Silhouette Van sputtered after getting gas

[rbjlogan]

We got gas at a Chevron today and got on the interstate. In about 3 minutes the van started sputtering like it was going to stop running. We pulled into the right lane getting ready to get off the road and it stopped sputtering and ran fine. Any ideas? We are waiting for our fuel calculator, or whatever that is to be replaced. They had to order the part. Had to do it when we first got the van too. Need to know if I need to take it to a shop here in Florida while we are on vacation.

[oldblu65]

Sounds like you have / had some contamination in your gas ( perhaps water , trash in your gas tank , etc. ). I'd suggest getting some gas additive ( such as water remover ) and putting into your tank and see if the problem happens again . It also could be a sign of an intermittent electrical problem . Check your battery connections to be sure they aren't corroded or loose . Good luck !

[merc81]

What is the part that is going to be replaced? Never heard of a fuel calculator. There are many things that could make the van behave like it did. Has it done this before? Has it done it since?

Please tell us more details.

[rbjlogan]

Originally Posted by oldblu65

Sounds like you have / had some contamination in your gas ( perhaps water , trash in your gas tank , etc. ). I'd suggest getting some gas additive ( such as water remover ) and putting into your tank and see if the problem happens again . It also could be a sign of an intermittent electrical problem . Check your battery connections to be sure they aren't corroded or loose . Good luck !

thanks, we will try that. It hasn't happened again but we have to drive on the interstate tomorrow so I will see what happens.

[rbjlogan]

Originally Posted by merc81

What is the part that is going to be replaced? Never heard of a fuel calculator. There are many things that could make the van behave like it did. Has it done this before? Has it done it since?

Please tell us more details.

Not sure what the part in the gas tank is called but it is the thing that tells you if your tank is full or not. Our tank will be below half full and start going to full, back down, then to empty and back up at random. Did it when we first got the van and it was under warranty. Now we have 186,000 miles on it and it is doing it again. Will be replaced when we get back from our trip.

[merc81]

The fuel sender unit (in the tank) only supports the dash gauge. It has nothing to do with engine performance. You might want to check the fuel pressure on the injector rail--there is a valve behind the power steering pump for this purpose--perhaps change out the fuel filter (under the driver's side sliding door.
Its also possible you have a corroded cable connector that supports the fuel sender unit and the fuel pump and the evaporator canister. That connector commonly needs replaced due to water penetration and when faulty can cause all three things to act intermittently--fuel pump will cut out, stalling the engine, fuel gauge acts erratically, and SEL light comes on due to evap code set. Then, a moment later all works again.

[rbjlogan]

It was the catalytic converter. We had to have it replaced as well as the Fuel sensor )?). The check engine light came on when we got home so we took it to the shop. Thank everyone for all your wonderful help.