PCM Reprogram & Fuel Gauge Problem???
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 53
From: Central MN
PCM Reprogram & Fuel Gauge Problem???
Well, my '98 has been bitten by the dreaded "fuel gauge" problem. From what I've researched, the cure is to have GM reprogram the PCM. Simply replacing the sending unit(s) does not allways fix the problem.
Here's my problem. My car is Powerloaded (which I am VERY happy with, by the way) and I am certian that the GM "reflash" will override the Powerloader program. So, if the dealer reflashes the PCM with the new code and I subsequently reload the Powerloader program, will I be back to square one?
Fortunately, I purchased the GM extended warentee (thanks Ken F. for the great deal) so the repair should be on GM's checkbook rather than mine.
Anybody have any experience with GM reflashing the PCM, then reloading the Powerloader program?
Here's my problem. My car is Powerloaded (which I am VERY happy with, by the way) and I am certian that the GM "reflash" will override the Powerloader program. So, if the dealer reflashes the PCM with the new code and I subsequently reload the Powerloader program, will I be back to square one?
Fortunately, I purchased the GM extended warentee (thanks Ken F. for the great deal) so the repair should be on GM's checkbook rather than mine.
Anybody have any experience with GM reflashing the PCM, then reloading the Powerloader program?
Pro
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 672
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale AZ
Re: PCM Reprogram & Fuel Gauge Problem??? (98-C5)
Yep!
That is exactly what has to be done. We did our's about three months ago. No issues, just reload the powerloader program. Back to normal in just a few miles. I have done the idle relearn each time we have reloaded the powerloader software. I think this is the fifth time we have had to reload this.
But, no more fuel gauge problems.
:cheers:
That is exactly what has to be done. We did our's about three months ago. No issues, just reload the powerloader program. Back to normal in just a few miles. I have done the idle relearn each time we have reloaded the powerloader software. I think this is the fifth time we have had to reload this.
But, no more fuel gauge problems.
:cheers:
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 10,976
Likes: 21
From: FL
St. Jude Donor '13
Re: PCM Reprogram & Fuel Gauge Problem??? (jimhild)
:iagree: Also,when the reflash is done,you will get all the updates for your PCM loaded at the same time :yesnod:
[Modified by C-5 TECH, 11:33 AM 9/10/2003]
[Modified by C-5 TECH, 11:33 AM 9/10/2003]
Pro
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 518
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area CA
Re: PCM Reprogram & Fuel Gauge Problem??? (C-5 TECH)
the pcm upgrade doesn't always fix the problem. It fixed mine the first time but not then it happened two more times after. Both times, they had to replace the senders. :cheers:
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 53
From: Central MN
Re: PCM Reprogram & Fuel Gauge Problem??? (boost2much)
Thanks everybody for the replies. My baby goes "under the knife" tomorrow. In addition to the PCM reprogram, I'm going to tell the dealer to replace both sending units (my car comes out of warrantee next May.) I'll let you all know if I run into any problems. Again, thanks.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 364
From: Dardenne Prairie Missouri
Re: PCM Reprogram & Fuel Gauge Problem??? (98-C5)
Anyone know what is required to change out the sending units? Just curious I think mine is starting to have this problem. I haven't had the reflash done yet since my car is only a year old and this may be the first warranty work to be done to it.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 53
From: Central MN
Re: PCM Reprogram & Fuel Gauge Problem??? (98-C5)
Well, my baby is back from the Doctor aka "The Dealer." Evrything seems to be working fine. My dealer (Village Chev. in Wayzata, MN) said that the '97 & '98 models do not need a "reflash" of the PCM. The dealer is very good and the mechanic, Bruce Brown, is VERY good and knowledeabe. Can somebody back up my dealer's claim with a TSB? It seems odd to me that the '97 & '98s do not need a "reflash," but all the other model years require a "reflash." If this, in fact, is true, why? Did GM change the PCM program in '99+ when they went from two fuel feeds to one?
The dealer, by the way, replaced the right sending unit and the "cross-over" feed tube.
Thanks.
[Modified by 98-C5, 8:45 PM 9/11/2003]
The dealer, by the way, replaced the right sending unit and the "cross-over" feed tube.
Thanks.
[Modified by 98-C5, 8:45 PM 9/11/2003]
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,591
Likes: 53
From: Central MN
Re: PCM Reprogram & Fuel Gauge Problem??? (C-5 TECH)
C-5 TECH..........."Yo da man!!!!" Thanks. I was hoping you'd "chime in" and either support ar rebut mt dealer.
Am I correct in my conclusion about the change over from two fuel feed lines in '97 & '98 to one feed line in '99+?
Am I correct in my conclusion about the change over from two fuel feed lines in '97 & '98 to one feed line in '99+?
Racer
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: Barnwell, SC USA
Re: PCM Reprogram & Fuel Gauge Problem??? (98-C5)
'97's and '98's have two fuel lines and the 99's up have one. I think this is due to the repositioning of the EVAP canister further back towards the rear for better emissions on 99 and later C5's.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 10,976
Likes: 21
From: FL
St. Jude Donor '13
Re: PCM Reprogram & Fuel Gauge Problem??? (98-C5)
97-98 have 2 fuel lines because the pressure regulator is mounted on the fuel rail...1999 to present model year have 1 fuel line because the pressure regulator is actually part of the fuel filter :yesnod:
C-5 TECH..........."Yo da man!!!!" Thanks. I was hoping you'd "chime in" and either support ar rebut mt dealer.
Am I correct in my conclusion about the change over from two fuel feed lines in '97 & '98 to one feed line in '99+?
Am I correct in my conclusion about the change over from two fuel feed lines in '97 & '98 to one feed line in '99+?
