Odd Gas Gauge Issues

MyFastSaturn · 09-20-2007, 01:58 PM

My gas gauge drops suddenly after I get around 1/4 tank left. It stays like this for a while and then will just jump up to over 1/4 tank randomly. I understand if it is around empty, but 1/4 tank is a decent amount and I can't see that driving should cause such swings. Does anyone else run into this?

SKyGazer · 09-20-2007, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyFastSaturn

My gas gauge drops suddenly after I get around 1/4 tank left. It stays like this for a while and then will just jump up to over 1/4 tank randomly. I understand if it is around empty, but 1/4 tank is a decent amount and I can't see that driving should cause such swings. Does anyone else run into this?

There have been numerous complaints about the Sky and Solstice gas gauge. It seems that it's not accurate. I always fill up once it hits 1/4. I have almost ran out not paying attention to it once or twice.

Sky4Her · 09-20-2007, 02:11 PM

Funny you guys should bring up this topic. My Sky is in the shop as write this for that very rason. It's a fault in the fuel signal relay in the gas tank I was told. Mine will actually read empty when it's under 1/4 tank, then at 1/8 it'll say I have 48 miles then drop to nothing. I've driven about 25 miles when it's read empty. I was monitoring my milage and would guage how far I had after that.

MyFastSaturn · 09-20-2007, 03:13 PM

Is it something that can be fixed or should I just watch it?

21iwin · 09-20-2007, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyFastSaturn

My gas gauge drops suddenly after I get around 1/4 tank left. It stays like this for a while and then will just jump up to over 1/4 tank randomly. I understand if it is around empty, but 1/4 tank is a decent amount and I can't see that driving should cause such swings. Does anyone else run into this?

As Star Gazer mentioned, this has been experienced by many of us.

As I wrote in a previous post, I parked at a local casino with 1/4 left. When I came out, the gauge was on empty. I thought for certain my gas had been siphoned. To be safe, I now fill up just before the gauge reads 1/4.

21iwin · 09-20-2007, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 21iwin

As Star Gazer mentioned, this has been experienced by many of us.

As I wrote in a previous post, I parked at a local casino with 1/4 left. When I came out, the gauge was on empty. I thought for certain my gas had been siphoned. To be safe, I now fill up just before the gauge reads 1/4.

Correction: SKYGAZER

Gerry · 09-20-2007, 04:31 PM

Manufacturers have common problems.

GM: Gas gauge (seriously, look on any board catering to GM vehicles and search gas gauge)
Chrysler: Transmissions
Ford: Sparkplugs shooting through your hood or your truck burns to the ground. Take your pick

The other off-shore manufacturers have problems as well (except for Janpanses cars. They're all perfect).

Rick Tinley Park · 09-20-2007, 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gerry

The other off-shore manufacturers have problems as well (except for Janpanses cars. They're all perfect).

Aren't they painted with lead paint??

fakebil · 09-20-2007, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gerry

Manufacturers have common problems.
...
The other off-shore manufacturers have problems as well (except for Janpanses cars. They're all perfect).

Yeah, they're perfect, and some of them come with a special camshaft that "melts in your mouth, not in your hands."

Back on topic, I've had the same issue with my fuel gauge. They've checked it out each time I've gone in for something else, but the techs say they can't find anything wrong. Next time I'm in for something I'll have to remember to tell them to check the fuel signal relay in the tank.

In the meantime, I've learned to live with it. I set the DIC to display remaining miles @1/4 tank. When I go to start the engine, I just turn the key to the on position and wait for the display to show a number. If it doesn't look right, I'll pull the key out and repeat. Mostly, I just have to pay attention.

ggccg · 09-20-2007, 06:29 PM

I think the position of the fuel sensor in the Sky may not be optimal, especially if you are not on level ground. When I park on an incline with the tank around 1/4 full, I often get a Low Fuel warning when I restart the car and it will stay like that until I move the car to level ground and restart. Suddenly, I have 1/4 tank again. It seems that once the low fuel warning has been activated, it stays activated until the car is restarted and a fresh reading is acquired.

