After many years of owning and taking care of my "love-on-wheels", I got my first code --P1431 and the description is "PCM Fuel Level Sensor 2 Circuit Perfomance".

The nasty thing about this is it puts the Fuel gage to "E" for Empty even though you fill your tank with gas. And also the "Check Gages" light is on. I've tried resetting this (Reset button) but it comes back. A Chevy shop tried resetting it by reprogramming the chip ($240), which reset the Fuel Gage to where it is (which is close to "F"ull since I had just filled my tank prior). But 15 minutes driving off the shop, it went back to "E" along with the "Check Gages" light.

Has anyone experienced this before? What do you think is happening? I obviously could run it as long as I err on the side of conservatism and always fill my gas tank.

Upon return, the Chevy shop gave me a quote of the next things they will try. But it's priced at $1780 (left fuel sender $153; sock kit $119; right sender and pump $564; and labor of $945) -- which is out of my reach.

I may try a non-Chevy shop that I've known (that's where I bring my other non-Chevy vehicle) and is not as expensive. I figure I could get the same service for around ~$1000.

However, and sorry for this long post, I want to get info in case someone's run into the same problem and if he/she can kindly share the experience of how it got solved.

'Nuff said.

 

Don't know if this works for you...

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-t...d-working.html

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-z...e-problem.html

 

In my case it was the jet pump and was fixed by rplacing the RH pump and sender assy for about $600 parts and labor. No need to mess with the Lh side. Could also try cleaning the internal nozzle of the pump.

The gauge symptoms are also typical of a corroded sender, typically addressed first with Techron. Don't know if the sender typically gives the same DTC though.

 

Sucky thing is I tried techron 3 times (separate fill ups of course, consecutively) when filling up and still got this dang problem and code.

Not sure what else to do. Haven't gone to the dealer cause it's a $240 program upgrade or some such nonsense.

 

Start by reading the attached pdf which applies to 1997 to early 2003 models (up to VIN 35111542)

 

I just had this problem. The 1431 code is caused by the right fuel sender not moving for a certain period of time. It could be hanging up on the sock/strainer or more likely is "sulfured-up" and not sending a proper signal. You can try the Techron/Seafoam fix and see if it clears up. You also need to clear the 1431 code from the DIC to reset it and clear the Check Gages lite.

 

Try Techron or Redline SI-1 fuel system cleaner first. Might take a couple treated tank fulls to clear if cleaner is going to work.

 

It is 2002.

 

Guys thanks for the tips and docs. Long weekend, I started by washing my garage queen just a couple of hours ago. Will wax it tomorrow, clean the chromes, coat the tire and refuel (must make sure I have gas).

Will read the docs you referenced and start from there. Again thanks a lot and Happy Memorial Day.

 

I wonder why the Chevy shop will start with the Left side sender on mine. They said they will only touch the Right side if the left side is ok. Though in your case, you were able to fix it by directly going to Right. Glad to hear it worked out for you, and great price at that.