That explains why the dealer is trying to screw you. They think just because you are a girl that you don't know anything and they will take advantage of you. If you have any questions or problems there are alot of smart guys on this forum that will help you out.
Mark

 

One thing about taking a sample: water, diesel fuel, and even different grades of gasoline all have different specific gravities. This means that they might sink to the bottom in your gas tank where the fuel pickup is located. If you take a sample, try to siphon from the bottom of the tank.

I think diesel will mix and mingle with gasoline (dilute), but water won't.

Just something to think about.

If you let the dealer know you took a sample from your tank to be analyzed, it might prevent them from trying to "screw you over." So it might be a good idea, but you probably don't need to send it in. The "bluff" will be good enough to keep your dealer honest.

Mike

 

Something I'd try before I'd take it to the dealer and mess with them is put a bottle of HEET in your tank. You can get it at you local parts store and it is designed to adsorb water. It is basically just alcohol. Alcohol adsorbs up to 10% water in it's pure form. It will dicipate the water within your whole tank so it can burn it. water will sink to the bottom of the tank and can explain why it did it as soon as you cranked it. I could imagine that water could get sucked up and to the engine in as fast as 5-10 seconds. Maybe it is something electrical that the dealer can take care of easily and be no pain in your *** . Good luck.

 

on my old ford if it overheaded it shut down half the cyliners for reduced engine power, i think gm's do the samething

 

i burried the guage on my 00 one day when i left it running and went into a store and the electric fan quit. it would barely even run when i went to move it into a parking spot to leave it. i doubt it over heated. you would be able to tell trust me

 

I seriously doubt this is a fuel issue. She said it began shaking when she started the truck after refueling. If it was a fuel issue the truck would not start shaking after turning the key. Fuel has to travel through fuel lines before it hits the injectors. Your truck would have started shaking 2-3 mins. after starting the truck if it was a fuel issue. I don't know what a "reduced engine power" light indicates. I think Autozone can read engine codes for free. Try them out before taking your truck to the dealer. This way you will have an idea of what the problem is before the dealer unecessarily charges you for parts.

 

Thanks, everyone, for all your help! I will keep all this in mind and keep everyone posted!

 

Something else to remember is never let your gas get that low. The gas keeps the fuel pump cool. When it gets low the fuel pump can get hot and cause it to go bad before its time. Dont know what motor you have but if it calls for 87, run the 87 and save the cash.

 

There will be some codes stored in the computer that indicate what put it into "reduced engine power mode". For example, this can be related to irrational throttle position or airflow readings. If the various inputs don't agree with what the computer expects, REP mode is initiated. Could be as simple as a loose or wet connector, or a bad sensor.

 

ok they have pretty much let you know on the mechanical issue. BUT as per your factory warranty if the vehicle is in service for a lengthy time they are REQUIRED to give you a loaner or a rental. everytime i have had my truck in for warranty they give me somethin to drive.