Fuel Pump Warning
Thread Starter
Joined: 08-27-2009
Posts: 9
From: texas way south
Fuel Pump Warning
The fuel pump on our HHRs is in the fuel tank and so is the fuel filter.
So what?
I just found out the hard way that you should not drive often with less than 1/4 of a tank of gas;
During the normal?! operation of the pump, its submerged in the fuel and this keeps it cool.
If you drive much with less than a 1/4 of a tank, part of the pump is not submerged in fuel anymore and it OVERHEATS.
An overheated pump fails eventually.
Mine went out at 54,000 miles, and yes I used to drive until the Low Fuel warning came on.
The pump cost $380.00, 2hours shop labor, and a tow truck came t $660.00
with tax, the only repair I've ever needed on my 2006 2.2 LS.
So what?
I just found out the hard way that you should not drive often with less than 1/4 of a tank of gas;
During the normal?! operation of the pump, its submerged in the fuel and this keeps it cool.
If you drive much with less than a 1/4 of a tank, part of the pump is not submerged in fuel anymore and it OVERHEATS.
An overheated pump fails eventually.
Mine went out at 54,000 miles, and yes I used to drive until the Low Fuel warning came on.
The pump cost $380.00, 2hours shop labor, and a tow truck came t $660.00
with tax, the only repair I've ever needed on my 2006 2.2 LS.
Senior Member
Joined: 04-17-2009
Posts: 251
From: PA
The Silverado forums are full of threads on this. The big debate there is to drop the tank, or lift the bed. On the HHRs lowering the tank is probably the only choice.
The best advice is fill up when you get to a quarter tank...
Senior Member
Joined: 09-12-2009
Posts: 143
From: Charlotte NC
Another thing I guess they don't teach drivers anymore... along with checking your fluids and air pressure levels regularly don't constantly ride around at 1/4 tank or less. It will burn your pump up.
Typically it isn't an issue for folks... as most normal people fill up when they get to 1/4 or so. However, the higher gas prices climb the more people try to "Just put $5 or $10 in." and make it by. This issue was actually first noticed during the OPEC Embargo back in the late 1970's, when people were limited to 5 or 10 gallons at a time.
Amazing... just think if "Drivers Ed" actually taught you important things about vehicles instead of how to stop for a school bus.
Typically it isn't an issue for folks... as most normal people fill up when they get to 1/4 or so. However, the higher gas prices climb the more people try to "Just put $5 or $10 in." and make it by. This issue was actually first noticed during the OPEC Embargo back in the late 1970's, when people were limited to 5 or 10 gallons at a time.
Amazing... just think if "Drivers Ed" actually taught you important things about vehicles instead of how to stop for a school bus.
Senior Member
Joined: 08-30-2009
Posts: 105
From: Kamloops
When I first bought a 1997 Chevy Express cargo van, it was in 2000, and the fuel pump went 3 days after buying it. They also had to drop the tank to replace it. When the 2nd pump went 13 months later (1 month out of warranty of course), I found out to never drive with under 1/4 tank of fuel in it. Parked the 97 last summer and at that time had been through 4 fuel pumps. Drove it about 100kms a day, 5 days a week. Almost resorted to getting the shop to cut a hole in the floor for an access point to the fuel pump, just so the tank wouldnt have to be dropped again.
I always keep the tank near half full or more, as thats about how much fuel i am using daily, and i fill up each morning.
I always keep the tank near half full or more, as thats about how much fuel i am using daily, and i fill up each morning.
