BP 93
Grrrr... Fuel gauge quit working
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: Tucson Arizona
Grrrr... Fuel gauge quit working
Looks like it is my turn to experience this one. On the way home, gauge goes from 3/8 to empty and Check Gauges light comes on with low fuel indicator. Guess I'll try to pull codes and reset first and then try the techron route and so on and so forth as the numerous other posts suggests. Here is hoping it is something other than the sending unit. Not really much point in this post I suppose other than just venting and the like.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,021
Likes: 133
From: Conejo Valley CA
Here's the cause for the problem...
Many on the board have suggested using Techron and Seafoam additives. For me, it didn't work. The heart of the problem is that in each gas tank (there are two), there is a fuel sending unit assembly. Within the assembly, there is an electronic fuel sensor. The fuel sensor works by being attached to a float arm. The float arm moves and the other side of the arm is tied to an electrical board that has traces. It is these circuit traces that deteriorate. I got fed up with it not working and had it fixed at the dealer. In my case, both fuel sensors were bad. Supposedly, the traces on the latest fuel sensor have been improved so if you were to do this repair, at least you should be getting a better fuel sensor. So far, mine are still giving me correct tank readings 
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 263
Likes: 0
From: Tucson Arizona
So all seems fine now, running fuel cleaner through the tank but the problem "went away" after resetting the trouble codes (man having that ability right in the dash is nice). I know that I still have a real problem to fix (dirty/bad sensor, grounds etc) but at least it is gone for the moment and not just coming right back. I will clean the grounds and run cleaner through it as well.
Out of curiousity, is the common ailment for this a whole bunch of communication trouble codes. I had about 12 different codes all relating to communication. I dont have the list with me here at work to copy the actual values in unfortunately.
Out of curiousity, is the common ailment for this a whole bunch of communication trouble codes. I had about 12 different codes all relating to communication. I dont have the list with me here at work to copy the actual values in unfortunately.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 983
Likes: 36
From: Middle Of Kali CA
Those were probably all history codes with an H following them. After clearing them all and driving awhile, pull codes again and see what you got. Comm codes happen for many diff reasons. Low battery, bad battery, bad grounds other components failing that want to TALK to something else ect.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,217
Likes: 5
From: Stark County Ohio
Sometimes the communication serial buss is busy and cannot communicate - this will set a code.
Good explanation in post above.
Last edited by timemender; Sep 22, 2008 at 12:07 PM. Reason: Good explanation in post above.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
There is also a firmware fix for fuel tank sending units that GM came out with. If I remember correctly, I think it was for a code 1431 or something like that. I had the PCM re-flashed with the updated software and the codes went away as well as the fuel level dropping to zero that was being cause by the right tank sending unit.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,021
Likes: 133
From: Conejo Valley CA
There is also a firmware fix for fuel tank sending units that GM came out with. If I remember correctly, I think it was for a code 1431 or something like that. I had the PCM re-flashed with the updated software and the codes went away as well as the fuel level dropping to zero that was being cause by the right tank sending unit.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 983
Likes: 36
From: Middle Of Kali CA
There is also a firmware fix for fuel tank sending units that GM came out with. If I remember correctly, I think it was for a code 1431 or something like that. I had the PCM re-flashed with the updated software and the codes went away as well as the fuel level dropping to zero that was being cause by the right tank sending unit.
http://http://chevroletforum.com/rec..._01489/TSB.htm
All Chevy TSB
http://chevroletforum.com/recalls-and-tsbs/tsb.htm
