Fuel Gauge
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: North Carolina
Fuel Gauge
Have a 98 Corvette and bought it used several years ago. After driving the car continuously for 30 to 45 minutes, the gas gauge will go to empty and the check engine light comes on. The gauge returns to normal and the light stays off once I turn the car off and start it back up later that day or the next. Just driving around for short trips, this never happens. It doesn't seem to matter how full/empty the car is. I try to fill up at half a tank so I know for sure I have gas. One time the car completely stopped on me, like it ran out of gas. I got it to the gas station and filled it up, but it only took like 13 gallons and I believe the car takes 17? It only happened once, but being a female, it makes me nervous. Any suggestions?
Racer
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 289
Likes: 33
From: Virginia Beach
Have a 98 Corvette and bought it used several years ago. After driving the car continuously for 30 to 45 minutes, the gas gauge will go to empty and the check engine light comes on. The gauge returns to normal and the light stays off once I turn the car off and start it back up later that day or the next. Just driving around for short trips, this never happens. It doesn't seem to matter how full/empty the car is. I try to fill up at half a tank so I know for sure I have gas. One time the car completely stopped on me, like it ran out of gas. I got it to the gas station and filled it up, but it only took like 13 gallons and I believe the car takes 17? It only happened once, but being a female, it makes me nervous. Any suggestions?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,800
Likes: 456
From: USA
I had the problem with my 2001 and tried the techron and it did not work for me. I then decided to run the car low on gas, then removed both tank units and cleaned the little green boards on each sensor unit. I used lacquer thinner and a soft brush. It cleaned a bunch of black residue off the surface of each board and reinstalled and have had no further problem.
I also add techron to the tank once in a while for prevention sake.
I also add techron to the tank once in a while for prevention sake.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 289
Likes: 33
From: Virginia Beach
I had the problem with my 2001 and tried the techron and it did not work for me. I then decided to run the car low on gas, then removed both tank units and cleaned the little green boards on each sensor unit. I used lacquer thinner and a soft brush. It cleaned a bunch of black residue off the surface of each board and reinstalled and have had no further problem.
I also add techron to the tank once in a while for prevention sake.
I also add techron to the tank once in a while for prevention sake.
Last edited by JWM; Oct 9, 2018 at 02:04 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,800
Likes: 456
From: USA
Quote: I will continue with the Techron concentrate through the winter months however, if this does not resolve the issue I will use this procedure. My question is how low must the level be considering that the rear of the car will be on a pair of jack stands set at or near minimum height?
I ran the car down to empty, gauge down on the E. Then jacked the car up just the two rear wheels until the front bumper was almost touching the ground. Put jack stands under the rear and then opened up the access panels. I lost about 2-3 gallons of fuel in my drain pan total from both tanks. The proceded to removed both sides and cleaned the boards on the two units.
I then used the lacquer thinner and a soft brush to clean the boards. They were black with residue and after cleaning looked like they did when new.
Gas gauge problem has not returned in over three years. Good luck with yours.
I have a 1984 that the gas gauge has never had a problem. Kinda makes you wonder what is going on with these newer models. PCMs BCMs and all the other electronics sure make it harder for the regular people to repair their cars themselves.
I ran the car down to empty, gauge down on the E. Then jacked the car up just the two rear wheels until the front bumper was almost touching the ground. Put jack stands under the rear and then opened up the access panels. I lost about 2-3 gallons of fuel in my drain pan total from both tanks. The proceded to removed both sides and cleaned the boards on the two units.
I then used the lacquer thinner and a soft brush to clean the boards. They were black with residue and after cleaning looked like they did when new.
Gas gauge problem has not returned in over three years. Good luck with yours.
I have a 1984 that the gas gauge has never had a problem. Kinda makes you wonder what is going on with these newer models. PCMs BCMs and all the other electronics sure make it harder for the regular people to repair their cars themselves.
Last edited by zachaeous; Oct 9, 2018 at 02:41 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 289
Likes: 33
From: Virginia Beach
Thank you sir. And yes, there seems to always be something to give thought to. I backed out of my driveway a few days ago and noticed the ABS/ traction control was lit up. Pulled the codes and found the TCS no comm. Traced that to a blown #5 fuse and replaced it. Have no idea what caused the fuse to blow. All was going well until today when I drove it. Pulled codes and found the C1241. I'm not even going to look for this bad connection or whatever. It has reached the point where I pull the codes after each time I drive it. Love the car even though it keeps me on my toes.
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