Fuel gage issue.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 450
Likes: 64
Fuel gage issue.
Recently purchased a 2002 Z06 and am having a reoccurring issue with the fuel gage. Out of the blue the gage will go to empty, typically has about 1/2 to 3/4 tank of gas when it does this. Resetting the codes will get the gage to function again but it will reoccur again. I tried the Techron fix, added a bottle to the tank and it worked for awhile (about 2-3 tanks for fuel) but it's back again. As a bottle of Techron for the tank is about $7-$8 I hate to have to do this every tank. Is there a better solution that I should look into to get a more permanent fix?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 450
Likes: 64
Can HPtuners be used to reflash the PCM rather than going to the dealer? For the treatment you described above, why add the techron to a 1/3 full tank? Are the sensors located near the bottom of the tank? Previously I added 10oz to a full tank and that worked for about 3 tanks of gas and then came back.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 651
Likes: 45
From: Raleigh area, NC
Check the codes see if you have the right sender code P1431,2, or 3....
I had same issue tried techron for 6 months went a little further then bit the bullet got a new right sender off Amazon for $260 ish, pretty easy swap. It's nice driving with a working fuel gauge!
I had same issue tried techron for 6 months went a little further then bit the bullet got a new right sender off Amazon for $260 ish, pretty easy swap. It's nice driving with a working fuel gauge!
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 450
Likes: 64
I had the P1341 code, is that the right sender?
I like the ease of the "techron" fix but if I need a new sender I'm ok with doing the work of replacing it. I just got done doing a new clutch including all new Bilstien shocks and complete brake job so I'm not afraid or a little labor. LOL
How do I get the p/n for the new sender? Amazon is great if you have partnumbers but I did a search on C5 fuel senders and got nothing.
I like the ease of the "techron" fix but if I need a new sender I'm ok with doing the work of replacing it. I just got done doing a new clutch including all new Bilstien shocks and complete brake job so I'm not afraid or a little labor. LOL
How do I get the p/n for the new sender? Amazon is great if you have partnumbers but I did a search on C5 fuel senders and got nothing.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 450
Likes: 64
Thanks. How do you find these part numbers?
So if my issue is with the right side and it empties first, is it safe to assume that the right tank will be as empty as it will ever be when the gage reads 1/4 full? That would be the time to replace the sender?
I'll be doing this on a lift so at least I don't have to lay in a puddle of gas. LOL
So if my issue is with the right side and it empties first, is it safe to assume that the right tank will be as empty as it will ever be when the gage reads 1/4 full? That would be the time to replace the sender?
I'll be doing this on a lift so at least I don't have to lay in a puddle of gas. LOL
Pro
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 651
Likes: 45
From: Raleigh area, NC
I tried to run mine down to what I thought would be about 1/4 tank based on trip computer. Worked out well jacking up back right, only about a gallon left in right tank, probably a few in left tank, just be prepared with a pan, tarp, shop rags, etc...
See if this works off Amazon:
Brand
ACDelco Item Weight 1.8 pounds Product Dimensions 16.8 x 6.2 x 6.2 inches Origin China Item model number MU1218 Manufacturer Part Number MU1218 OEM Part Number 89047748 Brand
See if this works off Amazon:
Brand
ACDelco Item Weight 1.8 pounds Product Dimensions 16.8 x 6.2 x 6.2 inches Origin China Item model number MU1218 Manufacturer Part Number MU1218 OEM Part Number 89047748 Brand
Last edited by pmr2000; Jul 1, 2016 at 01:10 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,473
Likes: 691
From: West Virginia
Couple of possibilities.
Lastly there is a PCM reflash that the dealer can do with upgraded parameters for the PCM dealings with the fuel sensors. The only down side to that (aside from their charging you to do it) is if your car has a custom tune the dealer PCM reflash will wipe out the tune... The re-flash may or may not completely resolve the issue. I've seen posts that say the re-flash did not help and a couple others that say the symptom was gone.....
Lastly there is a PCM reflash that the dealer can do with upgraded parameters for the PCM dealings with the fuel sensors. The only down side to that (aside from their charging you to do it) is if your car has a custom tune the dealer PCM reflash will wipe out the tune... The re-flash may or may not completely resolve the issue. I've seen posts that say the re-flash did not help and a couple others that say the symptom was gone.....
I had the reflash done when it was first available, not sure, maybe 10-12 years back? It has not happened once since.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 450
Likes: 64
In my case, the reflash isn't an option as I have a custom tune. It's not a great tune and will have to be redone at some point but it's better than nothing. That's why I asked if HPtuners could make that change as I will be getting that software/hardware package sometime in the near future.
Thanks everyone for the info and feedback. This looks like a good winter project as I can limp along the rest of the summer with the techron fix and take care of it then. I will do a post with pictures when I get into it.
Thanks everyone for the info and feedback. This looks like a good winter project as I can limp along the rest of the summer with the techron fix and take care of it then. I will do a post with pictures when I get into it.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,473
Likes: 691
From: West Virginia
Don't forget the PCM reflash fixes what is basically a software bug that means if an error gets registered, it cannot be recovered from (except bya shut down/restart cycle). The fix enables recovery. So you might change out hardware, etc., but if an error occurs, you will still see the problem.