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Fuel Gage problems

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Old Mar 13, 2011 | 10:05 AM
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Default Fuel Gage problems

I recently purchased a 2002 Corvette coupe. Full tank of gas. Once the gas gage went one tick past 3/4 tank the gage went to zero and got the low fuel waring. I filled up to ensure I infact had a full tank of gas and the gage began to work again. Gage went back to zero when the gage went one tick below 1/2. Filled it again and the gage is again working. What is the problem? Dealer told me to disconnect the positive lead of the battery and that should reset the system. Has anyone experienced this problem?
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Old Mar 13, 2011 | 10:09 AM
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Go to autozone and get a bottle of techron fuel additive. It will cure the problem!
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Old Mar 13, 2011 | 10:13 AM
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I've got the same problem and by reading out the DIC (codes) I've got a problem with the right side fuel transmitter.. It's fairly easy to replace but costs around $360.. The left side is a bit cheaper.. About $100 for parts.

You can try the techron, it's easy, and fairly cheap but I'm not sure it really works.. But sure can't hurt.

Good luck..
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Old Mar 13, 2011 | 10:13 AM
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Originally Posted by PMPNSEZ
Go to autozone and get a bottle of techron fuel additive. It will cure the problem!


Same thing happened to me 5 years ago when I purchased mine. Buy two bottles (large), put one in immediately and the other on your next fill up. Plan on doing that every once in a while.
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Old Mar 13, 2011 | 10:13 AM
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Go to you local auto parts store and get a bottle of Techron fuel system cleaner. Add it to your next tank of fuel. You most likely have deposits on the contacts for the fuel level.
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Old Mar 13, 2011 | 10:15 AM
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Techron will do the job, it took about 4 tanks with techron to cure mine. I use a bottle now about every 4-5 tanks, have not had the problem since.
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Old Mar 13, 2011 | 10:47 AM
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This forum is great. I'm going to try the techron first. Thanks.
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Old Mar 13, 2011 | 10:48 AM
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Thanks, I'm gonna put some techron gas additive in ASAP to see what that does.
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Old Mar 13, 2011 | 11:03 AM
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Oh, and I here they are on sale.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...-one-free.html
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Old Mar 13, 2011 | 12:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Jumper11
Thanks, I'm gonna put some techron gas additive in ASAP to see what that does.
EXACT thing happened to me as I was driving the car from a dealer in Maryland back home to SW Virginia. It was not a good feeling on the very first ride. I got on here and found the techron tip and I've been using it for about a year and no more gauge failure.

I have no intention of paying someone to tear into my vette and then possibly screw up something else in the process when a simple fuel additive will fix the issue.

Don't forget you're also getting the benefit of complete fuel system cleaning along with fixing your gauge problem. That's a 2fer!

Good Luck!
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Old Mar 13, 2011 | 06:01 PM
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I did allot of searching and found the same answer. All I got to say is when it too much full additive too much?
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Old Mar 13, 2011 | 08:06 PM
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For all you new members with fuel gage issues, It is best to use top tier fuel, If you have access to Chevron gas that would be your best bet, Next I would say Texaco or Shell. What is happing is the copper of the fuel sensor gets a sulfur build up on it and quits reading correctly, If you don't have access to the top tier stations do the next best thing, And that is to get Techron in a bottle from your local parts house, It might take a few treatments if your sensor isn't too far gone.
Just my 2 cents.
Mr.Bill

Last edited by Mr.Bill; Mar 13, 2011 at 08:17 PM. Reason: Spelling.
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Old Mar 13, 2011 | 08:13 PM
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What he said ...... Oh your dealer is a moron too
Get the 20gal treatment bottle too, it took 2 to fix mine, Run the fuel down to below 1/2 before you put it in or it won't mix right and get to the right side tank sensor that is causing your issue and make sure you fill it to the brim run it down to below 1/2 and repeat till it stops doing it. Also good to let it sit a few days with the tank full w/Techron in it. It will take a few sweeps of the sensor arm to dislodge the corrosion is the reason it may take several treatments.

Last edited by Redeasysport; Mar 14, 2011 at 12:09 AM.
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Old Mar 14, 2011 | 06:32 AM
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I agree with trying the Techron first - it might remove the sulfur deposits that most likely have gotten on the sending unit. If that doesn't work, may have to end up getting the sending units replaced.
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Old Mar 14, 2011 | 09:55 AM
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Techron or Seafoam,both work just fine on this problem.
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Old Mar 14, 2011 | 08:30 PM
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I got about 200 miles when the fuel gauge went to zero. I know you're suppose to put it in with a near empty tank and run it until it's near empty again. How many miles can I go without running out of gas? I drive it pretty smooth and don't get on it very much. Still trying to figure out mileage with a semi working gas gauge. Did anyone have issues with the gauge hanging up as well?:
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Old Mar 14, 2011 | 11:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Jumper11
I got about 200 miles when the fuel gauge went to zero. I know you're suppose to put it in with a near empty tank and run it until it's near empty again. How many miles can I go without running out of gas? I drive it pretty smooth and don't get on it very much. Still trying to figure out mileage with a semi working gas gauge. Did anyone have issues with the gauge hanging up as well?:
The gauge should come back on after a restart right? Just because it goes off above 1/2 tank doesn't mean it reads wrong when it comes back. Is it going to zero below 1/2 tank too? If not it is accurate to empty. It goes to zero because it "Faults out" when it can't read the right tank. My thought is it has to do with not being filled to the brim enough and that allows the sender coil to corrode. You do not have to drive to empty for the treatment to mix just below 1/2 so around 1/4 toss a can in and fill up. You should get ~350-400mi per tank highway.

Last edited by Redeasysport; Mar 14, 2011 at 11:19 PM.
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Old Mar 14, 2011 | 11:26 PM
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Jumper, I, too, had the guage issues. 2000 Coupe. I got my answer from the forum, too. Used Techron, began using Chevron regularly and all has been good. When we moved to Colorado Springs, I couldn't find Chevron. I am told Shell gas has the same additive. I use Shell most of the time and put a can of Techron in every so often. No issues for the past four years....."knock on wood". Good Luck to you.
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Old Mar 15, 2011 | 12:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Vetteman Jack
I agree with trying the Techron first - it might remove the sulfur deposits that most likely have gotten on the sending unit. If that doesn't work, may have to end up getting the sending units replaced.
Yep... Techron, Seafoam... didn't work for me. The real culprit here is corrosion of the traces on fuel level sensor which is part of the fuel sending unit assembly. Unfortunately, these cannot be purchased separately... you have to by the entire fuel sending unit assembly. There are two as there are two tanks.

Check out the corroded traces... the dark colored gunk. These traces should be as shiny as a brand new silver dollar,

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Old Mar 15, 2011 | 01:24 AM
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If your fuel gauge is correct, you are driving a knock-off. The only way to confirm that you are driving a "Genuine C5" is if the gas gauge only works occasionally as a compass.
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