I'm getting a code 1432 in my DIC. It supposedly means low fuel sender voltage. I just replaced the fuel sender on the passenger side tank and I wanted to know if there is a fuel sender also on the driver side tank and if the part numbers are the same for those senders.

the tank is showing less than half full when I fill it up. Then I never make it more than a couple miles before the fuel level read empty

 

There is a sending unit in each tank, and the computer basically averages the 2. Before replacing any parts, run a tank full or 2 of fuel with Techron Concentrate fuel system cleaner thru it. Many times the floats just get stuck and the Techron cleans them enough to fix it. This is a fairly common issue- fuel gauge not reading properly.

 

Does anyone know if that code is specific to the driver's side or passenger side fuel sender?

 

The fuel level senders are different part numbers for the right/left because the "sender" in the right tank, is actually part of the entire siphon-jet pump assembly and not replaceable as a separate item. So, if you had the "right side sender" replaced as you say, you also got a new siphon-jet pump with it as they are all part of the same assembly.

The good news is however, the left side sending unit IS replaceable as a separate unit and is therefore considerably less expensive as a result.

IOW, you can either replace the entire left side fuel pump assembly (comes with sender also) OR you can replace just the sender (with it's float arm) alone, if need be.

Try doing a search on DTC codes. There are several for the fuel tanks and P1432 is just one of them.

 

P1432 is the Right Tank sending unit

 

Document ID# 662467
2001 Chevrolet/Geo Corvette


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DTC P1432 Without FFS
Circuit Description
The right fuel level sensor measures fuel level changes within the right fuel tank.

When the fuel level is high the sensor signal voltage is high. When the fuel level is low the sensor signal voltage is low.

The PCM uses inputs from the left fuel level sensor and the right fuel level sensor in order to calculate the total fuel remaining in both fuel tanks. The PCM sends this information via class 2 to the IPC.

This diagnostic tests for a stuck right fuel level sensor signal. If the PCM determines that the fuel level (right tank) signal appears to be stuck based on a lack of signal variation expected during normal operation, this DTC sets.

The left tank fuel pump also supplies a small amount of pressurized fuel to the right fuel tank siphon jet pump through the auxiliary fuel feed rear pipe. The pressurized fuel creates a venturi action inside the siphon jet pump. The venturi action causes the fuel to be drawn out of the right fuel tank. Fuel is then transferred from the right fuel tank to the left fuel tank through the auxiliary fuel return rear pipe. The fuel system is designed to maintain a greater level in the left fuel tank then the right fuel tank when the electric fuel pump is operating. The fuel transfer rate from the left fuel tank to the right fuel tank is less than the transfer rate from the right fuel tank to the left fuel tank. Therefore, with the electric fuel pump operating, the left fuel tank level should be higher than the right fuel tank level.

The fuel level in the fuel tanks equalize when the following occur:

The electric fuel pump is not operating.
The fuel level is greater than 50 percent.
Conditions for Running the DTC
The engine is operating.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
The fuel level sensor voltage is below 0.39 volts.
The above conditions present for greater than 2.0 minutes.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
The PCM stores the DTC information into memory when the diagnostic runs and fails.
The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will not illuminate.
The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The PCM stores this information in the Failure Records.
The vehicle fuel gage displays empty.
The check gage indicator illuminates.
The driver information center displays a message.
Conditions for Clearing the MIL or DTC
A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other non-emission related diagnostic.
A last test failed, ore current DTC, will clear when the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
Use a scan tool in order to clear the MIL or DTC.
Diagnostic Aids

Important
When inspecting for a deformed or warped fuel tank, measure the resistance of the suspect fuel level sensor at empty, with the sensor in the fuel tank, and again with the sensor removed from the fuel tank. the resistance values should be the same empty. If the measured resistance values are not the same, refer to Fuel Tank Replacement in Engine Controls.


Depending on the current fuel level, it may be difficult to locate a malfunctioning sending unit. The malfunction may only occur when the fuel level is full or near empty. The fuel sending unit may need to be removed for further diagnosis. A fuel level sensor that has an intermittent condition causes this DTC to set. Remove the fuel level sensor. Refer to Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement in Engine Controls in order to test the resistance of the sensor. The resistance of the sensor should change from 40 to 250 ohms. Replace the sensor if the resistance did not change or was out of range.
If the fuel level sensor is operating OK, test the operation of the Jet Pump.
For an intermittent condition, refer to Testing for Intermittent and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
The voltages in the Fuel Level Conversion Table are approximate values. Use this table to aid in diagnosis.

Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the Diagnostic Table.

This step determines if the fault is present.

