Gas tank Problem
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: Latrobe Pa
Gas tank Problem
I have a 2002 convertible with 20,000 miles & the mechanic tells me I may have to replace the right side tank because of faulty fuel readings . Anyone else been told the same ?
Pro
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 562
Likes: 21
From: Southington Connecticut
Suggest adding a bottle or two of Techron to your fuel tank first before doing anything else. I have personally not had the fuel guage sending unit problem, but many have posted that Techron will usually solve the problem. I add a bottle regularly to as a preventative measure.
ML
ML
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 992
Likes: 3
From: Chesterfield Michigan
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14
The tank would never need replacing unless it was physically damaged. All your electronics and sensors and pump can all be replaced individually.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 18,681
Likes: 47
From: Reno is so close to Hell you can see Sparks , State Of Confusion
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
First off you need a new machanic, The tank has nothing to do with the fuel readings, It would be the sensor. Comon prob with the C5, As others have said use Chevron fuel with Techron, What is the culprit is that the sulfur tarnishes the contacts on the sensor and Techron will help clean it up, Not a sure fix, But worth a try.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 123
Likes: 0
From: Tampa Fl
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,021
Likes: 133
From: Conejo Valley CA
This is a common problem in C5's. I have an '02 Z and had this problem. This problem is caused by defective fuel sensors that are part of the fuel sending unit assembly. Now here's the thing... there are two gas tanks in the C5. The problem could be just one fuel sensor or both. I would go to the dealer. For around $150 or less, they can properly diagnose and tell you if you need to replace both sensors or just one. I don't believe it is possible to buy the sensors standalone and you have to buy the entire sending unit assembly.
Here is a picture of one of my fuel level sensors that got replaced. Notice the black deterioration on the conductive traces. These traces should be totally shiny.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 23,234
Likes: 4
From: All that glitters is Gold - Hockey Is CANADA'S game
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 2
From: "Man been singin' the Blues, since he began to till the ground"...Vancouver, USA WA.
Tell the "mechanic" he totally doesn't know corvettes.
This is a common problem in C5's. I have an '02 Z and had this problem. This problem is caused by defective fuel sensors that are part of the fuel sending unit assembly. Now here's the thing... there are two gas tanks in the C5. The problem could be just one fuel sensor or both. I would go to the dealer. For around $150 or less, they can properly diagnose and tell you if you need to replace both sensors or just one. I don't believe it is possible to buy the sensors standalone and you have to buy the entire sending unit assembly.
Here is a picture of one of my fuel level sensors that got replaced. Notice the black deterioration on the conductive traces. These traces should be totally shiny.
This is a common problem in C5's. I have an '02 Z and had this problem. This problem is caused by defective fuel sensors that are part of the fuel sending unit assembly. Now here's the thing... there are two gas tanks in the C5. The problem could be just one fuel sensor or both. I would go to the dealer. For around $150 or less, they can properly diagnose and tell you if you need to replace both sensors or just one. I don't believe it is possible to buy the sensors standalone and you have to buy the entire sending unit assembly.
Here is a picture of one of my fuel level sensors that got replaced. Notice the black deterioration on the conductive traces. These traces should be totally shiny.
JOE
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,291
Likes: 0
From: sterling ct
i was just charged over $730.00 to r&r the fuel sender/pump- i wanted to cure the problem once and for all. with in 10 miles my fuel guage went to zero, light on and low fuel message was being displayed. What are the odds that a brand new sensor would fail??? What are the odds the wrong sensor was replaced?
