Weird Gas Gauge Problem!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,131
Likes: 12
From: Houston Tx
Weird Gas Gauge Problem!
I did search and i ended up reseting some codes and it went back to normal, but why? Bascially i had a little under half a tank last night. While i was parked with car running the check guage light came on along with my gas needle going straight to empty. I did reset the codes and it went back to normal but why? This was the code that says History and Current (P1431 Fuel Level Sensor 2 Circuit Performance)
Last edited by crAzy; Jan 23, 2010 at 03:13 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,793
Likes: 7
From: Santa Maria Ca.
Mine did that once about a year ago-Now I run a jug of Techron through it every 4th tankful,and it's never done it again.
To answer your question,It is caused by sulfur deposits building up on the sending unit inside the tank-the Techron seems to either get rid of the deposits,or at least keep them at acceptable levels,so the sending unit can operate properly.
I wouldn't worry about it yet-if it keeps doing it after the Techron,then you can start to worry...
To answer your question,It is caused by sulfur deposits building up on the sending unit inside the tank-the Techron seems to either get rid of the deposits,or at least keep them at acceptable levels,so the sending unit can operate properly.
I wouldn't worry about it yet-if it keeps doing it after the Techron,then you can start to worry...
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 3,131
Likes: 12
From: Houston Tx
I actually seafoamed the car back in Feb of 09 when i 1st bought it. Barely any smoke came out which was a surprise to me. I will run techron in it and see what happens. But after the code reset it went back to normal. Have no driven it yet, but ill keep this thread updated.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,618
Likes: 5
From: Overland Park KS
I actually seafoamed the car back in Feb of 09 when i 1st bought it. Barely any smoke came out which was a surprise to me. I will run techron in it and see what happens. But after the code reset it went back to normal. Have no driven it yet, but ill keep this thread updated.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Add techron (Seafoam seems to be a "nuclear" option but it also works.
Clear the codes
Switch your brand of gas. Chevron has Techron added so its a good choice as is Shell.
FWIW, I read an article by a fuel scientist who reckoned that different additives have different characteristics that fix specific issues. That said each type of fuel can add deposits that its additive doesnt clean. So switch brands every so often and it may work different problems.
Bottom line is that sulfur is our main issue here.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Advanced
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Sterling VA
If Seafoam and Techron do not work for you then you are up for a right side fuel tank sensor replacement and possibly a right side fuel tank replacement.
My 01 kept repeating the problem after several tries with Seafoam and Techron. Finally had the shop replace the sensors. More problems ensued and that is when the dealer dropped the enchilada on me about the fuel tank being replaced.
If it gets to the point that Seafoam and Techron do not cut the mustard then be sure to have a peek at #PIC3725A available at your local Chevy dealers. It applies to 1997 through 2002 year models including 2003 without RPO FFS.
Yeah it sucks.
My 01 kept repeating the problem after several tries with Seafoam and Techron. Finally had the shop replace the sensors. More problems ensued and that is when the dealer dropped the enchilada on me about the fuel tank being replaced.
If it gets to the point that Seafoam and Techron do not cut the mustard then be sure to have a peek at #PIC3725A available at your local Chevy dealers. It applies to 1997 through 2002 year models including 2003 without RPO FFS.
Yeah it sucks.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 19,384
Likes: 87
From: Horncastle Lincolnshire, England
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
If Seafoam and Techron do not work for you then you are up for a right side fuel tank sensor replacement and possibly a right side fuel tank replacement.
My 01 kept repeating the problem after several tries with Seafoam and Techron. Finally had the shop replace the sensors. More problems ensued and that is when the dealer dropped the enchilada on me about the fuel tank being replaced.
If it gets to the point that Seafoam and Techron do not cut the mustard then be sure to have a peek at #PIC3725A available at your local Chevy dealers. It applies to 1997 through 2002 year models including 2003 without RPO FFS.
Yeah it sucks.
My 01 kept repeating the problem after several tries with Seafoam and Techron. Finally had the shop replace the sensors. More problems ensued and that is when the dealer dropped the enchilada on me about the fuel tank being replaced.
If it gets to the point that Seafoam and Techron do not cut the mustard then be sure to have a peek at #PIC3725A available at your local Chevy dealers. It applies to 1997 through 2002 year models including 2003 without RPO FFS.
Yeah it sucks.
that the tank change is the ultimate option. OK if you have extended warranty. I'd hate to see everyone here with a sticky gas gauge go that far though.I'd use a lot of Techron first. I'd also change the fuel sender. You can do that without dropping the tank. Theres a DIY thread here somewher. A tank change would be beyond me so that would be serious $$$
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 768
Likes: 6
From: Newport Beach, Southern California
What I noticed exacerbates the problem is parking the car with tank less than half empty....soo DO NOT park your car with tank empty....don`t know what the relation between the tank empty and gage going bad but I could swear that in my case if I do that my gage would go to empty right away
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,282
Likes: 23
From: MD
that the tank change is the ultimate option. OK if you have extended warranty. I'd hate to see everyone here with a sticky gas gauge go that far though.I'd use a lot of Techron first. I'd also change the fuel sender. You can do that without dropping the tank. Theres a DIY thread here somewher. A tank change would be beyond me so that would be serious $$$
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
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