Some Clinton Township drivers pulled into a Meijer gas station for a routine fill-up and left with a whole different kind of fuel problem. A delivery error at the pumps left certain motorists with diesel in their gasoline tanks, leading to sudden stalls, rough running, and quick detours to local repair shops.
Meijer says a fuel-delivery mistake by a third-party vendor is to blame and that it is reaching out to customers as a precaution after the mix-up at its Clinton Township store.
What Meijer says and who was affected
According to the company, a third-party vendor accidentally mixed unleaded gasoline with diesel at the Meijer Express on South Groesbeck Highway in Clinton Township. Fuel sold between March 17 at 6 a.m. and March 19 at 1 p.m. may have been affected, including Regular Unleaded (87) and Mid-Grade (89).
Some drivers say they have already felt the effects, reporting immediate engine issues and visits to mechanics, as reported by Metro Detroit News.
Where it happened
The station sits at Meijer’s Clinton Township store, which the retailer lists at 40445 S. Groesbeck Highway in its store directory. State motor-fuel records also list Meijer among licensed retail fuel outlets in Macomb County, confirming the site’s fuel operations, according to Meijer’s newsroom and records from the Michigan Department of Agriculture & Rural Development (MDARD).
What mechanics recommend
Automotive shops say diesel in a gasoline engine is a bad combo. If it circulates through the system, it can foul spark plugs, clog injectors, and damage catalytic converters.
If you suspect your car has the wrong fuel, mechanics advise that you do not start it. Instead, arrange a tow and have a shop drain the tank, replace the fuel filters, and flush the lines to limit damage. That is the same precautionary guidance offered by AAA.
Signs to watch for and next steps
Hard starting or stalling, a sudden loss of power, unusual smoke, or a glowing check-engine light are common red flags that the wrong fuel might be in the tank.
If you bought fuel at the Clinton Township Meijer between March 17 and March 19 and are experiencing vehicle trouble, Meijer says it is notifying customers and asks anyone with problems to call 616-791-5484 for assistance, as reported by Metro Detroit News.