MyFastSaturn · 09-20-2007, 06:30 PM

F. Well, I'll just accept it and move on. Seems like such a simple issue to correct. Could be worse, I guess

fakebil · 09-20-2007, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ggccg

...It seems that once the low fuel warning has been activated, it stays activated until the car is restarted and a fresh reading is acquired.

Yup, that's the way it works.

Sky4Her · 09-21-2007, 02:56 PM

Apparently the dealership that is working on my fuel issue had to order parts for it last evening. I called to see when I was going to be able to pick it up today and they said the sending unit was bad and I won't have my car back till tomorrow.

ChiliSky · 09-21-2007, 08:11 PM

I have had issues with the gas gage since I drove the car from my home base in Canada to my US home in SC. I have talked to the dealer 3X on the issue and they just say they can not find anything wrong.
Park on flat even ground, I have full tank. drive down the road 1 mile, I have 1/2 a tank. There is a problem with the placement of the sending unit that should be addressed. I have almost run out of gas many times late at night driving, not a safe issue.

shnomac77 · 09-21-2007, 08:15 PM

GM cars have always dropped fast at a half tank but thats crazy......

**Skip** · 09-22-2007, 12:41 AM

Every now and then I have gas issues, but I learned that TUMS are real good for that....Skip...

ChiliSky · 09-22-2007, 01:21 AM

Skipperdoodle you are such a smart a** sometimes!!!!!!!!!!

Ya make me laugh.

thanks
Now send me some of that ther wine ya make, I am about ready for a headache!!!!

KYREDLINE · 09-22-2007, 01:25 AM

My sky ran out of gas the other day. Had to call onstar, they gave me $5 in gas for free. I just go by the electronic in dash display. I Think its stupid how it doesn't go below 45 some miles.

**Skip** · 09-22-2007, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChiliSky

Skipperdoodle you are such a smart a** sometimes!!!!!!!!!!

Ya make me laugh.

thanks
Now send me some of that ther wine ya make, I am about ready for a headache!!!!

Wine will be ready by Christmas...Skip...no wine before its time...

SkyMan 08 · 09-22-2007, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rick Tinley Park

Aren't they painted with lead paint??

No its the Chinese cars painted with Lead paint, The Japaneese are painted in watercolors...

1994SC2 · 09-24-2007, 07:54 PM

That issue with the 1/4 tank is common and I too experienced it.

We talked a bit more in depth about it in this thread: Gas Gauge Overestimating Low Fuel

09-20-2007, 01:58 PM	#1 (permalink)
MyFastSaturn Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Shawnee, Kansas Posts: 10 My Photos: (0)	Odd Gas Gauge Issues My gas gauge drops suddenly after I get around 1/4 tank left. It stays like this for a while and then will just jump up to over 1/4 tank randomly. I understand if it is around empty, but 1/4 tank is a decent amount and I can't see that driving should cause such swings. Does anyone else run into this?

09-20-2007, 02:11 PM	#3 (permalink)
Sky4Her Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 109 My Photos: (11)	Funny you guys should bring up this topic. My Sky is in the shop as write this for that very rason. It's a fault in the fuel signal relay in the gas tank I was told. Mine will actually read empty when it's under 1/4 tank, then at 1/8 it'll say I have 48 miles then drop to nothing. I've driven about 25 miles when it's read empty. I was monitoring my milage and would guage how far I had after that. __________________ Sky + Twisties = FUN! Vin:141904 Plate: RIDN'2UP Mods: Steve's Windscreen Opel GT Antenna 3rd tail light blackout "sky" Fujita CAI RL Exhaust www.CharlotteColdwellBanker.com

09-21-2007, 02:56 PM	#13 (permalink)
Sky4Her Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 109 My Photos: (11)	Apparently the dealership that is working on my fuel issue had to order parts for it last evening. I called to see when I was going to be able to pick it up today and they said the sending unit was bad and I won't have my car back till tomorrow. __________________ Sky + Twisties = FUN! Vin:141904 Plate: RIDN'2UP Mods: Steve's Windscreen Opel GT Antenna 3rd tail light blackout "sky" Fujita CAI RL Exhaust www.CharlotteColdwellBanker.com Last edited by Sky4Her : 09-21-2007 at 03:05 PM.

