C5 Fuel Gauge Issues
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,338
Likes: 66
From: Whittier California
I tried Techron in every other tank for a summer with no results. I filled up once with Shell V-Power premium and the gauge started to work. From then on it is the only gas I use and the gauge has worked fine ever since. I do add a bottle of Techron before I put it away for the winter.
C5 4 Me
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,072
From: Wisconsin
It might be another additive besides techron that is cleaning the sensor. If it works stick with it.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 194
Likes: 1
From: Moon, VA
Folks,
I have an 03 anniversary edition convertible. I purchased the car a few months ago. The car is a very low mileage example, 14 years old and only 6,000 miles on the odometer. Since I drive my corvettes I've started racking up the miles, which is bringing out some gremlins in the car. Sitting for most of the 14 years I expected to run into a few issues with the car when I stared putting the miles on. Thus far the lumbar support switches stopped working, took it to the dealer and was quoted $2,200 to fix, ahh no thanks. Today after driving for about an hour I stopped at a gas station for fuel. After fueling the car the fuel gauge dropped to empty and the low fuel light came on.... Strange! Drove it for about 20 more minutes, pulled over, shut the car off for a few minutes, started it back up, and the gas gauge worked! This is the second time it's done this after driving the vette for more than an hour. After the car sits for awhile the fuel gauge works fine. Anyone else have this happen to them? Any ideas what could of caused it? Something going out in the tank? Today was a standard hot Kansas day, high around 94. Could temp of caused this? Love to hear your guys/gals thoughts.
Thanks in advance!
I have an 03 anniversary edition convertible. I purchased the car a few months ago. The car is a very low mileage example, 14 years old and only 6,000 miles on the odometer. Since I drive my corvettes I've started racking up the miles, which is bringing out some gremlins in the car. Sitting for most of the 14 years I expected to run into a few issues with the car when I stared putting the miles on. Thus far the lumbar support switches stopped working, took it to the dealer and was quoted $2,200 to fix, ahh no thanks. Today after driving for about an hour I stopped at a gas station for fuel. After fueling the car the fuel gauge dropped to empty and the low fuel light came on.... Strange! Drove it for about 20 more minutes, pulled over, shut the car off for a few minutes, started it back up, and the gas gauge worked! This is the second time it's done this after driving the vette for more than an hour. After the car sits for awhile the fuel gauge works fine. Anyone else have this happen to them? Any ideas what could of caused it? Something going out in the tank? Today was a standard hot Kansas day, high around 94. Could temp of caused this? Love to hear your guys/gals thoughts.
Thanks in advance!
After trying Techron for a few tanks,
I wound up replacing the right side sending unit/fuel pump assembly. Make sure car shows 1/4 tank, which means right side tank is empty. I fixed it myself, removed right ear wheel, and inner fender. Once I removed the old unit, you could see the sulphur crud on the sending unit. I could have just cleaned the old one with an emery cloth and reinstalled it, but decided to put the new one in.
It worked about a year, now it goes to empty and throws a code again.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,072
From: Wisconsin
.
After trying Techron for a few tanks,
I wound up replacing the right side sending unit/fuel pump assembly. Make sure car shows 1/4 tank, which means right side tank is empty. I fixed it myself, removed right ear wheel, and inner fender. Once I removed the old unit, you could see the sulphur crud on the sending unit. I could have just cleaned the old one with an emery cloth and reinstalled it, but decided to put the new one in.
It worked about a year, now it goes to empty and throws a code again.
After trying Techron for a few tanks,
I wound up replacing the right side sending unit/fuel pump assembly. Make sure car shows 1/4 tank, which means right side tank is empty. I fixed it myself, removed right ear wheel, and inner fender. Once I removed the old unit, you could see the sulphur crud on the sending unit. I could have just cleaned the old one with an emery cloth and reinstalled it, but decided to put the new one in.
It worked about a year, now it goes to empty and throws a code again.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,338
Likes: 66
From: Whittier California
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: HOUSTON Texas
You know I have an 01 and it’s been doing it since I got it home .i think I by techron by the barrel I think. But I’m going to try checking the code and see what it says I just saw the code number here, but what you can do it which is really easy instead of driving and waiting for it to come back on, is to go to your DIC and clear the code comes back immediately full or 3/4 wherever it was.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,072
From: Wisconsin
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.
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
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.
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
Reprogram your PCM
Last edited by JR-01; Mar 26, 2020 at 05:51 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
7 Bolt-On Upgrades From Extreme Online Store to Level Up Your C6 Corvette
Pouria Savadkouei
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 176
Likes: 25
From: Plainfield Illinois
I tried Techron in every other tank for a summer with no results. I filled up once with Shell V-Power premium and the gauge started to work. From then on it is the only gas I use and the gauge has worked fine ever since. I do add a bottle of Techron before I put it away for the winter.