Gas "Gage" - the electronic fix

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Oct 13, 2003 | 10:27 PM

jojog

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From: Kissimmee, FL

Gas "Gage" - the electronic fix

I recently read a post about clearing your codes to get the gauge to read correctly after it goes to empty @ 1/4 full. Well, I tried it and it works! This ties to the latest reflash fix I read about. Has anyone had this done? I am now thinking the problem has been electronic all along - having nothing to do with the sending units - at least in some cases. All I know is I am happy to know I can get a reading if, and when, it happens again. Next time I am going to try to fix it on the fly as I read that too is possible. FYI - hope it helps some of you. :thumbs:

Oct 14, 2003 | 12:45 AM

CorvettePilot

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From: Washington DC

Re: Gas "Gage" - the electronic fix (jojog)

What timing on your post. I just took my shiny baby (2001 Coupe) to the dealer today and got the PCM "re-flashed" with the latest code to resolve the "erratic fuel gauge" as GM calls it. They also downloaded available updated code to help avoid spark knock. All free under warranty. I learned of the available updates by going to a link at GM where you can input your VIN and see what's up. Check it out: http://calid.gm.com:8082/vci/

Of course I learned of the link on this forum, which rocks!
After the update, which took an hour, I just had to spiritedly drive it around the San Diego hills (oh darn) to let it recalibrate. I'll have to trust the fuel gauge thing to be gone for now, but I did notice a little smoother idle which is probably from the spark knock update. I wonder how much that would have cost on a Ferrari :p:

Oct 14, 2003 | 12:51 AM

robsvette

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From: belleville n.j.

Re: Gas "Gage" - the electronic fix (jojog)

:D

yeap i think that was me! i have been trying to tell everyone about this!

Oct 14, 2003 | 04:43 PM

Fast one

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From: Hilton NY

Re: Gas "Gage" - the electronic fix (robsvette)

So the dealers wait until the customer is stranded and then install the upgrade instead of notifying customers first that a fix is available?

Oct 15, 2003 | 03:01 AM

CorvettePilot

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From: Washington DC

Re: Gas "Gage" - the electronic fix (robsvette)

Thanks for being the source for that! Like the other guy said, GM is not in a hurry to let us know about these things unless we ask! :rolleyes:

Oct 15, 2003 | 08:00 PM

irfgt

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From: Gaffney, S.C.

Re: Gas "Gage" - the electronic fix (CorvettePilot)

All the computer update is doing is masking a sending unit problem that will eventually rear it's head once again when the sending unit deteriorates further than the ECM can ignore it. There is a sending unit problem alright and other GM cars are having it. S-10 trucks, Olds, Buick, Cadillac, and even Isuzu which uses a similar GM supplied sending unit is having problems and it filters down to Honda Passports which are rebadged Isuzus are having sending unit problems. They need to re-engineer the sending units instead of putting everyone off until the warranty expires.

Oct 15, 2003 | 10:01 PM

whiteboy

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From: Jeffersonville In

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Re: Gas "Gage" - the electronic fix (irfgt)

I am also have the gas guage problem. Started about 3000 miles ago on the way to the Cruise In. Ocasionally I can swerve the car and shake it enough that the gauge starts working again. Or I can stop and shut off the engine and restart and the guage begins working. My problem starts when the guage reaches about 3/4 full and continues until about the half full and then works fine???? Still think it is a sending unit fault.