Fuel sensor problem in 2001
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix AZ
Fuel sensor problem in 2001
I have a 2001 Vette I bought in February. I recently encountered a problem with my fuel guage not being accurate. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I was told it's a problem with the fuel sensors, and this is actually a common problem with the C-5's. I was also told it would be a cost of around $1,200 (parts & labor) to replace both left and right fuel sensor. And of course, aftermarket warranties don't cover that problem. Well, to me that's a problem that can wait a while to be fixed. I just fill up, zero out the mileage - and fill up by 300 miles.
I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem? Have you had it repaired - and if so, what was the cost?
Also, any other recommendations?
Thanks!
I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem? Have you had it repaired - and if so, what was the cost?
Also, any other recommendations?
Thanks!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,122
Likes: 2
From: MCO
I have had this problem 3 times on my 2001. The first two times it was fixed under warranty. The third time, no longer under warranty, they wanted $695.71 to replace the sensor. Based on the price they gave you, mine must have been for only one sensor.
May the urine of a thousand camels flow from the next shower taken by the GM engineer (pronounced "idiot") who designed the fuel sensor system. The BS about too much sulfur in the fuel is nothing but BS. No other car make has this problem (except on the very few rare occasions when there really was too much sulfur in the gas). For Corvettes, this is a daily occurance, and it doesn't matter what brand of fuel you use.
May the urine of a thousand camels flow from the next shower taken by the GM engineer (pronounced "idiot") who designed the fuel sensor system. The BS about too much sulfur in the fuel is nothing but BS. No other car make has this problem (except on the very few rare occasions when there really was too much sulfur in the gas). For Corvettes, this is a daily occurance, and it doesn't matter what brand of fuel you use.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 10,226
Likes: 344
This is a common problem with the C5's. It's not just the 2001 models. Do a search and you'll see many many threads on this. Some swear Chevron gas and/or Techron additive will help. It's worked for me so far but I have had this issue also.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 10,976
Likes: 21
From: FL
St. Jude Donor '13
Originally Posted by kv397
This is a common problem with the C5's. It's not just the 2001 models. Do a search and you'll see many many threads on this. Some swear Chevron gas and/or Techron additive will help. It's worked for me so far but I have had this issue also.
Just about every model has some sort of TSB addressing fuel gauge issues...
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 4,303
Likes: 347
From: yardley, pa 19067
I just bought a warranty from WarrantyDirect for my 99 with 20k miles..It was out of warranty from GM..It covers the whole car...If you can live with the gauge problem for a while then buy the warranty and get it fixed...You can't make a warranty claim within the first month or first 1k miles...
Drifting
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,917
Likes: 3
From: Southern NH
Try adding a fuel system cleaner like Techron or Redline Complete Fuel System Cleaner. I won't hurt, and at best it will clean deposits and contaminants that can cause your problem since it is sporatic and could be due to these issues.
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Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,010
Likes: 1
From: SE Idaho
St. Jude Contributor
Originally Posted by EscapePod
No other car make has this problem (except on the very few rare occasions when there really was too much sulfur in the gas).
My Vette started to show this fuel problem about six months ago, started using BP exclusively, and the problem went away. (Maybe it was for another reason, not sure.)
My Jeep started showing this same problem coming back from Utah, and the problem did not go away. Dealer replaced the sending unit, the finish on the contacts had worn off. Per the dealer, this is not unusual.
It is a problem due to different fuels, and since GM does not make the sensor, the same designed sensor can be used on other vehicles. The coating on the sensor wears off due to sulfur, and some fuel manufacturers allow different amounts of sulfur, up to the government maximum requirement. Some fuel companies such as Chevron, BP, have lower sulfur requirements for their fuel.
Could they make the sensor so that sulfur does not affect it? Yes, and all manufacturers should use a sensor that is not affected by normal amounts of sulfur.
The problem with my Jeep had nothing to do with the Marathon problem in KY, or the Shell problem in the south were excessive amounts of sulfur was distributed in the fuel by mistake.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 3,122
Likes: 2
From: MCO
Unfortunately, nearly every Corvette C5 made has this problem compared to only isolated cases for other companies and even GM models. I used to buy BP exclusively (as a stockholder in BP/AMOCO), but after my first set of sensors were changed out, I followed all the "advice" of CF members and switched to Chevron with Techron (even tried the Techron additive on occasion). Then the second set of sensors went out.