09-21-2007, 08:11 PM	#14 (permalink)
ChiliSky First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Marietta, South Carolina and Guelph, ON Canada Posts: 1,081 My Photos: (2)	I have had issues with the gas gage since I drove the car from my home base in Canada to my US home in SC. I have talked to the dealer 3X on the issue and they just say they can not find anything wrong. Park on flat even ground, I have full tank. drive down the road 1 mile, I have 1/2 a tank. There is a problem with the placement of the sending unit that should be addressed. I have almost run out of gas many times late at night driving, not a safe issue. __________________ JOIN US FOR 2009 TAIL OF THE DRAGON http://www.freewebs.com/solsticeskyatthedragon/ There once was a Kappa named Chili Who loved the back roads that were hilly Afraid of no turn She made those hoops burn I tell you that girl is a dilly BY DRUID

09-22-2007, 12:41 AM	#16 (permalink)
Skip First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: deep in the land of cotton where good times there are not forgotten Posts: 4,736 My Photos: (0)	Every now and then I have gas issues, but I learned that TUMS are real good for that....Skip... __________________ Resident Redneck of the forum and Birthday Greeter Keep on the sunny side of life It tant Christmas without Christ.

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09-20-2007, 03:13 PM	#4 (permalink)
MyFastSaturn Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Shawnee, Kansas Posts: 10 My Photos: (0)	Is it something that can be fixed or should I just watch it?

09-20-2007, 04:31 PM	#7 (permalink)
Gerry Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 568 My Photos: (0)	Manufacturers have common problems. GM: Gas gauge (seriously, look on any board catering to GM vehicles and search gas gauge) Chrysler: Transmissions Ford: Sparkplugs shooting through your hood or your truck burns to the ground. Take your pick The other off-shore manufacturers have problems as well (except for Janpanses cars. They're all perfect).

09-20-2007, 06:29 PM	#10 (permalink)
ggccg First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Under Skip's Skin Posts: 1,497 My Photos: (0)	I think the position of the fuel sensor in the Sky may not be optimal, especially if you are not on level ground. When I park on an incline with the tank around 1/4 full, I often get a Low Fuel warning when I restart the car and it will stay like that until I move the car to level ground and restart. Suddenly, I have 1/4 tank again. It seems that once the low fuel warning has been activated, it stays activated until the car is restarted and a fresh reading is acquired.

09-20-2007, 06:30 PM	#11 (permalink)
MyFastSaturn Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Shawnee, Kansas Posts: 10 My Photos: (0)	F. Well, I'll just accept it and move on. Seems like such a simple issue to correct. Could be worse, I guess

09-21-2007, 08:15 PM	#15 (permalink)
shnomac77 Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: SoCal Posts: 26 My Photos: (0)	GM cars have always dropped fast at a half tank but thats crazy......

09-22-2007, 01:21 AM	#17 (permalink)
ChiliSky First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Marietta, South Carolina and Guelph, ON Canada Posts: 1,081 My Photos: (2)	Skipperdoodle you are such a smart a** sometimes!!!!!!!!!! Ya make me laugh. thanks Now send me some of that ther wine ya make, I am about ready for a headache!!!! __________________ JOIN US FOR 2009 TAIL OF THE DRAGON http://www.freewebs.com/solsticeskyatthedragon/ There once was a Kappa named Chili Who loved the back roads that were hilly Afraid of no turn She made those hoops burn I tell you that girl is a dilly BY DRUID

09-22-2007, 01:25 AM	#18 (permalink)
KYREDLINE Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Northern Kentucky Posts: 40 My Photos: (0)	My sky ran out of gas the other day. Had to call onstar, they gave me $5 in gas for free. I just go by the electronic in dash display. I Think its stupid how it doesn't go below 45 some miles.

09-24-2007, 07:54 PM	#21 (permalink)
1994SC2 First 2000 Sr. Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Washington DC/Carlisle, PA Posts: 1,377 My Photos: (21)	That issue with the 1/4 tank is common and I too experienced it. We talked a bit more in depth about it in this thread: Gas Gauge Overestimating Low Fuel __________________ 1994 SC2 (Obituary) 2007 SKY (Thread 'n Pics) VIN 326 5 spd, black trim, chromies, XM 6-disc, deck spoiler, LSD