C5 Fuel Capacity Question
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Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: The Sunshine State
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C5 Fuel Capacity Question
OK. My owners manual indicates that my 2004 vert has a fuel capacity of 18 gallons. My question, is how many gallons are left when the "Reserve Fuel" warning comes on the DIC?
One of the PITA things of owning a C5 is that more often than not, gas pumps keep shutting off due to the angle and design of the fuel tank. As a result, I watch the gallons on the dispenser to guage how much fuel I can dispense.
Today, I pulled into a gas station right after the "Reserve Fuel" warning appeared. I filled up with 14.745 gallons that then buried the needle as full after restarting the car.
So, is the 18 gallons inclusive of the reserve fuel gallons? If so, it appears the reserve fuel capacity is approximately 3 or 4 gallons depending on if I would have squeezed in a little more gas.
Anyone know the correct numbers?
Thanks!
One of the PITA things of owning a C5 is that more often than not, gas pumps keep shutting off due to the angle and design of the fuel tank. As a result, I watch the gallons on the dispenser to guage how much fuel I can dispense.
Today, I pulled into a gas station right after the "Reserve Fuel" warning appeared. I filled up with 14.745 gallons that then buried the needle as full after restarting the car.
So, is the 18 gallons inclusive of the reserve fuel gallons? If so, it appears the reserve fuel capacity is approximately 3 or 4 gallons depending on if I would have squeezed in a little more gas.
Anyone know the correct numbers?
Thanks!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 1,011
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From: white hall ar
around 18 i think
not sure mine ran out with 153 miles showing on it ....crazy thing i have ran it down to like 50 miles before .went and filled up and couldnt get but 14 gallons in .so why wouldnt the other 4 gallons transfer....gremlins i guess.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 17,755
Likes: 3,688
From: The Sunshine State
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
Finalist 2020 C7 of the Year -- Modified
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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2018 C5 of Year Finalist
However, I was on the road last time I filled up, again at a Chevron station, however they dispenser kept shutting off. I kept clicking it on and it started to leak out at 12 gallons and the "Reserve Fuel" notice had also gone off. I can't imagine that the dispenser was giving me more fuel than I was paying for, so if anything perhaps the station where I filled up with 14 gallons is not accurate. Grrrr...
That's why I'm trying to confirm the actual GM specs of the fuel capacity inclusive of the reserve fuel.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 408
From: Horseshoe Bend ID
When I checked mine, I figured 3 gal at Reserve and 2 gal at Low. This assumes your gas gage is working properly. FWIW, I never run my tank below about 1/4 to keep the fuel pump covered and jet pump operating properly. Your mileage may vary...
Racer
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 309
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From: new zealand
I ran mine (02 6speed Vert) close last week when I drove from Dunedin to Blenheim which is about 600 Kim's plus some driving around Christchurch checking out the earthquake damage. I put in 67.91 litres which is 17.94 US Gallons . Computer was telling me I had about 50 Kim's to go. And the reserve came on at 170kms to go with the low full at about 110kms.
Just ran low this once checking it out. Preetu accurate gauge and system I think
Just ran low this once checking it out. Preetu accurate gauge and system I think
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 228
Likes: 2
From: California
Reserve just means you have a few gallons left. There is no separate reserve tank. The owners manual for my 99 coupe says fuel tank capacity is over 19 gallons. I think it says 19.3 And I found if you want to use "Range" accurately as you are getting low on fuel its better to reset you average fuel mileage. And when your range just says "Low" you better stop for gas quick!
