Fuel Gauge Problems Caused by Shell(and other) Gasoline
 

Here's an article I found on line that may explain some fuel gauge problems. Where did you buy your gas this past weekend???!!!

Holiday Weekend Debacle Will Cost Shell

Just before the holiday weekend, Shell Oil had to stop selling gasoline at more than 500 stations in Florida and Louisiana due to unusually high levels of sulfur that could cause fuel gauges to stop working. The bad fuel was sold throughout Florida in stations branded as either Shell or Texaco, and also in the New Orleans area. About 40 Chevron stations in the New Orleans area were also affected.

The problem fuel, supplied from a refinery in Norco, Louisiana, contained unusually high sulfur levels-high enough to foul the delicate silver circuits of fuel-level switches, either rendering them temporarily inoperable or completely ruining them. Shell said that the sulfur levels should not cause any engine damage. High sulfur levels are also known to affect some emissions equipment, though Shell did not release any information about the possibility of damage from such short-term use.

Prior to the news breaking on Friday, Shell had already received 825 claims of fuel gauge problems likely due to the bad fuel and many more inquiries. The gauge issues could prove a significant financial liability for Shell, as gas gauge issues normally cost several hundred dollars to fix-much higher for some vehicles. Station owners also will have deal with the loss of income from one of the year's biggest driving weekends.

Despite the supply issues for Shell, there did not seem to be any shortage and gasoline was still selling at low prices in the region compared to the rest of the country. The average for the New Orleans area on Friday was $1.94 per gallon. By the end of the weekend, Shell had managed to bring gasoline service back to most of the stations in the affected regions. Premium fuel was reportedly unaffected by the problem, and was being offered for the price of low-grade in some locations so they could do business.

Customers who believe they have a problem with their vehicles due to the bad fuel should call Shell at 866-562-6690 or 877-825-2467, or Chevron at 800-362-8900.

We've actually had the GM TSB posted here in the past. This has been an issue for quite some time. I never buy gas from Shell, and if I buy from an independent (rarely) I make sure that they aren't supplied by Shell.

Re: Fuel Gauge Problems Caused by Shell(and other) Gasoline
 

I remember reading about the probs with Shell gas in parts of Canada. This particular problem is isolated(I hope) to Florida and Louisiana AND it also affected Texaco and Chevron stations as well. I buy 90% of my gas from the independents and, so far, so good.

Ol timer, it's not isolated.

Shell uses an additive in their fuel quite regularly that affects the sending units and pumps in GM cars and trucks. There's no way to track which geographical areas or times they use it.

Better safe than sorry. I know 2 people personally in Oregon that had this nail them.

I buy gas at shell everytime.... it's like 200ft from my house.... now I have to find another gas station.

Having a gas station near your home is a great convenience. Just make sure you use a charge card when you purchase your fuel(or at the very least, get a receipt). If you do have a problem with your gauge(with Shell gas) you might be able to make a claim.



This was on the Shell Website:

Information for customers regarding the gas gauge problem in New Orleans, Biloxi and Florida:

For customers in New Orleans, La., Biloxi, Miss., and central and south Florida who have experienced a gas gauge problem and would like to speak with customer service or file a claim, you may contact the following:

Louisiana and Biloxi, Mississippi, claims: +1-877-825-2467
Florida claims: +1-866-562-6690 or +1-888-502-7323
Online claims: http://www.interactclaims.com/shell

:x Crap !!! filled up @ Petro-Can and it started doing the same.. I know I shouldn't read more then half tank and it went to 7/8.. got pissed off on the highway.. turned the car off and back on in neutral and it worked fine :x

yup. been there, done that. I"ve always gotten gas at shell and my gas gauge doesn't work anymore either. Once I get down to 1/2 a tank, it goes back to full. :roll: When I get my new sending unit/pump I'll make sure I get gas elseware. How is Citgo's gas? that's the only other 'good' station around these parts. I just wish their "pay at the pump" would work here. :(.

Ewww!! My favorite gas station just switched to Shell!!! Grrr... :nonono:

I have changed both my bad Bonneville fuel pumps, and have yet to replace my Camero fuel pump which is dead. I used to exclusivly run Shell gas.

Now I run Amoco/BP premium, and have not had any problems.

Of course, both of my fuel gauges are bad, but thats just a Bonneville thing. The bad gas will usually kill your fuel pump 1st.

The other thing with GM fuel pumps is that they are in the tank and rely on the gas to cool them. If you consistently run your take at 1/4 or below, they will run hot and fail prematurely. Keep at least 1/2 a tank at all times.

Cheers,

Andrew