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Old Apr 28, 2007 | 12:03 AM
  #1  
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Default Check gauges light

Tonight I was driving with at least 1/3 tank of gas. I heard a bell, the gas gauge was on total empty, the dash display said low fuel, and the check gauges light came on. I put in 10 gallons and the gauge needle went to full and the check gauges light went off. I definately wasn't out of gas. Has anyone experienced this?
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Old Apr 28, 2007 | 12:08 AM
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sounds like your guage went hopefully it is an isolated incident...had mine die on my 99 early on had to get the sender replaced..it let me run out while reading over 1/4 tank
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Old Apr 28, 2007 | 02:28 AM
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Probably your sending unit going bad.
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Old Apr 28, 2007 | 03:04 AM
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Is this a case where Techron would help?
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Old Apr 28, 2007 | 12:49 PM
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Originally Posted by nonsuchpro
Is this a case where Techron would help?
Yes. Although I like Seafoam. One tank may not do the deed. It won't hurt to use the additive for a few tank fulls. Also clear any related codes.
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Old Apr 28, 2007 | 01:28 PM
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Originally Posted by old55
Yes. Although I like Seafoam. One tank may not do the deed. It won't hurt to use the additive for a few tank fulls. Also clear any related codes.
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Old Apr 28, 2007 | 01:52 PM
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Techron
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Old Apr 28, 2007 | 04:35 PM
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Originally Posted by 02MillenniumVette
Techron
Or Red Line SI-1 too.
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Old Apr 28, 2007 | 11:25 PM
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It's interesting that some of you think that Techron or fuel additives would possibly correct a malfunctioning sending unit if that is the problem. I use Costco. They put Nitrogen in my tires so I know there must be good stuff in their gas too! Actually, I think it must be electronics related.
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Old Apr 29, 2007 | 12:40 AM
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Originally Posted by Wolfie
It's interesting that some of you think that Techron or fuel additives would possibly correct a malfunctioning sending unit if that is the problem. I use Costco. They put Nitrogen in my tires so I know there must be good stuff in their gas too! Actually, I think it must be electronics related.
Believe it or not it works. If you do a search you will see many people have had much success with Techron. It removes the build up on the sending unit.

Last edited by WWK888; Apr 29, 2007 at 01:19 PM.
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Old Apr 29, 2007 | 01:19 AM
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Gasoline containing aggressive or higher content levels of sulfur can foul the sending unit which often causes this problem (see service bulletin below). A number of members here have found that Techron and similar fuel additives can sometimes help reverse some of the fouling. Also, you may want to consider changing to another brand of gasoline or station for fuel.

Too, some have had their PCMs reprogrammed with varying or limited success. However, GM does not recommend reprogramming of the PCM for cars with the newer FFS fuel system introduced part way through model year 2003 and on later model year cars and the following service bulletin should not be used to justify reprogramming the PCM on these cars:


1999 - 2002 Service Bulletin: Erratic Fuel Gauge Reading (Reprogram the PCM)

Good luck with the fix.

Last edited by GrayC5; Apr 29, 2007 at 01:36 AM.
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Old Apr 29, 2007 | 01:37 AM
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Same thing happened on my 98. I used one bottle of Techron and
cleared up my problem.
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Old Apr 29, 2007 | 09:08 AM
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Try the Techron, Seafoam or similar product and see if that helps with the guage problem. If it doesn't, then it could very well be a bad sending unit.
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Old Apr 29, 2007 | 09:23 AM
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Same thing just happened to me. One minute I had a half tank next second my gauge is on empty, low fuel warning, and check gauges light is on. Check your codes and see if you have p1432 if you do reset it and your gauge will work for awhile. I also am changing fuel from Shell vp to mobil and I am adding another bottle of techron.
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Old Apr 30, 2007 | 12:27 AM
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Thanks for the responses and now I know I'm not the only one who has had this problem. I will get some Techron tomorrow and give it a try.
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Old Apr 30, 2007 | 01:38 AM
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It worked for me

You may want to try using Chevron gas for a while. It has Techron added.
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Old Apr 30, 2007 | 01:49 AM
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Originally Posted by Wolfie
Tonight I was driving with at least 1/3 tank of gas. I heard a bell, the gas gauge was on total empty, the dash display said low fuel, and the check gauges light came on. I put in 10 gallons and the gauge needle went to full and the check gauges light went off. I definately wasn't out of gas. Has anyone experienced this?
Yes, one time many moons ago, maybe 5-6 years. I did what you did, filled it up, and it hasn't happen since. I've never used Chevron. I wouldn't worry about it, unless it happens again. Then I might try one of the magic potions listed above.
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Old May 1, 2007 | 04:35 PM
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Originally Posted by DeeGee
It worked for me

You may want to try using Chevron gas for a while. It has Techron added.
Texaco too. They both have Techron.
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Old May 1, 2007 | 11:12 PM
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Found this..................................

1999 - 2002: Service Bulletin: Erratic Fuel Gauge Reading (Reprogram the PCM)

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.
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Old May 2, 2007 | 01:20 AM
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Thanks 2KFRC5! That service bulletin was a great find. I'll take this to the dealer so they'll know what to do.
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