So, my 2009 LT popped a code last week. (I've had it since October) I brought it to the dealer, and he said that I should only run top tier fuels in the Tahoe. I've done research on top tier fuels in the past, so I knew exactly what he was talking about. I was a bit put off that if I don't run top tier I'll continue to get codes and furthermore, have to drive out of my way to locate top tier stations near my house. It's not like I'm running garbage fuel in it. I usually fill up with Gulf Gasoline which of course isn't top tier. Anyway, has anybody else ran into this issue?
Top Teir Fuels
- Thread starter TonyR0206
- Start date
Disclaimer: Links on this page pointing to Amazon, eBay and other sites may include affiliate code. If you click them and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission.
clkelley
Moderator
No, I haven't. My rule of thumb is to attempt to make sure that I find a place that not only has at least "newer" tanks, etc But that also has a lot of traffic. If they go through the gas faster then it helps the gas not condensate as bad and reduces the risk of getting bad fuel.
that being said, although you should run as high a quality gas as possible, you should not be popping codes unless there is something actually wrong with the fuel itself, like having water in it.
The first thing I would do if I were you is find another dealer. It sounds to me as if they are one that doesn't like dealing with customers or helping customers find real solutions, etc. Which is ignorant in and of itself, but I have seen and heard of a lot of them that are like that.
that being said, although you should run as high a quality gas as possible, you should not be popping codes unless there is something actually wrong with the fuel itself, like having water in it.
The first thing I would do if I were you is find another dealer. It sounds to me as if they are one that doesn't like dealing with customers or helping customers find real solutions, etc. Which is ignorant in and of itself, but I have seen and heard of a lot of them that are like that.
Thanks CLKELLEY.
The station I buy from is about 2 years old, and is of a busy interstate (and it has a Mickey D's in there as well...so it's really busy to say the least!! )
I actually brought it to Autozone to have them tell me the code (before I brought it to the dealer) and they mentioned something about a 'cold start' code. Now being in the dead of winter, I would start my Tahoe and let it run with the garage door open for 5 minutes or so before I would leave. My personal thought was maybe the truck was taking in too many exhaust fumes while it was idling and it popped the code. But the dealer said "I doubt it's the case."
Now that it's warmer out, I'm not idling the Tahoe at all. I'm going to run the same fuel in it and see if it pops a code or not. I guess that's all I can do to test the dealership's theory. If another code pops up, I guess I'll take their advice and find another gas supplier!!
Thanks again!!!
The station I buy from is about 2 years old, and is of a busy interstate (and it has a Mickey D's in there as well...so it's really busy to say the least!! )
I actually brought it to Autozone to have them tell me the code (before I brought it to the dealer) and they mentioned something about a 'cold start' code. Now being in the dead of winter, I would start my Tahoe and let it run with the garage door open for 5 minutes or so before I would leave. My personal thought was maybe the truck was taking in too many exhaust fumes while it was idling and it popped the code. But the dealer said "I doubt it's the case."
Now that it's warmer out, I'm not idling the Tahoe at all. I'm going to run the same fuel in it and see if it pops a code or not. I guess that's all I can do to test the dealership's theory. If another code pops up, I guess I'll take their advice and find another gas supplier!!
Thanks again!!!
clkelley
Moderator
If you can provide the code number I can try to help you figure out the issue. It may be something we have seen before.
gibsonsynthetics
Full Access Member
Hey Tony, your vehicle sounds rather new so I wouldn't see it being a problem yet. But, you might be able to alleviate the problem you have having with non-top tier fuel if you were to add fuel stabilizers or additives of sort with a new fuel filter.
clkelley
Moderator
I did some digging and one thing that can continually cause the CEL is if the gas has TOO MUCH Ethanol in it, most of the time it comes up when it has more than 10%. So you need to start by finding a station in your area that either has Ethanol free gas or that provide gas with less than 10% concentration.
