nightmel

Driving for about an hour and a half when my fuel needle dropped to empty from almost a half a tank. The check guages light lit up and I pulled over knowing that I didn't need fuel but got about $10.00. about 4Gallons. Got in reset everything still remained at empty and check guages light remained on. About 15 minutes later started working again and check Guageslight went out. Fuse or Sending unit?

jprietto

I had the same problem with my 2001 and read on this forum about many others. Some have had parts replaced under warranty by dealers and later had the problem re occur . Someone advised using only good quality fuel from major companies and that has worked for me. I use only Chevron and the problem has not hit me since. This sounds silly and I understand that service stations might sometimes get the same fuel but it has worked for me so I'm sticking to it.

diviniti

It happens to me also, I just drive to where ever I am going, turn the key off, let it sit for a few seconds, turn it back on, and its back to normal.

JeepTJ

chriskaw7r

Mine did the exact same thing. I replaced my Driver side sending unit myself in my 97. It cost me about $30 and took about 2 hours. Its worked flawless since.

MonteHall

yep, it'll do that.

nightmel

Thanks for the input. I will let it ride and try some TECHRON in the tank and go from there.

PaPaChoc

I had it happen several times until I started using Chevron exclusively! No problems since! Knock, Knock, Knock, on wood that is!

dpd

chevron already has the techron blended into their fuel.

RichieRichZ06

This is a VERY common problem on c5's. Usually it is the drivers side fuel module that is giving a bad reading. We replace lot's of these at my work. If you have an extended warranty it is probably covered. You can do it yourself, but I would recommend letting the dealer or good shop do it. (unless you enjoy dropping your fuel tank)

SLPRC5

That is the solution Chevron gas with TECHRON

stano

I always used Chevron gas exclusively until it happened to me several times. Switched to Shell V Power and not an issue anymore. (55,000 miles on my '04 Z )
A bottle of Techron will work though.

rws.1

There are lterally thousands of posts on this topic....
It should be a sticky....
There are two fundamental causes
1. a fouled or bad fuel sending unit
2. a bad ground

As mentioned previously poor quality gas is the #1 reported casue of this problem . Gas with inferior or too low a contnet of detergents when combined with higher sulfur levels can foul the sending unit.
High quality fuels ( see www.toptierfuel.com) don't do this.
Some post treat their gas with Techron to avoid the problem, but buying a quality gas and skipping the post ad additive is way cheaper....
Berryman's at Walmart is one of the cheapest but at ~ $3/can that is 15 cents per gallon treatment cost per tankful.

The easiest fix is to treat your gas for a few tankfuls with a strong fuel system cleaner like techron... but Berryman B-12 and Seafoam are also cited and I'm sure that others like Valvoline synpower fule system cleaner or any of the recognizable brand synthetic detergent fuel system additives will work.

The next easiest is to look for a corroded ground connection. There are a number of posts with pics showing how to find this.

The expensive route is to replace one or both of the fule sending units.

Good Luck
rich

chriskaw7r

The sending units are not that expensive to replace yourself around $30 each. So if you have a really bad unit just replace and stop dumping stuff in your tank as a bandaid. Money out the window in my veiw. I see it as a hard component failure and the only true fix is replacement not some snake oil. Not sure about other years than a 97 but I did mine with the tank left in the car and just removed the sending unit from the car after I removed the rear wheel. The only issue was clearing the tank shield. Buy the way I always used Shell and good gas. Some places dont have Chevron gas. Just run your gas down to the reserve fuel warning and get an oil pan and place under the rear tank.

edensknight

Shane_S

I started using Chevron gas after running through 2 bottles of techron on 2 of 5 tanks within a month period. I had a problem with my gauge sticking on full.

Shane

JACK EPPERSON

I HAVE 98 AND MIND DID THE SAME THING. I JUST KEEP ON DRIVING AND IT WENT BACK WORKING. IT DID IT A COUPEL OF TIMES, BUT ALWAYS STARTED WORKING AGAIN.

Orbit

This has happened to me 2 times. In September 2002 once I hit 1/2 tank the gauge would drop to empty. A sending unit replaced. November 2002 the same problem again. Replaced the other Fuel Level Sender. It has worked perfect since that time and I don't put any special gas in it. The sending units are the cheapest GM could find. I hear on this forum it has to do with the gas, but why don't other cars have the same problem if it is with the gasolene? Cheap parts! Other automobile manufacturers build products to work with all types of gasoline!

ljkuntz

had same issue used redline fuel treatment solved problem use every 2 months no more problem hope this helps

kdub1

The cause is high sulphur content in some fuels. Here's what GM says about it:
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/....php?qstId=483