Now What???

Filled my 2000 coupe however the gauge only read 3/4!

Now I drive approximately 70 miles and the gauge drops to zero

I try a couple of ignition on -off cycles, no change, so I drive to a gas station and add a few gallons just to get home. It still reads zero.

Anybody have any ideas?

Could it be the transfer pump? I think that is in the right tank.
Anyone know how to drain the tank to get to it?

Any input is welcome

 

Might just be a bad sending unit. Any codes?

 

It's a common problem . Try adding a fuel additive to the tank and see if helps.

 

Had the same issue with my 99. There is actually a recall with the intank sending unit, (I belive that was the part, realling from 2002), that the dealer replaced under the recall. They also replaced a recall on the theft device on the steering column lock. I would look on the internet under GM recalls.

 

Also if you put bad gas in your car or a low octane, the fuel gauge will read zero... Clear your codes out and put some additives and your gauge will work.

 

Yup bad fuel sensor. Happens on my 99 from time to time also. PITA to replace since you gotta drop the fuel tanks. Additive is a good idea but I find it doesn't solve the problem - just a temporary fix.

 

Whoa... you had to drop your tank??? My fuel pump comes out by taking off the access cover and unbolting it... is yours top mount, mine is bottom mount.

 

Mounted in the back of the tanks and no way was I going through that kinda trouble......I use Techron or I just make sure I always know how much gas I have - when in doubt, I fill it up

 

The code came up "P1431" Fuel level sensor 2 - circuit performance.

I cleared the code and the gauge returned to 1/2 full.

I added some Seafoam but I don't think it is going to get to the right side tank, where the problem is.

I'll run the tanks down and add another can

Thanks for the input.

BTW - if I have to pull the sender and jet pump how do you drain the right tank?

Thanks

 

ummmmm.....I've had the fuel gauge drop to empty about 40 times. It takes all of about 20 seconds to clear you codes so it works again. Find a good fuel and stick with it. 4k miles on Shell V-Power and so far it hasn't failed again on me..... Where I live BP, Phillips and QuikTrip all failed.

I Don't plan on paying $$$$$ to replace something that is just going to do the same thing eventually if you don't figure out what gas in your area keeps the sensors clean (or add Techron about once a month).

 

I put a can of Seafoam in the tank, filled it up and let it sit for a week...haven't had the problem since.

 

Go on the Chevron site. You'll find the Techron plus has the formula that GM sells for triple the price. The cheaper Techron does not remove sulphur deposits. Techron plus is about $12 for the bigger bottle that does 20 gal. $7 or so for the smaller bottle.

 

My '97 fuel gauge did exactly the same thing. After a coupla tanks of Chevron premium it began working properly and still does. That was several years ago, and I've had no problems since. Apparently the Techron really does work, and filling up at Chevron is cheaper and easier than buying Techron @ Walmart and adding it to your tank.

 

yeah that is very common in these car cuz i have two other friends with vettes and there car do it too as well as mine. btw mine is a 04 z06. what i do is just put gas and it will read the gas again.

 

Friend,
Run the Techron. I day I bought mine (used) driving home I had my fuel guage got from 3/4 to 0. Dash warnings came on. Read the threads, ran Techron through the tank and only buying Chevron gas and NO PROBLEMS SINCE! Let us know if its fixed!

 

Since I cleared the codes and added a can of seafoam I haven't had any problems.

It may be too early to tell...

Filling with chevron may be worth a try for a couple of fills.

I was worried that my jet pump may be clogged (still am) but if I can go through a few tanks I'll feel much better.

Thanks for all the input

 

glad I found this thread....driving around today and all of a sudden BAM! Gauge drops to zero....lights come on saying to check gauges and the info bar says low fuel...

I was above half before this happened....so Im like WTF, maybe I am low and the gauge just caught up even though I had only driven 170 miles..

I pull over and turn off the car then restart it, well the everything stayed the same..so I go to a gas station and fill up then clearly I knew I wasnt empty or even close.

start the car back up and the gauge starts to work again I guess.....only time will tell. I thought maybe I blew a fuse or something?

 

When you figure it out, let me know..... My 98 does the same thing. I have replaced the pump, and tried the techron and no go..... Please let me know if you get an answer......

 

Your problem sounds like it may not be a sender problem but a problem with the firmware. I suspect it drops to empty after about 40 minutes driving no matter what the fuel level is and comes back to reading after the car is restarted. If that's the case you can go to the dealer and get the firmware update performed. Be advised if you have a custom tune you will lose it as the dealer must reflash the computer.

For a list of updates available for your car go here:

http://tis2web.service.gm.com/tis2web

 

10 days into ownership of my '99....I headed out to the country today for a relaxing 2 hour drive. About an hour into it the "check gage" light comes on. Hmmm...temp - check. Oil pressure - good. Charging system is working. WHOA! FUEL IS BINGO! Knowing it's either a bad reading or I'm losing gas as I drive....I pull in to fill up and she only takes about 3 gallons.

So I worry about how much this fix will be the whole way home, fire up CF and see hundreds of posts about this issue. Turns out my car was a perfect candidate in that it sat for weeks at a time with very little use the past couple years. I head up to Auto Zone and buy a large and small Techron Plus. (I figure if a little is good, then too much is just right!) Gauge still reads zero. Return home and read some more of the forum where I learn about clearing the codes. I delete the codes and turn the key back to on - bam! The gauge lifts just above 3/4 - right where it should be. Thinking back, the day I picked up the car it was on reserve fuel so I pulled into QT and gave it a fill up of what must have been the equivalent of a Big Mac for a heart patient. So, while I'm unsure if this will be a reoccurring problem or not, seeing that it's common, knowing how to clear the codes and being careful with the fuel source all add to my piece of mind.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!