Recently, the fuel guage on my 2000 C5 has been acting up.

Most of the time it seems accurate.

However, occassionally the guage will only show 3/4 of a tank even though it is actually full of gas.

The guage will also go from 1/4 tank to empty in short time as the tank begins running low.

Once it innaccurately shows empty, the low fuel message appears.

When any of the above appears, the driving range calculation in the guage changes and calculates the range to whatever the fuel guage is showing.

All of this will then go back to normal operation next time I go to start the car.

Has anyone else had this issue?

Thanks!

 

A number of forum members have had this problem. It could be the brand of gas you are using (high in sulfur content), or it could be your fuel sending units. I would first try changing brands of gas (and/or running a bottle of Techron through your tank) and if that doesn't work, you may have to get the car looked at. Good luck.

 

Corvette = ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS.

My oil pressure guage failed (bad switch).

Had a short in the wiring system (Reduced Engine Power)

My steering column locked up on me requiring a tow (before I learned which fuse to pull) and a recall

My dual climate control only works if I tap it every 30 minutes (that's next on the replacement list).

My fuel gauge has issues (how do I lose 1/5 of a tank by turning the car off and then on?) but it mostly works.

My clutch also sometimes gets stuck to the floor with spirited driving.

EVERY SINGLE PROBLEM on my list (minus the short) is VERY common. It's absolutely ridiculous that they just let us eat those obvious failures. After all, this is a corvette. They outta support us more.

 

There is a fuse you can pull to correct the column lock problem when it shows up? Which one is it?

 

You can't pull the fuse to unlock the wheel, only to clear the code that get's set that cut's the fuel. If the lock is stuck, it's off to the dealer.

 

There are 2 TSBs on this:

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.)


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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.




.

 

That's what I figured, I was just kinda hoping there was a quick fix like that.

 

Had the problem with mine too. There is a patch/update that the dealer needs to put in the computer.

 

There seems to be a lot of causes. One of them is spikes from the sending unit which confuses the PCM. The new software upgrade seems to deal with that problem quite well. Mine was chronic until I got the PCM flash from the dealer (free) and I haven't had a problem since.
But the flash will wipe out any custom tuning your car has had.