Just bought a 2001 coupe, Gas gauge read 3/4's when I got the car. Drove 50-60 miles and filled up--gauge still read 3/4's full, car sat in garage for 3 days (no leakson floor). Drove for about 30 miles and the CHECK GAUGES light came on--Fuel gauge now reading "E", instrument cluster fuse is ok. Constant LOW FUEL reading on the DIC does not allow any other data to show. If I shut the car off and restart I can see data on the DIC for about 10 seconds--Fuel gauge is still on E. All of the other gauges are working fine. I'm guessing a bad float or sending unit problem. Any ideas on cost and how big a job this is.

 

Sonny,

Try clearing all the codes. There is a code set regarding the fuel system. There my not be any thing wrong with the fuel system. A friend of mine in California has the same problem. He couldn't get the car into the local Chevrolet dealer so he went to some place, like West Coast Corvettes (not sure). They reset the code and he hasn't had a problem since.

It's worth trying.

 

Try pouring some Techron in your tank. Many here have had some luck with this solution. If it works, either use Chevron gas or dump some techron in every so often.

 

Ineffective detergency packages in some gasoline can lead to sulfur deposits on the sending units in the fuel tanks.
A couple of tankfuls of a good fuel system cleaner
Techron
Seafoam
Berryman Chemtool B12
BG 44K
Etc may fix it....

Switch to a top tier fuel
www.toptiergas.com

If this does not fix it check for a bad sending unit ground (corroded)

GM has a tech bulletin on the subject and your computer may neeed to have a software upgrade
worst case is that the sending unots have gone bad and need replacement.

But start with a couple tanks of fuel system cleaner and switch gasolines.

 

Thanks to everyone who responded with suggestions

 

Do a search, this is a common C5 problem.

You need to do two things before spending a lot of money:

1. Couple of tankfuls treated with Techron.

2. Get the current PCM program from a dealer.

No one ever mentions the second, but GM updated the PCM programming a few years ago to alleviate this condition.

So, here:

______________


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:

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

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

c.. 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:

a.. Stuck or intermittent sticking of the sensor float arm.

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

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

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.

______________

Tell the dealer to look up the bulletin and do the reprogram.

You'll be fine.

 

Thank you very much, I'll see the chevy dealer tomorrow!!

 

No problem -- run a couple of bottles of Techron through as well -- or use Chevron if it's availbale in your area.

 

Techron, eh? What about STP gas treatment or Excel? Just saw those, wondering. Thanx.

 

Techron is known to work and work well; why use anything else?

 

Good point. Just know that sometime Vette owners insist on certain brands when cheaper products work just as well. Batteries, for example.

 

True - although in this case, I know of no other product that has been proven to be as effective.

 

Heck, kerosene probably will work too, but it's a $50,000 car. Can't someone spend $10.00 to fix it yourself?

That's the price difference -- if you watch the Autozone rebates, you'll even be able to get it for free.