Low Gas Warning = ~2.5 to 3 gallons left? - Page 2 - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Russell James · 01-30-2012, 07:37 AM

As mentioned before, not the wisest thing to run the tank low. The pump is cooled by being submerged in fuel. Get down to that last gallon and most of the pump is above the fuel.

A friend of mine recently pushed his Silverado to the last gallon in the tank. Coasted down the highway off ramp and rolled into the gas station dead stick. After refilling - no start/tow/$500 new pump.

SM0KE · 01-30-2012, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlee

GTAHVIT and PQ know the EXACT numbers.

jmaynard · 01-30-2012, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xanthes

Hmmm... ok. Was just worried on the road because the actual gauge was showing on the first red empty line and was damn close to the second red line which I would wager means running on fumes. Didn't seem like I would get 50 more miles out of it.

Just how accurate is the miles left estimator? Assuming of course you don't all the sudden radically change your driving habits.

Not accurate enough to rely on. They call it an IDIOT light for a reason. Unless you are planning on taking your ride to the track you should not let it get that low on fuel. Less than half empty tanks encourage condensation.

Edited to add, the fuel injectors also do not like to run dry. Can cause serious damage to your car.

jmaynard · 01-30-2012, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MickeyD

When I first got the Camaro I put a 5 gallon gas can in the trunk and ran the poor car dry just to see how far it would go. I got 60 miles on the highway after that stupid warning before she clunked out. Now I know exactly how far I can push my luck.

Dude, seriously. If you cannot afford the gas, seel the car.

Why not try this instead. Stop eating and see how long until you die. What you did to your car is very similiar. You put unneeded stress on the engine by running it out of fuel. You took a chance on damaging your fuel injectors, and could easily have dropped a valve or piston rod with this stupid test. How friggin hard is it to just keep fuel in the tank. There are gas stations every few miles.

heRS · 01-30-2012, 09:13 AM

I try not to let mine get below 1/4 tank. I'm sure the Camaro can be run dry once with no ill effect. The dude's not planning on making it a weekly ritual, lighten up. He knows how far to push it now.

SSGUNNER · 01-30-2012, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frid

Never worry about this. Always fill her up when it reaches 1/4 tank

.

Rogue Leader · 01-30-2012, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MickeyD

When I first got the Camaro I put a 5 gallon gas can in the trunk and ran the poor car dry just to see how far it would go. I got 60 miles on the highway after that stupid warning before she clunked out. Now I know exactly how far I can push my luck.

Thats a really bad idea. The fuel pump is cooled by the fuel in the tank. Some cars (the C5 Corvette for example) are notorious for killing the fuel pump the first time you ever do this.

562TROJAN · 01-30-2012, 02:43 PM

Seriously! Why would anyone want to drain they fuel tank until their car clonks out?

Add me to the list of 1/4 tank = Need to fill her up again!

BowtieBelle · 01-30-2012, 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlee

http://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=198477

GTAHVIT and PQ know the EXACT numbers.

Aziz · 01-30-2012, 04:12 PM

A friendly advice: try as hard as you can not to go under 1/4 of the tank. I heard that if there is any filth in the tank it would be at the bottom and going under 1/4 of the tank might clog the fuel pump.

Earl · 01-30-2012, 06:11 PM

Running out of gas?

Earl · 01-30-2012, 06:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MickeyD

When I first got the Camaro I put a 5 gallon gas can in the trunk and ran the poor car dry just to see how far it would go. I got 60 miles on the highway after that stupid warning before she clunked out. Now I know exactly how far I can push my luck.

And on purpose?

90503 · 01-30-2012, 06:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Earl

And on purpose?

Running low/out of gas or even making a game of it can turn ugly if you're not careful...run out, you lose power steering, brakes, etc. You could cause an accident which would be your fault. Being stranded on the road from being out of gas, either intentionally or accidentally, is a citable offense that goes on your driving record.

For pete's sake, plan ahead, be a responsible driver. Don't trust computer/dashboard gadgets to tell you how far you can go. Know your needle gauge and driving habits...and gas it up!!!

ArmoSS · 01-31-2012, 12:20 AM

OP, 2.5 - 3 galloons is accurate. I've tested this many times. It's not bad for your car when you have up to 3 gallons left, even though your car shows almost empty or the DIC says "low fuel." My only guess is that it's a precautionary thing with GM to so people who try to "push it" still make it to where they need to when on Empty. But, this isn't a new "concept"...many cars do that, especially American. My 2002 camaro does the same thing...when on Empty, I still have 3 gallons left.

01-30-2012, 09:13 AM	#19
heRS Raised by Wolves Drives: IBM 2010 2LT RS M6 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Spokane, WA Posts: 5,980 View My Garage	I try not to let mine get below 1/4 tank. I'm sure the Camaro can be run dry once with no ill effect. The dude's not planning on making it a weekly ritual, lighten up. He knows how far to push it now. __________________ Tori click the sig pic to view my build thread

01-30-2012, 02:43 PM	#22
562TROJAN SoCal Mayhem Drives: 2011 RJT 2SS Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Norwalk, CA Posts: 973	Seriously! Why would anyone want to drain they fuel tank until their car clonks out? Add me to the list of 1/4 tank = Need to fill her up again! __________________

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Push Start button?	CG'sSS	Camaro DIY & HOW-TO instructions & discussions	158	06-06-2012 07:27 PM
Gas mileage....good one to read.	ladysman07	5th Gen Camaro SS LS LT General Discussions	12	09-07-2009 10:16 PM
Fuel Guage on E despite having 3 gallons left?	Arch	5th Gen Camaro SS LS LT General Discussions	21	07-13-2009 10:55 PM
Fuel pump or bad tank of gas?	Boomer Sooner	4th Generation Camaros	25	01-02-2009 06:34 PM
gas prices.	Congoman775	General Automotive + Other Cars Discussion	65	05-28-2008 12:20 PM

01-30-2012, 07:37 AM	#15
Russell James Drives: '15 SS 1LE, '69 Z28 drag car Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Mich Posts: 4,483	As mentioned before, not the wisest thing to run the tank low. The pump is cooled by being submerged in fuel. Get down to that last gallon and most of the pump is above the fuel. A friend of mine recently pushed his Silverado to the last gallon in the tank. Coasted down the highway off ramp and rolled into the gas station dead stick. After refilling - no start/tow/$500 new pump.

01-30-2012, 04:12 PM	#24
Aziz Drives: 09 Dodge Durango Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Saudi Arabia Posts: 46	A friendly advice: try as hard as you can not to go under 1/4 of the tank. I heard that if there is any filth in the tank it would be at the bottom and going under 1/4 of the tank might clog the fuel pump.

01-30-2012, 06:11 PM	#25
Earl Account Suspended Drives: Camaro Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: USA Posts: 278	Running out of gas?

01-31-2012, 12:20 AM	#28
ArmoSS Drives: 2011 Camaro SS Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 506	OP, 2.5 - 3 galloons is accurate. I've tested this many times. It's not bad for your car when you have up to 3 gallons left, even though your car shows almost empty or the DIC says "low fuel." My only guess is that it's a precautionary thing with GM to so people who try to "push it" still make it to where they need to when on Empty. But, this isn't a new "concept"...many cars do that, especially American. My 2002 camaro does the same thing...when on Empty, I still have 3 gallons left.