Hi all,
I have a 2001 corvette. Unfortunately lately I have been having trouble with my gas gauge. I Know for a fact that I had half an tank full of gas but as soon asthe needle drop below half I got a message saying loe fuel. I have been giving chevron gas. My question is If I know that I have half a tank of gas and the lights come on doest it mean that it will stop pumping gas and my car will stop. Any feedback would be very helpfull.
Thanks
Mickey

 

When I just drove from Vancouver BC to Portland my gas gauge went to E numerous while I driving and the computer was send an error code of P1431. All I did while still driving was clear the current code and the gas guage went back to the so called correct level.

**************************************** *********
1997-2000: Service Bulletin: Inaccurate/Erratic Fuel Level Gauge Readings
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:

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

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

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:

Stuck or intermittent sticking of the sensor float arm.

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

R.H. jet pump unable to transfer fuel due to fuel vaporization resulting in bubble accumulation in the fuel strainer.

Correction





Inspect the Julian date codes located on the bar code labels attached to the R.H. and L.H. fuel level sender assembly cover plates as shown in the figure. If the R.H. sender date code is less/smaller than "01301", replace the complete assembly with a new fuel sender kit indicated below by model year. If the L.H. sender date code is less/smaller than "32791", replace the existing fuel sender sensor and strainer with those components contained in the applicable sensor and strainer kits shown below by model year.

To insure correct installation, follow the service procedure contained in the applicable Service Manual and the instructions contained in the service kits.

Parts Information

Part Number
Description

88896043
R.H. Fuel Sender Kit (1997-1999 M.Y.)

88895126
R.H. Fuel Sender Kit (2000 M.Y.)

88899034
Fuel Sensor Kit (1997-2000 M.Y.)

12458245
Fuel Strainer Kit (1997-1999 M.Y.)

12459862
Fuel Strainer Kit (2000 M.Y.)




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.

 

Looks like you've been afflicted with the malfunctioning fuel pump problem. The car won't stop just because the light comes on.

C5's are notorious for problems with the fuel pump due to the unique design of the fuel tank(s). As I understand it, there have been problems with the sending unit.

When I bought mine, the fuel gauge didn't work at all. They had to remove the tank(s) and remove and install a completely new fuel sender unit and all that goes with it.

You might set your trip odometer to zero when you fill up to determine when you need to fill up. I usually get about 250-300 miles of city/some highway driving before time to fill up.

 

Gas with high sulphur content can also cause the problem - I think because it interferes with the signal sent by the sending unit. If the computer gets a reading it doesn't understand, it will throw the code. Others have reported success by changing brands of gas, or adding some techron to the tank. You might try that before submitting to "surgery."

 

Your car will not stop running, but you will not know just how long it will be before it does run out. Maybe try a different brand of gas or put some Techron in the tank - some have reported that that has helped with the fuel guage problem.

 

Its not a "fuel pump problem"...its the sending unit that is giving the faulty readings. However if you do run out of gas you run the chance of damaging the fuel pump.

 

with Vettenet, try some of the additive BG44K. Sometimes this will clean the sulphur build up on sender and you can avoid the expensive fix from Dealer. It is worth the try. Good Luck. Save the Wave.>George

 

I had similar problems with my gas gauge. I changed brands of gas from Chevron to Mobil and have not had the problem since. When the gauge gets near 1/2 tank, I start looking for a Mobil gas station. Hope this helps.