Fuel gauge

sadlerb_98 · #1 05-11-2003, 03:02 PM

I have a 02 Blazer and I believe the fuel gauge is not working properly. After I have gone only about 40 miles on a full tank of gas the gauge shows ¾ full. Can that be correct? In the owner’s manual it states that I am to have an 18-gallon fuel tank. With an average of 20 mpg on the highway it should go to ¼ tank at about 90 miles.

What could be the problem?

Thanks,
Bobby

bowtiebandit · #2 05-13-2003, 12:26 AM

02 old style Blazer or the new Trailblazer?

sadlerb_98 · #3 05-13-2003, 06:53 PM

Hello,

I have the old style blazer. It is 4WD with the V6.

Thanks,
Bobby

sadlerb_98 · #4 05-14-2003, 04:34 PM

Also, today the blazer was on empty and it only took 13 gallons to fill up the tank. The specifications table states that I have an 18 gallon tank for the four door.

thanks,
Bobby

Shortbus · #5 05-14-2003, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by sadlerb_98
Also, today the blazer was on empty and it only took 13 gallons to fill up the tank. The specifications table states that I have an 18 gallon tank for the four door.

thanks,
Bobby

The four doors all came with 18 Gallon fuel tanks.

It could be a lot of things causing the fuel level sensor to read innacuratley, anything from a bad connection at the sender to a stuck level sensor, or the PCM itself could be acting up.

GM techs will usually use a scan tool to see if what the PCM reads, and compare it with the gage on the dash, if they are different then they will go through a troubleshooting procedure for the fuel system.

sadlerb_98 · #6 05-14-2003, 06:37 PM

Thanks John. I will get it looked at then. Good thing it is still under the warranty.

Thanks again,
Bobby

sadlerb_98 · #7 06-04-2003, 09:29 PM

Hello,

Today I had the fuel gauge sending unit replaced at the chevy dealership. The fuel gauge still seems to be off. It still reads 3/4 tank after only 40 miles. Has anybody else seen this before. I will call the dealership back tomorrow and see what else they can do. Please offer any suggestions.

Thanks,
Bobby

sadlerb_98 · #8 06-06-2003, 06:55 PM

Well, Again on dead empty it took 13 gallons to fill up the fuel tank. The chevy dealership replaced the fuel sending unit again. One of the service guys said he thinks the fuel tank could be a 13 or 15 gallon one instead of the 18 gallon one but didn't know how to verify which one I had. Any ideas on how I can verify I got the 18 gallon tank?

Thanks,
Bobby

RobP3 · #9 06-10-2003, 05:00 PM

I get the same problem, my tank will stick at 3/4 tank no matter how much fuel I have unless the tank is full. When I put the car in Drive the guage will bounce around and finally read correctly if it sits long enough, but as soon as I place the truck in Drive, the gauge will creep back up to 3/4 tank.
It sounds like an electrical problem to me.

Flatrater · #10 06-10-2003, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RobP3
I get the same problem, my tank will stick at 3/4 tank no matter how much fuel I have unless the tank is full. When I put the car in Drive the guage will bounce around and finally read correctly if it sits long enough, but as soon as I place the truck in Drive, the gauge will creep back up to 3/4 tank.
It sounds like an electrical problem to me.

In park and neutral the gas gauge is only going off the sender any other gear the PCM buffers the gas gauge.

sadlerb_98 · #11 06-11-2003, 12:05 AM

Thanks guys. After two trips to the dealer and two new sending units my gauge is still not correct. I am think I will ask the next dealer about replacing the PCM. Not sure though.

Thanks for the info,
Bobby

RobP3 · #12 06-12-2003, 10:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RobP3
I get the same problem, my tank will stick at 3/4 tank no matter how much fuel I have unless the tank is full. When I put the car in Drive the guage will bounce around and finally read correctly if it sits long enough, but as soon as I place the truck in Drive, the gauge will creep back up to 3/4 tank.
It sounds like an electrical problem to me.

Sorry, what I meant was when I have the car in Park or Neutral the gauge will bounce around and read correctly once the fuel is settled, until I place it in Drive or other gears, then it will stick at 3/4 tank.

What is the PCM, where is is located?

R

sadlerb_98 · #13 06-12-2003, 11:05 AM

Hello,

Well, I ran the blazer almost bone dry. It took just under 17 gallons to fill it up and was at 335 on the trip meter. So, I am sure I have the correct fuel tank installed.

My gauge does not bounce around or any of that. It stays pretty stable but just gives an inaccurate reading. I rode around on empty for over 160 miles so I know something isn't right.

I am not sure where the PCM is located. Maybe John or somebody will know.

Thanks,
Bobby

mitchy_v · #14 06-28-2003, 07:45 AM

I have a 95 jimmy and i too go about 50mi and show half a tank. my gauge show empty and take 11-12 gallons to fill up. it use to be empty and show 1/4 tank until i got sick of it and moved the needle. Keep me posted.

sadlerb_98 · #15 06-28-2003, 04:51 PM

Hey all,

My local dealership called the GM tech guys about my Blazer. They were told by GM that the Blazers are now designed to have a four to five gallon fuel reserve when the gauge shows empty to prevent the fuel pump from becoming dry and burning out. So, to make a long story short my gauge is working as designed. Seems like they should design the fuel pump to be in a better position so it wouldn't dry out and burn the motor out.

Thanks,
Bobby

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