Fuel Level Issues - 07 Yukon Denali

[black07denali]

I am trying to find out if I have an issue w/ my Yukon or if this is normal. I purchased an 07 Yukon Denali about 5 mo's ago, w/ 63K miles on it. My fuel issues are two-fold. First off, the fuel gauge seems to be extremely sensitive to un-level ground. My driveway for example, is a slight incline. If I park nose down, the truck will take a near half tank on flat ground, and cause it to read empty. If I pull it out of the driveway to flat ground and turn it off, then turn the key forward, it seems to quickly read accurate. Otherwise, if I drive it, it seems to take about 15 minutes of driving to get back to an accurate level. If I park nose up, it will do the opposite, take a half tank and read full. Another thing that is perplexing is the fact that this truck has a 26 gallon tank and I have never been able to pump anywhere close to that, even on what I would think should be a bone dry tank. My low fuel light will come on and the needle will read empty while my fuel usage computer will say I have used anywhere between 17-19 gallons. I know that fuel usage computer isn't always going to be 100% accurate and reliable. But the absolute most fuel I have ever been able to pump is 22 gallon and that was driving interstate for about 80 miles after the light had came on, trying to push it... This is the first GM I have ever owned, so I am an all around newbie here. I have owned Fords, Chryslers, Nissans, you name it, and have never experienced anything like this. It seems to be an extremely conservative reserve, if this is working as GM intended. And the sensitivity of the fuel level is unlike any car I have ever owned. I have owned 5 vehicles, 4 different makes, while living in this home. Not a single one has been noticeably affected by the incline of my driveway, especially not anywhere close to this extreme.

I am not sure if these "issues" are related at all but both are somewhat of an annoyance. And here's the kicker, I just replaced the fuel pump and sending unit, and it is still the same. I am at a loss and wonder if this is just how this vehicle is. Anyone else experiencing the same or have any suggestions on what is causing this?

Thanks in advance!

-black07denali

 

[fishhunter911]

My 07 does the exact same thing. When the light comes on I can only get 19 to 20 gallons in and the fuel used matches right up to that.

 

[black07denali]

Good to know, thanks for the reply. Does your gauge seem to be as sensitive to un-level ground?

 

[fishhunter911]

Yea it does. My driveway slopes down as well. If I park nose down it will go from a 1/4 tank down to empty. The light will come on.

 

[black07denali]

Yea it does. My driveway slopes down as well. If I park nose down it will go from a 1/4 tank down to empty. The light will come on.

Good to know, thanks for your reply. It must just be how this vehicle is, I will learn to live w/ it. It is good to know that there isn't likely anything wrong w/ it.

 

[bauer4567]

just for more reinforcement. my 07 does all of these things exactly, as well.

 

[stevek]

Another thing that is perplexing is the fact that this truck has a 26 gallon tank and I have never been able to pump anywhere close to that, even on what I would think should be a bone dry tank. My low fuel light will come on and the needle will read empty while my fuel usage computer will say I have used anywhere between 17-19 gallons. I know that fuel usage computer isn't always going to be 100% accurate and reliable. But the absolute most fuel I have ever been able to pump is 22 gallon and that was driving interstate for about 80 miles after the light had came on, trying to push it...

I only get 22 gallons when my Fuel light goes on... but I think my guage is off a little because when it's full it's probably 10* past F and then when the light comes on, I have at least an 1/8th tank.

These cars are idiot proof in the sense that it'll be "empty", and the dash will say "Miles remaining: low" but there is still 1.5-2 gallons left.

I have a probably 35* slope to my driveway and my gauge fluctuates a bit as well, it's normal.

 

[juggernaut201]

My escalade does the exact same

 

[black07denali]

Thanks guys! It's good to know that I don't have an issue, it must just be due to the design and how the sending unit is positioned. I absolutely love this truck so this minor quirk is definitely something I can live with.

 

[SBCT]

My '07 Yukon also does the exact same thing....I use it as an excuse to give my wife a hard time about her love affair with GM car's (I am a Dodge/Ford person myself).