I let my 2001 c5 get into the "Low Fuel" category. The next time I started it, it started sputtering and chugging and the check engine light came. Will I hurt the engine to drive it to the local Chev. Dealer (20mi)? I think it may have picked up something in the bottom of the gas tank and clogged the fuel pump or an injector. Any help would be super!! Thanks

 

No you wont hurt the motor, the worst that will happen is it would die if something is being blocked.

 

Many thanks for the help!! A buddy of mine said that the place where I live has had trouble with water at the gas stations. He said to run it at about 2000rpm's until the water dissipates. What do you think?

 

water in gas is a funky thing. The water will sit at the bottom of the tank and will not 'mix'... so it may continue to sputter. On the good side... the auto parts stores have additives to help remove the water in gas.

 

Try some RED LINE fuel additive for removing water from fuel..

 

Add a fuel additive that disperses any water in the tank into the fuel. Fill the tank with high-test and drive it until it clears up. If it doesn't clear, then you might have a case for dealer intervention if you don't feel comfortable doing it your self.

BC

 

Fill in your profile with your location it can help in the diagnosis...
For example if you ar ein an area that freezes ( it's very cold here in MI this week) it could be a partially frozen gas line.
Water is more dense than gas, so it separates and sits on the bottom of the tank. If the gas level gets low enough you can suck it up and it can cause rough running.

Similarly if you are in southern hot humid climes, bacteria can grow causing slime that can get sucked up and cause running problems.

I agree with Bill Curlee go to an autoparts store and ask them to recomend the best product they have for treating gasoline that might contain water. Treat the tank using the manucaturers recommendations and fill the tank to the limit.

You can alos force a PCM relearn, pulling the fuses will clear the check engine light...

1) Insert key into ignition and turn to the “ON” position, but, DO NOT START THE ENGINE.
2) Open the engine compartment fuse box cover and remove the two 10 amp fuses from position numbers 16 & 23.
a) According to the manual there are two fuse boxes. Use the engine compartment fuse block for this procedure not the instrument panel fuse block.
b) Engine Compartment Fuse Block (correct one): 16 is Powertrain Control Module A and 23 is Powertrain Control Module B.
c) NOTE: Your DIC will now display “check” messages for ABS, etc… Do not worry as this is normal.
3) Turn the ignition key to the “OFF” position.
4) Return to the engine compartment fuse box and re-insert both 10 amp fuses for positions 16 & 23.