gas gauge failure .. sometimes
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,766
Likes: 0
From: Legally Blonde
Cruise-In IV Veteran
You can also go to your local auto parts store and buy the techron in a bottle...which is what I do. Just put in your tank when you fill up. It fixes my gas guage problem every time! 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,128
Likes: 5
From: Chicago IL
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 9,369
Likes: 4
From: Zephyrhills, Florida
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,889
Likes: 7
From: Virginia Beach
CI 3-5-6-7-8 Veteran
Get the Techron PLUS. You'll read on the bottle that it has an extra additive to remove sulpher depostis from fuel level sending units which is the exact casue fo the C5 fuel gauge issues.
I was using Techron w/ every oil change but still had the issue... it popped up driving to the cruise in last year. Two bottles of techron plus and it corrected itself.
I was using Techron w/ every oil change but still had the issue... it popped up driving to the cruise in last year. Two bottles of techron plus and it corrected itself.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 9,298
Likes: 4
From: American Canyon Lethal Injection
Techron works great for freeing up the gas gauge problem. The last time I used GM's Fuel System Cleaner...it states that is will specifically cure the sticking of the fuel gauge. It's been over a year since I used the GM product and the sticking fuel gauge has not returned.
Good luck
Good luck
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 9,294
Likes: 1,527
From: Oviedo Florida
2024 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2016 C5 of Year Finalist
Problem? Cheap gas.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 836
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs, Colo., USA
Since there is no Chevron in my part of the world, here is what I do:
Good luck!!
- Avoid Shell (lots of gritty little microns of sulphur)
- Run Techron purchased at the auto parts place two times a year through the system
- Never purchase gas from a generic gas station (Western, Loaf-N-Jug, 7--11, etc.)
- Look for Conoco-Phillips here in Colorado
Good luck!!
Intermediate
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Mays Landing NJ
My experience...
The fuel gauge and headlight motor gears are 2 problems that seem to be the most frequently reported on the C5. I've had both issues with my 2002 coupe on what has otherwise been a fantastically reliable and fun driving machine.
I couldn't find Techron additive in my part of NJ so I went with a couple cans of "Sea Foam" which also got high marks from forum members. It seemed to work but then the gauge got flaky again so I had the dealership "reprogram" the gauge software. That too worked for awhile but then the gauge would just die, i.e. go to empty with no warning. I was getting pretty pissed thinking that I was in store for the way expensive tank drop and sensor replacement when I read about some people just clearing the DIC display. Holy cow! The empty gauge issue still appears once in a while but when I clear the code (P1431) on the DIC, the gauge pops right back up to where it's supposed to be.
Has anyone else had experience like this? If so, is there a more permanent fix other than to replace the sensors? If all I have to do is clear the codes and throw some additive in the tank once in awhile, I'll still be a happy Corvette owner!
I couldn't find Techron additive in my part of NJ so I went with a couple cans of "Sea Foam" which also got high marks from forum members. It seemed to work but then the gauge got flaky again so I had the dealership "reprogram" the gauge software. That too worked for awhile but then the gauge would just die, i.e. go to empty with no warning. I was getting pretty pissed thinking that I was in store for the way expensive tank drop and sensor replacement when I read about some people just clearing the DIC display. Holy cow! The empty gauge issue still appears once in a while but when I clear the code (P1431) on the DIC, the gauge pops right back up to where it's supposed to be.
Has anyone else had experience like this? If so, is there a more permanent fix other than to replace the sensors? If all I have to do is clear the codes and throw some additive in the tank once in awhile, I'll still be a happy Corvette owner!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 31
From: Silver Spring MD
TEXACO also has Techron in it
Since there is no Chevron in my part of the world, here is what I do:
Good luck!!
- Avoid Shell (lots of gritty little microns of sulphur)
- Run Techron purchased at the auto parts place two times a year through the system
- Never purchase gas from a generic gas station (Western, Loaf-N-Jug, 7--11, etc.)
- Look for Conoco-Phillips here in Colorado
Good luck!!
BIGHANK
2018 Grand Sport
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 755
Likes: 21
From: Tarpon Springs Florida
I got some bad gas and it happen to me just last month. I ran one bottle of techron and it work for half a tank and then went back to E...I put another bottle of techron through the tank and it has been fine every since. I can only go by what worked. I will put a bottle of techron through about every 6 months to keep it clean. just my experience!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,277
Likes: 0
From: Gloucester Va
St. Jude Donor '05
Let me summarize and see if I'm correct:
I'm driving along and all of a sudden my Needle goes to "E" and I get the Low Fuel warning. I park the car and when I start it again it's fine, for a while, until it decides to do it again.
The fix: A bottle of Techron or two...
It's really this easy?
I'm driving along and all of a sudden my Needle goes to "E" and I get the Low Fuel warning. I park the car and when I start it again it's fine, for a while, until it decides to do it again.
The fix: A bottle of Techron or two...
It's really this easy?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Let me summarize and see if I'm correct:
I'm driving along and all of a sudden my Needle goes to "E" and I get the Low Fuel warning. I park the car and when I start it again it's fine, for a while, until it decides to do it again.
The fix: A bottle of Techron or two...
It's really this easy?
I'm driving along and all of a sudden my Needle goes to "E" and I get the Low Fuel warning. I park the car and when I start it again it's fine, for a while, until it decides to do it again.
The fix: A bottle of Techron or two...
It's really this easy?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
If you get a code 1431 with that problem, there is a new fix for it via a software upload from GM to the car. Mine was supposed to be done on Friday, but the dealer's guy who does this didn't come in, so now it will be Monday for mine. There is a GM site that allows you to put in the VIN# and see what software updates are available and what they cover in minor detail.
http://tis2web.service.gm.com/tis2web
http://tis2web.service.gm.com/tis2web