i8astang

About a week ago I took my 03 to the dealership for a problem with the gas gauge. Once the gaue gotdown past 1/2 a tank it would jump around and I would never know how much gas I really had. So after I left the dealership (they had told me to run it low) I went to fill it up. I told the girl to fill it up and she put in around 26.00, a fill up. When I turned the car back on the gauge only went just past 1/2 a tank. I thought it was weird but I didn't really do anything about it. So this past week I've been driving around and the gas gauge hasn't moved from just over 1/2 tank. All of a sudden as I'm driving into work today the gauge goes from 1/2 a tank to nothing, Low Fuel, Check Gauges in a matter of seconds. I called the dealership to schedule an apoitment but they obiviously didn't fix the problem in the first place. Has anyone ever heard of anything like this happening before? Thanks.
Sara

runamuk

This is a common problem in the C5 especially if you use a fuel that has a high level of sulphur, if you use Exxon or Amoco these are generally lower in sulphur and people have reported that it fixed their problem

i8astang

Is this a recent problem that's been happening? I've been filling up at the same place for literally years with the 03 and my 99 and I've never had a problem. It just stated happening within the last 2 months.

lager99

It's a sending unit problem...just about everyone has/had it. Mine only did it 3 times. Others have used a bottle of Techron to clean it up. Dealers can't seem to fix it.

Rattler71

My 70 corvette had the same problem so it has been around a while. My C-5 did it a while back. I changed fuel brand to Mobil and never had the problem again.fingers crossed


Scott

NSTG8R

Just started happening to me the other day, I filled up, showed 1/2 a tank, shut off the car started it back up 3/4, did it again .. full tank.
It's been iffy since then, I've been using my trip meter to keep a good tab on my gas.

I'm keeping my eye on it, but am going to use my camera to record it the next time it happens to i can bring it to GM and say, FIX IT!

best of luck.

i8astang

Thanks guys, I'll try Mobil and see what happens.

i8astang

Ok I just put $20 of Mobil Gas in it and it still reads empty, Low Fuel with no Range. WTF

Grumpy

Source: Chevrolet Dealer Service Bulletin
Number: 01-06-04-022
Subject: Inaccurate/Erratic Fuel Level Gauge Readings (Install New Sensor,
Strainer and/or RH Fuel Sender Assembly)
Model Year: 1997-2000 Chevrolet Corvette

Condition

Some owners may comment about inaccurate/erratic fuel level gauge reading
conditions such as those indicated below:

a.. Fuel gage suddenly drops to E (empty) and CHECK GAGES message
illuminates (DTC P1431 or P0461 set).

b.. Fuel gage does not go to F (full) after filling fuel tank.

c.. Vehicle runs out of fuel while the gage still indicates fuel is
available.

Cause

The conditions indicated above may be the result of one or a combination of
more than one of the causes indicated below:

a.. Stuck or intermittent sticking of the sensor float arm.

b.. Clogged/restricted R.H. fuel sender assembly jet pump.

c.. R.H. jet pump unable to transfer fuel due to fuel vaporization
resulting in bubble accumulation in the fuel strainer.
Subject: Erratic Fuel Gauge Reading (Reprogram the PCM)
Source: Chevrolet Dealer Technical Service Bulletin
Number: 02-06-04-010A - (06/27/2003)
Models: 1999-2002 Chevrolet Corvette

This bulletin is being revised to add models and update the Correction and
Warranty Information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 02-06-04-010
(Section 06- Engine).

Condition:

Some owners may comment about the fuel gauge intermittently indicating an
empty reading and then return to the correct fuel level indication.

Cause:

This condition may result when fuel blends containing aggressive sulphur
compounds react with the fuel sender assembly, which may result in voltage
spikes being induced on the fuel level signal to the PCM. Use of another
fuel blend may reverse this reaction and return the system to normal
operation.

Correction:

Reprogram the PCM with the new service calibration which is available in the
June 2003, Techline® TIS release sent to the dealers on 6/28/03. Use the TIS
Version 7 or later data update.

i8astang

Thank you Sir!! I'll print this out and take it to my dealer tomorrow.

Grumpy

folks helping folks

Sandy S

Don't bother with the camera... Just take it in. They know all about the problem. Lots of Corvettes have this one. Depending on the year there may be slightly different fixes but I bet they change one or both of the fuel sensors.

Rattler71

If they reprogram the PCM, does that wipe out my $500 dyno tune?

Scott

Rogue Wave

Why yes, yes it does.

Rattler71

bummer


Scott

mrw173

Switched to Mobile and added a 20oz bottle of Chevron Techron at each fill up (it took three) untill the problem stopped, now I add a bottle on every third fill up, been good for a year now. Mike

Zilla

Just to let you know that these code will not turn on the Check Engine light. I have this problem right now. The gas gauge will stay at empty when I start the car. Once I clear these codes the gas gauge will move again.

After they replaced my sensor and sending unit the gas gauge will only go to 15/16th full when I fill the tank and when I get a low fuel message the tank still has 4.5 gallons in the car.

JoesC5

I've had my 98 in twice for this problem, and so far the second fix (new sensors) is working great. I can run the gauge down to the red marks and the "reserve fuel" shows up on the DIC and 16 gals fills it up. I purchase gas at the same stations for my 56 vette (not sure if it has the original sensor), my 64 vette (it has the original sensor) and my newer Buick Le Sabre. If the sensors on those cars aren't affected by sulfer then why is the C5's? If 3 out of my 4 cars do okay it tells me there is a engineering design problem with the C5.

oufan2929

Welcome to chevy! Every truck or car including my vette has always had somewhat of an issue w/the gas gauge going up and down repeatedly. Oh well, if that's one of the few quirks of owning a chevy, I guess I can deal w/it.

bekdad

My memory's a little hazy on this, but I think I remember reading that someplace in the 2003 production run, they engineered a "fix" for this. Do you know if your 2003 was early or late in the production run?