Originally Posted by desertstars

It amazes me that so many people are replacing sending units without at least giving an additive a try.

The contacts on the sending unit are typically plated with silver-palladium to resist corrosion. But over time, residual sulfur in gasoline can corrode the contacts causing the gauge to vacillate erratically or not at all. Replacing the sending unit is an expensive job because you have to drop the fuel tank unless you have trunk access, so a more affordable alternative is to simply add a bottle of additive to the tank.

I quote from an article I read concerning cheap gas: "Depending on who you talk to, it is suggested that starting around 2001 refiners have been reducing the use of detergent-dispersants by 40%-66%, that's up to a 2/3 reduction. This was made worse by additional reductions allowed and encouraged by the EPA in the wake of the 2005 hurricane season to alleviate spot shortages caused by the damage these storms did to our overall refining capacity. These reductions in the additive level and octane rating may save the refiners money and possibly increased supply, however it causes many engine problems, raises emissions, and lowers mileage for the users of their fuel."

As I posted earlier in this thread, three mechanics suggested that I needed to replace my sending unit. OF COURSE that would solve the problem. It would also solve the problem of a bad EGR if one replaced the entire engine.

Originally Posted by Enzo354

Do you have the electronic gauge at the top above the rear view mirror?? You could probably just go by range.

Originally Posted by 2003_iceman

that is operated by the fuel gauge itself. if the tank sensor is reading incorrectly then how could you go by range? you can't. the only way is to go by miles you drive. if you know you can go 300 miles on a tank fill it up between 250 to 300 miles. your idea will not work.