Step
Action
Values
Yes
No

Schematic Reference: Instrument Cluster Schematics

1
Did you perform the IPC Diagnostic System Check ?
--
Go to Step 2
Go to Diagnostic System Check - Instrument Cluster

2
Install the scan tool.
Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF.
Monitor the Enhanced EVAP Fuel Level sensor right tank voltage on the scan tool.
Is the Fuel Level sensor voltage below the specified value?
0.39 V
Go to Step 4
Go to Step 3

3
Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF.
Review the Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data for this DTC and observe the parameters.
Turn OFF the ignition for 15 seconds.
Start the engine.
Operate the vehicle within the conditions required for this diagnostic to run, and as close to the conditions recorded in Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records as possible. Special operating conditions that you need to meet before the PCM will run this diagnostic, where applicable, are listed in Conditions for Running the DTC.
Select the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) option and the Specific DTC option, then enter the DTC number using the scan tool.
Does the scan tool indicate that this diagnostic failed this ignition?
--
Go to Step 4
Go to Diagnostic Aids

4
Turn OFF the ignition.
Disconnect the fuel level sensor right tank electrical connector. Refer to Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement in Engine Controls.
Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF.
Observe the Fuel Level sensor voltage on the scan tool.
Is the Fuel Level sensor voltage below the specified value?
0.39 V
Go to Step 5
Go to Step 7

5
Turn OFF the ignition.
Disconnect the PCM connector C2 located on the opposite side of the manufacturers logo. Refer to Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Replacement in Engine Controls.
Test the Fuel Level sensor signal circuit for continuity to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing in Wiring Systems.
Is the Fuel Level sensor signal circuit grounded ?
--
Go to Step 6
Go to Step 8

6
Repair the grounded fuel level signal circuit between the PCM connector and the fuel level sensor. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?
--
Go to Step 9
--

7
Replace the fuel level sensor. Refer to Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement in Engine Controls.

Did you complete the replacement?
--
Go to Step 9
--

8

Important
Program the replacement PCM.


Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Replacement in Engine Controls.

Did you complete the replacement?
--
Go to Step 9
--

9
Select the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) option and the Clear DTC Information option using the scan tool.
Start the engine and idle at the normal operating temperature.
Select the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) option and the Specific DTC option, then enter the DTC number using the scan tool.
Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text, if applicable.
Does the scan tool indicate that this test ran and passed?
--
Go to Step 10
Go to Step 2

10
Select the Capture Info option and the Review Info option using the scan tool.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?
--
Go to the applicable DTC
System OK



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Document ID# 662467
2001 Chevrolet/Geo Corvette

 

Did you install the right sender yourself? As Bill said from the SB:
This diagnostic tests for a stuck right fuel level sensor signal. If the PCM determines that the fuel level (right tank) signal appears to be stuck based on a lack of signal variation expected during normal operation, this DTC sets.
It is real easy to "hang" the sender on something (sock/strainer, etc.) or have it slightly out of allignment during installation.

 

It's also possible (and I think more likely based on numerous other failure reports) the sender and/or float isn't "stuck" at all. If the fuel level isn't dropping, due to the siphon-jet pump being plugged (resulting in no, or very little, fuel being pumped out to the left tank), then the sender and float are actually doing their job properly. The fuel level really ISN'T dropping.

I too would be curious as to who did the work on the right tank and what exactly was installed.

 

Wow. It's been a long while now, and I can't believe I didn't already see this. The Vette had a transmission problem, and I took it in to be repaired back prior to winter. I was in no hurry to get the car back and the shop kept it for the winter, finally finishing the repairs last week.

I did the installation of the sender in the right tank. Perhaps I made a mistake, but I don't recall having to replace the syphon. I can't really remember seeing the syphon. All I remember is that the sender itself only had 3 wires while the old sender that I replaced had 4. Perhaps I made a mistake on the installation. I guess I'll go back in and try again.

 

Sounds like the sender or wiring. A clogged jet pump normally sets code P1431.

Other symptoms of a clogged jet pump:

Starting from full, gauge goes to zero after a couple of hundred highway miles. This is when the PCM senses improper level between tanks.

If you keep going and run out of gas, the car will only take about 12 gallons or so.

 

Here's my problem. I was wrong about 3 wires. I think the sender that gmpartshouse sold me was for the passenger side. Can anyone confirm?

 

There are several different senders (pre-FFS, post FFS, driver side, passenger side, long-arm and short-arm) Some are interchangeable others are not. The only way I finally got a part to fit was to have the parts guys bring out all three for that "part number" Good luck! Oh, and prices are also all over the place on these...

 

Heres the 97 to 03 sender/pump schematic:

 

For future reference, that schematic is specific to 1997-1998. Later senders actually only had 2 wires.

 

I have pulled the P1431 code but don't have a fuel gage go to zero, what I experience is fuel gage only goes to 3/4 when filled.....any ideas? Thanks, Fred

 

Maybe. What's the part number?

Btw, the "sender" for the right side is not available as a separate item, only the driver's side.

 

I haven't had the car very long (month) so I will try to pay attention to what it takes when I fill it, sounds like I need to run the tanks down to 1/3 or less then fill and see what it takes in gallons.....Fred

 

Now after driving approx. 60 mi. gage goes to empty....trying the techron.....Fred

 

The strangest thing... Now, after replacing the sensor and entire right side assembly, it works fine except somewhere around 5/8 of a tank it decides to drop to 0 for an hour or two of driving, then it somehow decides to start working again. It then goes back up to somewhere just above 1/2 tank and continues to work throughout the rest of the fuel gauge's range. I think it's also giving me a 1431. I can live with this problem, and I don't have any plans to change anything for the time being unless it gets worse or a solution becomes obvious.

 

It takes more than 8 gallons when down to say 1/3 of a tank.....gage goes to empty after approx. 45-60 min drive????? bought the Techron to try next.....Fred