Fixed My Gas Gauge
06-01-2007, 03:35 AM
#41
Le Mans Master
There is a PCM update to help "calm down" the sensitivity of the gage throwing a trouble code and making the gage go to "E". Of course, keeping the sensor's clean is going to help alot.
Here's whats happening.
http://www.z06vette.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60056
10-03-2007, 01:04 AM
#43
Instructor
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Guys,
They all have this problem and the best thing to do is.. NOTHING
GM has never found a good fix. In my '99 all you have to do is turn it off and turn it back on again. Rest the computer. The problem comes from the two sensors slightly hanging up, they must move in the correct sequence and in the right time frame or the computer flags it and shuts down the gauge because it thinks you MAY have a real problem.
You can pour in Techron until the engine starts running bad, you can buy the most expensive gas you can find but it isn't going to fix it.
I will tell you what WILL fix it and that is just time and miles. As the hinge points on the sensors wear they won't hang up anymore! At now >100K, I can't remember the last time mine had the problem, and I am still using the absolute cheapest gas and running the same sensors that were put in in April 1999 at the factory. JUST GO DRIVIN!
Gary
They all have this problem and the best thing to do is.. NOTHING
GM has never found a good fix. In my '99 all you have to do is turn it off and turn it back on again. Rest the computer. The problem comes from the two sensors slightly hanging up, they must move in the correct sequence and in the right time frame or the computer flags it and shuts down the gauge because it thinks you MAY have a real problem.
You can pour in Techron until the engine starts running bad, you can buy the most expensive gas you can find but it isn't going to fix it.
I will tell you what WILL fix it and that is just time and miles. As the hinge points on the sensors wear they won't hang up anymore! At now >100K, I can't remember the last time mine had the problem, and I am still using the absolute cheapest gas and running the same sensors that were put in in April 1999 at the factory. JUST GO DRIVIN!
Gary
me too ! 1999
10-05-2007, 04:46 AM
#44
Drifting
I used HPTuners to zero out the relevant codes in the PCM. You shure can delete the codes using the DIC and the onboard feature, but codes and the problem will come back for shure!
You can use HPTuners (or LS1 Edit) to set the codes to "no error reported", and the problem will never come back again... at least the PCm will not care anymor for those codes!
I did that two years ago and never got the dropping fuel gauge, and the needle always shows the correct amount of fuel.
I recorded the codes i deleted, will post them this afternoon...
Take care,
Jochen
You can use HPTuners (or LS1 Edit) to set the codes to "no error reported", and the problem will never come back again... at least the PCm will not care anymor for those codes!
I did that two years ago and never got the dropping fuel gauge, and the needle always shows the correct amount of fuel.
I recorded the codes i deleted, will post them this afternoon...
Take care,
Jochen
10-05-2007, 02:27 PM
#45
Burning Brakes
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Well turns out there are 2 kinds of Techron, the normal stuff, and a bottle labeled Techron Plus. On the plus bottle it specifically says that it removes sulpher deposits that can harm modern fuel level sensors. Apparently that's what makes it "plus". The folks over on Corvettemechanic.com recommend it and say it's pretty much the same formulation as the latest GM fuel system cleaner they use at the dealerships.
Comming home from work yesterday I got 3 "treats 12 gallons" bottles. I put 2 in my tank which had 1/4 tank and then filled up. Gas guage went to full and seems to be working.
I hope this helps the issue... car has been fine for 75,000 miles until now! Of course the wierd electrical **** starts to happen when the extended warranty is gone and I put a cam in
Comming home from work yesterday I got 3 "treats 12 gallons" bottles. I put 2 in my tank which had 1/4 tank and then filled up. Gas guage went to full and seems to be working.
I hope this helps the issue... car has been fine for 75,000 miles until now! Of course the wierd electrical **** starts to happen when the extended warranty is gone and I put a cam in
10-05-2007, 03:37 PM
#46
Drifting
Hi,
you need somebody who has a PCM editing software, like HPTuners or LS1Edit.
With that software you can modify the reaction the pcm does once a dtc is thrown.
In HPTuners you just have to set the codes P0461 ond P1431 to value "3", which means: now error reported to the pcm.
Thats it. Whenever this codes are thrown (they are responsible for making the fuel gauge go crazy) the pcm will just ignore them.
It is not really a fix to the problem, but the fuel gauge will stop making crazy things and no MIL will come on anymore...
Hope that helps...
Jochen
you need somebody who has a PCM editing software, like HPTuners or LS1Edit.
With that software you can modify the reaction the pcm does once a dtc is thrown.
In HPTuners you just have to set the codes P0461 ond P1431 to value "3", which means: now error reported to the pcm.
Thats it. Whenever this codes are thrown (they are responsible for making the fuel gauge go crazy) the pcm will just ignore them.
It is not really a fix to the problem, but the fuel gauge will stop making crazy things and no MIL will come on anymore...
Hope that helps...
