Low Fuel light
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 117
Likes: 1
From: east haven ct.
Low Fuel light
Is there anything that can be done short of replacing the fuel sending unit. I believe I read a Fuel cleaner may help the issue (Techron)? I just purchased this 2002 Corvette knew about this issue car runs fine but guess this will be aggravating also can I clear the code dash says low fuel gage says half tank though. Should I fill the Tank and start there really don’t know how much fuel is in car literally bought the car right before the New Year. I live in Ct so not really driving it around except neighborhood to run the car weather not great very wet. Thanks for any in put.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,515
Likes: 441
From: Arizona
Start with a bottle of techron and fill it up with shell or chevron. Also unhook the the battery for a while and hook it back up. Clear all codes from the dic. See if two or three bottles of Techron make a difference.
Last edited by STRMLNE; Jan 8, 2020 at 08:56 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 4,338
Likes: 66
From: Whittier California
Hope this helps.
C5 4 Me
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,776
Likes: 142
From: North of Atlanta GA
St. Jude Donor '05
I had the fuel gauge problem on my 2002 some years ago and would use Techron CONCENTRATE to make the problem go away. Well after a year or so that didn't work any more and finally had the senders replaced in both tanks. I used nothing but Chevron premium on the advice of others and am not impressed, in my opinion Chevron gas did not help solve the problem. In talking with the mechanic that worked on the car it depends on how far gone the fuel sensors are gone (they get eaten up) whether Techron will help or for how long. Lucas is also good to use.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,776
Likes: 142
From: North of Atlanta GA
St. Jude Donor '05
Yes it is very expensive. I lucked out and had warranty on the car at the time. Sorry I don't remember what it cost to repair but I believe all total it was around $1800.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 117
Likes: 1
From: east haven ct.
Was that price at a dealer? I had an Infinity with an actuator issue cheap part but the dealer said worst possible job $4500 my personal mechanic was like $1500 I do know dealers are not the place to get anything fixed.
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Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,776
Likes: 142
From: North of Atlanta GA
St. Jude Donor '05
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
Reprogramming the PCM was the fix back in the day. It has cured the gas gauge problem for many C5 owners. Talk to your GM tech. He should be able to get a hold of the service bulletin and do the job.
1999 - 2002: Service Bulletin: Erratic Fuel Gauge Reading (Reprogram the PCM)
Subject: Erratic Fuel Gauge Reading (Reprogram the PCM)
Source: Chevrolet Dealer Technical Service Bulletin
Number: 02-06-04-010A - (06/27/2003)
Models: 1999-2002 Chevrolet Corvette
This bulletin is being revised to add models and update the Correction and Warranty Information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 02-06-04-010 (Section 06- Engine).
Condition:
Some owners may comment about the fuel gauge intermittently indicating an empty reading and then return to the correct fuel level indication.
Cause:
This condition may result when fuel blends containing aggressive sulphur compounds react with the fuel sender assembly, which may result in voltage spikes being induced on the fuel level signal to the PCM. Use of another fuel blend may reverse this reaction and return the system to normal operation.
Correction:
Reprogram the PCM with the new service calibration which is available in the June 2003, Techline® TIS release sent to the dealers on 6/28/03. Use the TIS Version 7 or later data update.
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
1999 - 2002: Service Bulletin: Erratic Fuel Gauge Reading (Reprogram the PCM)
Subject: Erratic Fuel Gauge Reading (Reprogram the PCM)
Source: Chevrolet Dealer Technical Service Bulletin
Number: 02-06-04-010A - (06/27/2003)
Models: 1999-2002 Chevrolet Corvette
This bulletin is being revised to add models and update the Correction and Warranty Information. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 02-06-04-010 (Section 06- Engine).
Condition:
Some owners may comment about the fuel gauge intermittently indicating an empty reading and then return to the correct fuel level indication.
Cause:
This condition may result when fuel blends containing aggressive sulphur compounds react with the fuel sender assembly, which may result in voltage spikes being induced on the fuel level signal to the PCM. Use of another fuel blend may reverse this reaction and return the system to normal operation.
Correction:
Reprogram the PCM with the new service calibration which is available in the June 2003, Techline® TIS release sent to the dealers on 6/28/03. Use the TIS Version 7 or later data update.
GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 543
From: Appleton WI
First off, you need to pull your codes. Google "pull codes c5 Corvette" if you don't know how. Post your codes here.
You can try Techron to see if that helps.
How mechanically inclined are you? If you can change a tire you can replace the fuel senders and / or pumps yourself. The hardest part is running the fuel level down so you don't spill fuel everywhere. Mid 2003 and earlier Vettes have the fuel senders/fuel pump access at the bottom of the tanks.
You pull the wheel(s) remove a couple of shields, unplug fuel lines, remove a half dozen bolts around the sender and it comes out of the tank. If you're really proficient, you'd be done in about 1.5 hrs to complete both sides. Being extra cautious and taking your time, figure 4 hours.
You can try Techron to see if that helps.
How mechanically inclined are you? If you can change a tire you can replace the fuel senders and / or pumps yourself. The hardest part is running the fuel level down so you don't spill fuel everywhere. Mid 2003 and earlier Vettes have the fuel senders/fuel pump access at the bottom of the tanks.
You pull the wheel(s) remove a couple of shields, unplug fuel lines, remove a half dozen bolts around the sender and it comes out of the tank. If you're really proficient, you'd be done in about 1.5 hrs to complete both sides. Being extra cautious and taking your time, figure 4 hours.
Last edited by 3sACROWD; Jan 9, 2020 at 10:16 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 904
Likes: 295
From: Sacramento, California
Not very well known on this forum, but MMO (marvel mystery oil) works great on stuck or erratic fuel level sensors. It also does a good job of cleaning and lubrication in the fuel system. Techron does help especially if used regularly, but it's not the cure all people make it out to be.
Steve
Steve
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 14,136
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From: Iowa
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Fixed my 98's fuel sender problems. I now buy it by the case (when on sale) as I have three C5s
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 397
From: Clay New York
That happened to me shortly after I got the car. I've always used premium non-ethanol fuel, in my older cars as well as, and after the first fill up haven't had any issues.
Last edited by ls777z; Jan 10, 2020 at 12:55 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 8,900
Likes: 1,074
From: Wisconsin
My gas gauge issue showed up whenever I tried non ethanol gas. Maybe because there is more sulfur in it. Shell premium cured the problem.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 55
Likes: 11
From: Victoria,BC,Canada
Everything I've seen on youtube claims the gas tank must be removed and the fuel pump with gauge sensor removed from the top.
First off, you need to pull your codes. Google "pull codes c5 Corvette" if you don't know how. Post your codes here.
You pull the wheel(s) remove a couple of shields, unplug fuel lines, remove a half dozen bolts around the sender and it comes out of the tank. If you're really proficient, you'd be done in about 1.5 hrs to complete both sides. Being extra cautious and taking your time, figure 4 hours.
You pull the wheel(s) remove a couple of shields, unplug fuel lines, remove a half dozen bolts around the sender and it comes out of the tank. If you're really proficient, you'd be done in about 1.5 hrs to complete both sides. Being extra cautious and taking your time, figure 4 hours.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 543
From: Appleton WI
If I was anywhere near my car, I'd take 10 minutes to crawl under the car, remove the shield and take a picture for you. Google "picture of 2002 C5 fuel tanks" and do the same for 2004. You will see the difference. I'm not sure why there doesn't seem to be a YouTube video for the older design.
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