My Chevy S-10 and Firebird (both currently in my stable) have never had any problem with the gauges, and they still use the BP gas. My Montero has never had the problem either, nor has either of my brothers' two Jeeps.
It just plain sucks.
My Chevy S-10 and Firebird (both currently in my stable) have never had any problem with the gauges, and they still use the BP gas. My Montero has never had the problem either, nor has either of my brothers' two Jeeps.
It just plain sucks.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 233
From: Placitas NM
St. Jude Contributor '03 & '04
Unfortunately this problem with the fuel sensor is not going away. As some of you have experienced by replacing the sensor multiple times. The only thing I have found that helps but does not solve the problem is to us a fuel additive. This is unfortunate.
rr
rr
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2004
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Go here and type in your vin number, there is most likely a computer update available from your Chevy dealer to address this problem.
http://calid.gm.com/vci/VINEntryPre.do
http://calid.gm.com/vci/VINEntryPre.do
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Try switching brands of gas or putting something like Techron in the tank. May help. May want to check the warranty - it could cover it. Good luck getting this solved.
Thread Starter
Navigator
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix AZ
Thanks to everyone for all the information. I do use Chevron gas, and have for the past 15 years in my vehicles. I just bought the Vette back in February, so I'm not sure what fuel was used in it prior. But, I have put about 6,000 miles on it with the Chevron Premium. And like I mentioned, sometimes it works just fine (it actually has been recently). The problem I had with it about a month ago, it would stick on full.
I had a '91 Mustang for 10 years, and never had a problem. Then I had a '01 Mustang for 2 1/2 years, and had a slight problem with the guage. So I'm not sure if it can be just a GM problem or not.
I do use Chevron gas, and have for the past 15 years in my vehicles. I just bought the Vette back in February, so I'm not sure what fuel was used in it prior. But, I have put about 6,000 miles on it with the Chevron Premium. And like I mentioned, sometimes it works just fine (it actually has been recently). The problem I had with it about a month ago, it would stick on full. I had a '91 Mustang for 10 years, and never had a problem. Then I had a '01 Mustang for 2 1/2 years, and had a slight problem with the guage. So I'm not sure if it can be just a GM problem or not.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: New Canaan CT
Originally Posted by WhiteC5Vette
I won't say that GM does not have a problem; they sure do. However, this statement is incorrect. Other manufacturers have this problem.
My Vette started to show this fuel problem about six months ago, started using BP exclusively, and the problem went away. (Maybe it was for another reason, not sure.)
My Jeep started showing this same problem coming back from Utah, and the problem did not go away. Dealer replaced the sending unit, the finish on the contacts had worn off. Per the dealer, this is not unusual.
It is a problem due to different fuels, and since GM does not make the sensor, the same designed sensor can be used on other vehicles. The coating on the sensor wears off due to sulfur, and some fuel manufacturers allow different amounts of sulfur, up to the government maximum requirement. Some fuel companies such as Chevron, BP, have lower sulfur requirements for their fuel.
Could they make the sensor so that sulfur does not affect it? Yes, and all manufacturers should use a sensor that is not affected by normal amounts of sulfur.
The problem with my Jeep had nothing to do with the Marathon problem in KY, or the Shell problem in the south were excessive amounts of sulfur was distributed in the fuel by mistake.
My Vette started to show this fuel problem about six months ago, started using BP exclusively, and the problem went away. (Maybe it was for another reason, not sure.)
My Jeep started showing this same problem coming back from Utah, and the problem did not go away. Dealer replaced the sending unit, the finish on the contacts had worn off. Per the dealer, this is not unusual.
It is a problem due to different fuels, and since GM does not make the sensor, the same designed sensor can be used on other vehicles. The coating on the sensor wears off due to sulfur, and some fuel manufacturers allow different amounts of sulfur, up to the government maximum requirement. Some fuel companies such as Chevron, BP, have lower sulfur requirements for their fuel.
Could they make the sensor so that sulfur does not affect it? Yes, and all manufacturers should use a sensor that is not affected by normal amounts of sulfur.
The problem with my Jeep had nothing to do with the Marathon problem in KY, or the Shell problem in the south were excessive amounts of sulfur was distributed in the fuel by mistake.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 29,617
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From: Ice Scoob
Photochop Terrorist
I've put in a couple of doses of Techron two months apart and I still got the gauge problem. It only happens when I get down to a 1/4 tank. Or more like a third, because I only get 12 gallons when I fill it back up. 
