Gas Guage reading empty
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Sudbury Ontario
Gas Guage reading empty
I have a 02 zo6 with 30 000km which i bought just over a month ago.
This car is fantastic.
A problem had just come up last night, the gas needle fell from full to empty in a second and the check guages light lit up the dash. I know i have a full tank of gas and I'm sure there is no leak.
Does anyone now where i should start looking before i bring the car to the dealer?
Thanks for any help.
This car is fantastic.
A problem had just come up last night, the gas needle fell from full to empty in a second and the check guages light lit up the dash. I know i have a full tank of gas and I'm sure there is no leak.
Does anyone now where i should start looking before i bring the car to the dealer?
Thanks for any help.
Night Owl for life
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 24,725
Likes: 4,564
From: Bugs Bunny should'a made a left turn here
it's one of the most common problems with the c5. no big deal.
you can try turning the engine off then turning it on again. sometimes that's all it needs to fix it...until the next time.
you can try turning the engine off then turning it on again. sometimes that's all it needs to fix it...until the next time.
Racer
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
From: Pottstown pennsylvania
What kind of gas did you put in it? If it was cheep gas something other then your main companies they tend to mess up the gauge. If I put sunoco in my tank I dont have a problem but if I put other gas in I will drive 10 min before my gauge goes to empty. If you put techron in the gas it also helps the problem.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 25
From: If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door. South West Florida / Livin' The Dream
St. Jude Donor '12
You most likely have a situation that has an easy fix. It's fairly common. Apparently the fuel sending unit in our cars is fairly sensitive and if your not using top tier fuels this can happen. It's happened to me and mine was easily corrected by filling up with Chevron fuel. Chevron fuel has an additive called Techron that will solve your problem 90% of the time. If Chevron isn't available you can purchase the additive Techron at most auto parts stores. Dump it in your fuel tank and it should fix the problem. Mine started working after about 15 miles of driving. Now every 6 months or so I add a bottle of Techron and fuel up with Chevron when I can.
Here's a thread on Techron. You can also read through several other threads on the subject by using the search function and typing in Techron.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...hlight=techron
Here's a thread on Techron. You can also read through several other threads on the subject by using the search function and typing in Techron.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...hlight=techron
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
Likes: 62
From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
3 posssible problems.
1. MOST COMMON A fouled fuel sender... cause gasoline with insufficent detergency... long term fix buy a better gasoline see www.toptiergas.com
Short term fix.... use 2-3 tankfuls of a good fule system cleaner
Shell V-Power, BG 44K, SeaFoam, ValvolineSynpower, Techron
2. Occassionaly A bad/corroded ground. Inspect body grounds cleana s required
3. A failing fuel sender... replace.... Gas tank needs to be dropped, fuel sender replaced.
1. MOST COMMON A fouled fuel sender... cause gasoline with insufficent detergency... long term fix buy a better gasoline see www.toptiergas.com
Short term fix.... use 2-3 tankfuls of a good fule system cleaner
Shell V-Power, BG 44K, SeaFoam, ValvolineSynpower, Techron
2. Occassionaly A bad/corroded ground. Inspect body grounds cleana s required
3. A failing fuel sender... replace.... Gas tank needs to be dropped, fuel sender replaced.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 208
Likes: 1
From: Houston TX
I was having this problem consistinetly and i was having to put Techron in almost every tank...that gets expensive! As soon as i put the Techron in the needle would start working again within a mile of driving!
I switched to a top tier fuel and I haven't had the problem once in the last few months that I've been using Shell exclusively.
Good Luck.
P.S. Good to see some Canadian content on here. I'm from Thunder Bay myself! It sux you only get to drive the C5 for about 3 months though!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,007
Likes: 2
From: Manteo NC
Seafoam and Techron by Chevron is your friend! All can be purchased at your local favorite automotive store or Wallyworld. Make sure to use a high quality gas!
Before you spend tons of money putting in new sending units, clean the ground contacts, sometimes that will also clear up the issue.
Before you spend tons of money putting in new sending units, clean the ground contacts, sometimes that will also clear up the issue.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,007
Likes: 2
From: Manteo NC
If you need a new fuel sender check with some forum members first, there are a couple that can get them for a cheaper price than what your local dealer is going to charge you, which is extremely expensive!
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Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Sudbury Ontario
Thanks for all the advise.
I can't find Techron or seafoam. I guess its not sold in Canada. I will try some fuel system cleaner and cross my fingers. Also, will be filling up at Shell for now on.
Again, thanks for all the help.
I can't find Techron or seafoam. I guess its not sold in Canada. I will try some fuel system cleaner and cross my fingers. Also, will be filling up at Shell for now on.
Again, thanks for all the help.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,007
Likes: 2
From: Manteo NC
Do you have Wal-Mart there? They carry Techron.