Is there actually a fix for the fuel gauge reading empty problem?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 4,044
Likes: 342
From: Central NJ
Is there actually a fix for the fuel gauge reading empty problem?
I got the right fuel sender replaced 1 year ago and still had the problem of the fuel gauge reading empty when it wasn't. This past Saturday my tank read empty a few times. I did get the code, I think 1439 or 1470 or whatever it was to prove it, but is there a fix or not. I would hate to spend money on a problem that can't be fixed due to a poor design....
Tony
Tony
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 1,456
Likes: 5
From: Bothell WA
Re: Is there actually a fix for the fuel gauge reading empty problem? (tabbruzz)
I haven't had the problem yet, but from what I've heard on this forum, No, GM doesn't really have a fix. They just replace the bad unit with another and sooner or later that unit will have the same problem. You'd think they could apply some engineering resources to fix this problem, but it appears they haven't.
- Mark
- Mark
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,671
Likes: 850
From: New Jersey
Re: Is there actually a fix for the fuel gauge reading empty problem? (Mark VerMurlen)
Also, there are TWO fuel level senders, one in each tank. If either of them fails, or is intermittent, the gauge reading wil be innaccurate and a code can be set. Maybe you need the other sender replaced also.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 798
Likes: 0
From: Manchester NH
Re: Is there actually a fix for the fuel gauge reading empty problem? (ersatz928)
Also pay attention to the fuel you use. The problem is caused by corrosion, and some brands of fuel tend to be much more corrosive to the senders than others.
Here in NH, I have been using nothing but Mobil premium since my guage once went to empty, and the problem hasn't returned. Before the problem occured, I sometimes filled up at some questionable places.....
Here in NH, I have been using nothing but Mobil premium since my guage once went to empty, and the problem hasn't returned. Before the problem occured, I sometimes filled up at some questionable places.....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 8,059
Likes: 0
From: Good Ol' NC
Re: Is there actually a fix for the fuel gauge reading empty problem? (pburant)
Also pay attention to the fuel you use. The problem is caused by corrosion, and some brands of fuel tend to be much more corrosive to the senders than others.
Here in NH, I have been using nothing but Mobil premium since my guage once went to empty, and the problem hasn't returned. Before the problem occured, I sometimes filled up at some questionable places.....
Here in NH, I have been using nothing but Mobil premium since my guage once went to empty, and the problem hasn't returned. Before the problem occured, I sometimes filled up at some questionable places.....
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 993
Likes: 5
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Re: Is there actually a fix for the fuel gauge reading empty problem? (tabbruzz)
tabbruzz,
I had the same problem with my 1999 C5 coupe and it was repaired under the new car warranty after Chevrolet Technical Assistance was contacted.
The only real fix is to purchase a high-end car such as the Cavalier.
I had the same problem with my 1999 C5 coupe and it was repaired under the new car warranty after Chevrolet Technical Assistance was contacted.
The only real fix is to purchase a high-end car such as the Cavalier.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 505
Likes: 0
Re: Is there actually a fix for the fuel gauge reading empty problem? (tabbruzz)
I don't know if there really is a solution available from GM, or not. I had mine worked on back in March, 2001. The dealer performed the work outlined in the TSB that's out for this problem, (replaced the right side sender, strainer, etc.), under the warranty. It was fine until a couple months ago when it did it again. I've since read that fuel with high sulfer content is said to be a contributing factor. Suppossedly, Exxon or Chevron is preferrable due to lower sulfer content of these brands. I've gone along and have been using them since the last incident and have had no recurrance for about 10 weeks now. But, who really knows?
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 6,451
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From: Maryville TN
St. Jude Donor '06-13,'16-'17, '19
Re: Is there actually a fix for the fuel gauge reading empty problem? (1999 White C5 Coupe)
The only real fix is to purchase a high-end car such as the Cavalier.
:D Tom
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,589
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From: Fontana CA
Re: Is there actually a fix for the fuel gauge reading empty problem? (tabbruzz)
silly as this may sound, my gage acts up differently each episode. its either stuck at 3/4 or doesnt quite top off, slowly climbs to full, or whatever seems its fancy. but i have also found a fix thats hard on the car but fix it does for a couple of months. do a low rpm neutral to drive chirp of the tires. when the trans hits it jars the ground wire and the gage acts normal again. the chevy dealer in ontario cal says that the grounds to the gages are weak and even gage sender changeout is temporary. :rolleyes: :smash: :lol: :cheers: :flag :flag
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Diamond Bar Ca
Re: Is there actually a fix for the fuel gauge reading empty problem? (30yeardream)
silly as this may sound, my gage acts up differently each episode. its either stuck at 3/4 or doesnt quite top off, slowly climbs to full, or whatever seems its fancy. but i have also found a fix thats hard on the car but fix it does for a couple of months. do a low rpm neutral to drive chirp of the tires. when the trans hits it jars the ground wire and the gage acts normal again. the chevy dealer in ontario cal says that the grounds to the gages are weak and even gage sender changeout is temporary. :rolleyes: :smash: :lol: :cheers: :flag :flag
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 7,695
Likes: 51
From: Imperial Beach CA
Re: Is there actually a fix for the fuel gauge reading empty problem? (wineguy)
Had my 00 fixed twice and it failed the third time but GM wouldn't fix it because it was out of warranty the third time. My 02 did it with less than 2000 miles with Mobil and EXXon fuel only, there goes that theory. Also they say the 02 just needs a reflash on the computer. Mine indicates that it was already done and wont allow another reflash so much for that fix. Bottom line no one knows and it will happen again. Also the guage lies not only with being emty but will show fuel when it is actually empty. I carry an extra gallon, been used 5 times in the last 3 years.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 4,044
Likes: 342
From: Central NJ
Re: Is there actually a fix for the fuel gauge reading empty problem? (tabbruzz)
I guess from these responses that there really is no fix and it would be best to trade the car in on a cavalier. Off to the dealer I go....
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,589
Likes: 0
From: Fontana CA
Re: Is there actually a fix for the fuel gauge reading empty problem? (wineguy)
Yes.Mark Christopher has some good mechanics but they are not too mod friendly. They did a good job on my dorr lock module though. :cool: :cheers:
