chevron. They are the same company, so Texaco is more than just " also good". I also agree with the others that Shell is a good choice. I like to use all 3 myself.
Keep an eye on things though. Techron is a good product but it's not "Doctor Feelgood's Magic Cure-All Elixir". If things don't significantly improve after a treatment or two, be prepared to start replacing fuel sending units. Tip: Keep in mind that Texaco gas has just as much Techron in it as Chevron. They are the same company, so Texaco is more than just " also good". I also agree with the others that Shell is a good choice. I like to use all 3 myself.
