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Old Jul 29, 2004 | 12:17 PM
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Default Reserve Fuel warning

Just as I parked the Vette at work this morning, I got this "reserve fuel" warning on the DIC. Given all the gas gauge problems that others have had, I'm wondering if I can make it to a gas station at lunch or is this a 2-second warning before it runs out of fuel?? This is the first time I've let it get below 1/4 tank. Should I chance it??
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Old Jul 29, 2004 | 12:22 PM
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I think Reserve fuel means 2 gallons left, Low fuel (the second warning) means 1 gallon. You should be able to go at least 20-30 miles on "reserve", but I wouldn't push it.
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Old Jul 29, 2004 | 12:23 PM
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Since your car is an 04, I would guess that you really are on reserve fuel, and should find the nearest gas station.

Personally, I would try to keep the tanks filled, especially when you get near 1/4 tank. (Not to mention the fuel tank, pump, and gauge problems with the Corvette.) Keeping your fuel tank full will help reduce condensation that can build up in the tank as the the outside air temperature changes. It is a good habit to be in for all vehicles you drive.
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Old Jul 29, 2004 | 12:24 PM
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I get the first warning @ 74 miles, the low warning @ abt 34 miles,

yes chance it ya got plenty of fuel.
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Old Jul 29, 2004 | 12:50 PM
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I see you have heard of the fuel sending unit prob. I would never trust the gauge below 1/4. speaking from experience.
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Old Jul 29, 2004 | 12:53 PM
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Throw some Techron in before filling up.
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Old Jul 29, 2004 | 01:45 PM
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I made it! DIC said I had 63 miles to empty. I put in 14.9 gallons, so I guess I still could have made it a bit further. I won't drain it that low again though.

Thanks, guys!
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Old Jul 29, 2004 | 01:52 PM
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With a properly working fuel guage, you should have at least a couple of gallons left. Is your guage working properly, I don't know. Just to see, go ahead and fill up then see how much it takes. If about 17 gallons, then you guage is pretty accurate.
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Old Jul 29, 2004 | 01:57 PM
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Originally Posted by CE2004
Since your car is an 04, I would guess that you really are on reserve fuel, and should find the nearest gas station.

Personally, I would try to keep the tanks filled, especially when you get near 1/4 tank. (Not to mention the fuel tank, pump, and gauge problems with the Corvette.) Keeping your fuel tank full will help reduce condensation that can build up in the tank as the the outside air temperature changes. It is a good habit to be in for all vehicles you drive.
Same here on keeping the tank filled.
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Old Jul 29, 2004 | 02:00 PM
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I was stuck in the middle of nowhere when my reseve came on. I drove it 50 miles to the nearest station. After about 30 of the miles I started getting a dinging sound while my readout was saying check computer. I guess that's the DIC's way of telling you that you're pushing it. Not bad, Thought I was going to have to take a little walk.
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Old Jul 29, 2004 | 02:04 PM
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My 04 shows the reserve coming on @ 73 miles. Check your fuel
level through the dic.
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Old Jul 29, 2004 | 02:47 PM
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The "Reserve" message comes on at about 73 miles. I top off the tank before heading back to the garage. I don't trust my DIC (my ex obviously did'nt trust it either)
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Old Jul 29, 2004 | 05:00 PM
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Live and learn. You now have a feel for how far you can push it. I usually fill my car except when I put in Techtron . . . then I put in 12 gallons (every 3,000 miles). Otherwise my fill ups are running 15+ up to 16+ . . . . no kidding I have a feel for the gas gauge. The gas gauge in my 2004 does not have the problems of the earlier models. When it gets to the first red marking you have 2 gallons and then the larger you have 1 gallong. I have found the gas gauge on my 2004 to be very accurate. I do not use the DIC readings on mileage for anything . . . my gas gauge has good calibration.
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Old Jul 29, 2004 | 05:10 PM
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Originally Posted by CE2004
Since your car is an 04, I would guess that you really are on reserve fuel, and should find the nearest gas station.

Personally, I would try to keep the tanks filled, especially when you get near 1/4 tank. (Not to mention the fuel tank, pump, and gauge problems with the Corvette.) Keeping your fuel tank full will help reduce condensation that can build up in the tank as the the outside air temperature changes. It is a good habit to be in for all vehicles you drive.
This is especially true if you drive in cold winters etc.....
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Old Jul 29, 2004 | 05:27 PM
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Perfect opportunity to fill up and see just how accurate your fuel guage is. Then you will know in the future

Except when the guage goes to empty with after 100 miles of driving

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Old Jul 29, 2004 | 07:19 PM
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Much experience with this on long trips, Reserve is at 80 miles of fuel and Low is at 60, after dropping below 60 it won't give you a number to encourage you to fill er up
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Old Jul 29, 2004 | 09:15 PM
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I wouldn't suggest this but the lowest I have gone in mine was when the range gauge read 32 miles. when I filled up I put almost 16 gallons in As I said I'm not proud of it and I'm sure the fuel pump was swearing at me but at least it may help in this discussion!!
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Old Jul 29, 2004 | 11:10 PM
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Thanks for this info everbody. Now I know, if my corvette ever make that warning sound, I will see the gas station ASAP. Well, at least I have 50 miles or so to find a gas station.

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Old Jul 30, 2004 | 01:09 AM
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Originally Posted by jackj
I get the first warning @ 74 miles, the low warning @ abt 34 miles, yes chance it ya got plenty of fuel.
BINGO! I often see as low as 30 miles before it quits giving estimates. I've driven 30 miles, too, at this stage and only filled with 17.5 gallons, but that's stopping when I hear a change in the fill tube "girgle"...

Normally, I keep it topped after each outting unless autocrossing in the morning.


Last edited by Blue50th_Racer; Jul 30, 2004 at 01:51 AM. Reason: fat finger fixes
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Old Jul 30, 2004 | 01:29 AM
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I just tried this the other day <feeling brave I guess> I webt all the way to 34 miles left! PLENTY OF GAS!
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