Jochen
10-06-2007, 03:02 AM
#47
Melting Slicks
Art
10-06-2007, 09:17 AM
#48
Melting Slicks
Member Since: May 2006
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I did the same thing the other day, used cheap gas. Now my gas gauge reads emtpy all the time. I had always run good gas and used Techron and had fewer problems with the gauge. Now since I used cheap gas on my last fillup, the problem is back but not just intermittent, it's just flat out empty. I hope on my next fill it'll fix itself.
Art
Art
10-06-2007, 03:37 PM
#49
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I did the same thing the other day, used cheap gas. Now my gas gauge reads emtpy all the time. I had always run good gas and used Techron and had fewer problems with the gauge. Now since I used cheap gas on my last fillup, the problem is back but not just intermittent, it's just flat out empty. I hope on my next fill it'll fix itself.
Art
Art
08-26-2008, 08:11 PM
#51
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This one has worked for me. "Re-boot" the car. Remove negative battery cable for at least 2 hrs (did mine overnite), re-install. Has worked for me since early summer (about 1500 miles). Still use Techron. Just another one of the many issues with the car. Rocking driver's seat, column lock (did bypass, still get "Pull Key" at least once every time I take it out), and all the others. Really appreciating my 96.
08-27-2008, 06:00 PM
#52
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Ppd
Order the tank fuel filters and senders. There are two of each as there is a fuel tank on each side of the car. Split tank system. Many dealers do not stock these items. If you pull the tank then you have to replace the filter. When you buy the filters be sure to carry your own KY Jelly with you. You will need it. Cannot believe what they charge for a couple of pieces of paper.
Dis-connect the battery. You don't want spitzen sparken near the gas tanks.
Lift the rear of the car off the ground so the wheels are up.
Remove both rear wheels.
Pull down the shocks.
Remove the fuel lines. You will need a tool to properly release the fuel line connectors. They are available as a set at many parts houses.
Disconnect the electrical connectors.
Remove the two fuel tanks.
Remove the senders and filters.
Clean the tanks with denatured alcohol or other anhydrous alcohol. (Everclear works fine but is damn expensive)
Big pain in the backside for such a piddly problem.
By the way, don't be surprised if the gremlin shows up again. I've had a couple of techs tell me they cringe when they see a C-5 with fuel gauge problems.
Sensors about $ 65.00 each or $130.00
Filters about $100.00 each or $200.00
Governor's protection money
(Sales Tax) $ 25.00
Watching your gas gauge go to zero after replacement, Priceless!
08-27-2008, 07:30 PM
#53
Le Mans Master
Wouldn't it be easier to just clear the DTCs. When you disconnect the battery, the whole PCM needs to go through a new "learning cycle".
09-01-2008, 02:48 PM
#54
Racer
Hi,
you need somebody who has a PCM editing software, like HPTuners or LS1Edit.
With that software you can modify the reaction the pcm does once a dtc is thrown.
In HPTuners you just have to set the codes P0461 ond P1431 to value "3", which means: now error reported to the pcm.
Thats it. Whenever this codes are thrown (they are responsible for making the fuel gauge go crazy) the pcm will just ignore them.
It is not really a fix to the problem, but the fuel gauge will stop making crazy things and no MIL will come on anymore...
Hope that helps...
Jochen
you need somebody who has a PCM editing software, like HPTuners or LS1Edit.
With that software you can modify the reaction the pcm does once a dtc is thrown.
In HPTuners you just have to set the codes P0461 ond P1431 to value "3", which means: now error reported to the pcm.
Thats it. Whenever this codes are thrown (they are responsible for making the fuel gauge go crazy) the pcm will just ignore them.
It is not really a fix to the problem, but the fuel gauge will stop making crazy things and no MIL will come on anymore...
Hope that helps...
Jochen
09-01-2008, 05:24 PM
#55
Drifting
Sherminator, great it ended the anoying crazy gauge on your car as well...
As i wrote above, it is not really a fix to the problem itself which occurs somewhere inside the gastank at the gas sending units. The codes are thrown because the PCM detects something is going wrong at those places. However, if you just keep pressing the reset button on and on again to delete the codes manually each time they are thrown, its just anoying.
So this solution is just like some little friend is sitting inside the PCM pushing the trigger for you each time the sending unit goes crazy... isnt that
Take care,
Jochen
As i wrote above, it is not really a fix to the problem itself which occurs somewhere inside the gastank at the gas sending units. The codes are thrown because the PCM detects something is going wrong at those places. However, if you just keep pressing the reset button on and on again to delete the codes manually each time they are thrown, its just anoying.
So this solution is just like some little friend is sitting inside the PCM pushing the trigger for you each time the sending unit goes crazy... isnt that
Take care,
Jochen
10-05-2009, 10:25 AM
#59
Heel & Toe
Member Since: Jan 2007
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I reset all my gauges every time I fill up, its one of those things you do from riding motorycles for years. The fuel gauge goes to empty, I have been adding Techron, using only Mobil etc. gaas and we ran out at 330 miles yesterday in the rain and affter AAA got there and we got gas it only took 12 gallons.
Must be a major problem.
Must be a major problem.
10-05-2009, 11:04 AM
#60
I believe the code is related to getting a mixed signal from the fuel level sensors.