I had no problems with my C6 for the first 2,100 miles. Then I got the service fuel system warning on the DIC, but just for a second. Also, the fuel gauge went to E for that same second. Then it all went back to normal. I thought I had dodged the bullet and drove happily for another 100 miles. Well, on my next fill up (I only use Chevron, and from several different stations), I got the service fuel system message and it stayed on. Also, the check engine light came on and stayed on. OnStar read the codes and confirmed that I need a new fuel level sender. I guess its time for me to visit the dealer. I hope the new parts are available.

So, just a warning for others. If you ever get even a brief service fuel system warning, expect the situation will get worse.

Ira

 

It's a known problem. Hang tight for a bit longer as it might go away again.

 

Mine started at 1050 miles. I put in Techron as recommended by some posts. It remained erratic until today at 1300 miles. I drove 101 miles today and it worked perfectly - "I'm holding my breath".

See this thread CF Thread on Fuel Sending Unit

 

I bought VIN 18509 today and got 500 feet from the dealer and the gauge started rolling from full to 0, check engine light came on, and "Service Fuel System". The salesrep had just filled up the tank as part of the delivery. Within 5 minutes of owning the car I have a problem.

My gauge is stuck on empty now.

 

This has been a common problem with C5's for years. Seems GM still couldn't fix it so they passed it on to the C6. Man I hope all the other little quirks from the C5 didn't get passed on to the C6. Here's the latest news from Ken Fichtner on the subject.

ERRATIC FUEL GAGE, 2002-2005 CORVETTE AND XLR

SERVICE - ALL CHEVROLET & CADILLAC DEALERS

Subject: 2002-2005 Chevrolet Corvette and 2004-2005 Cadillac XLR Fuel Gauge Is Erratic
Message #: VSS20050445
2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 Chevrolet Corvette and 2004-2005 Cadillac XLR (Y-Body) Fuel Gauge is Erratic
Art Spong 586-947-8890

General Motors is in the process of redesigning the fuel tank sending units in both of the subject vehicles. A new part number has been released but it is not yet in stock. Some dealers have attempted to order the new parts 88967315 or 7316 and they have been told that the parts are not yet available. The new parts have an improved ink coating which will provide improved resistance to fuel contamination and correct fuel sender over travel which is the primary cause for the fuel gauge being erratic. Fuel Modules should not be replaced for complaints of erratic fuel gauge. The fuel sender card is the only part required.

Until the new fuel sender cards are available, the 2004 card is available and can be used. Part number 10310028 left side and 10310103 for the right side will operate in all 2002 through 2005 applications. However it does not have the improved ink path. In cases where a customer insists on a replacement part, the 2004 part can be used although it is the same part that is currently in their car. Availability is expected by the end of April. A bulletin will be released with correct part numbers as soon as the parts become available.


Tom

 

Find some BG 44K and put that in the tank. It's the best.Hope it works for you.Save the Wave.>George

 

3000 miles and mine started acting up yesterday. I don't buy the high sulfur story. I think it just poor design. I will put the techron in tomorrow and hope I can wait until the improved part is available. Other than that I love the car and have had no other problems.

The vin# is 20088

 

I have been ranting on about this problem

It happened on my C6 (VIN 20036) with 1200 miles on it and has been sporadic ever since (now at 2100 miles). I have tried about everything on the posts and none have worked permanently. I have sent e-mails to some GM folks on this site asking if the new FSU/sender cards are now available. I am awaiting replies.

 

Mine just failed today at 2300 miles. Build dates on the car are 3/18 to 3/21.

Rich

 

I've gotta say I'm really disappointed in this problem and GM's response to it. For years on the C5 they just blame the high sulpher content in some gasoline. Why can't GM FIX this problem? You can't change the sulpher content in gasoline, so adapt your fuel sender to tolerate the high sulpher content!

I really want to purchase a C6 but if it's going to have the same problems as the C5, I may just as well keep my C5.

 

Been there done that!

 

Can anyone recap on what is involved with changing the sending unit. I think I read that the gas tank has to be removed.

Beside the removing the drive shaft what else has to come off the car to get the gas tank out? I am hoping they don't have to pull my automatic trany. The less they have take off the car the less chance there is for something else getting screwed up.

There must be something odd about the design that GM has been using for the sending unit. I can't remember hearing anyone complain about a failure like this on other cars of german, japanese, or domestic origin.

 

Well this post saved me the search for fuel sending unit.. Mine started failing today at 3000 miles - of course Mr. Murphy was at it - our first cruise on it with wife and I up to Santa Barbara and as soon as we were 100 miles out the gauge starts going nuts... soon to be followed by the check engine light...

Count me in!! Funny thing is I called onstar and asked them to diagnose engine... while they were diagnosing the light disappeard and havent had a problem since... damn Murphy!!!

 

To paraphrase Monty Python in the Holy Grail, "it got better." I drove around for a day and the check engine light went off and the fuel gauge continues to show the correct reading. I will wait until GM finally starts shipping the new and improved parts, then I will get it fixed. Meanwhile, I'll be careful to reset my trip odometer at each fillup.

Ira

 

I replied in the other post about the FSC. Was told the part should be available some time in May. I have the same problem. Dealer told me that they would have to pull the rear end and tranny to change the card.

 

hey guys, pretty new to the forum, just wanted to share some input, had my c6 for maybe 3 weeks, now, hit 1,000 miles and thats when it happened, service fuel system, called the dealership, intially they had no idea until i just went in and spoke to the vette specialist there, anyhow, i dropped off my car around noon, they gave me a loaner car and by 4 they called me to pick up my car, replaced part# 10310028 for the sensor and part# 21008100 for the seal, i asked them and apparently they had to take out the tank to replace the sensor, but didn't have antything to do with dropping the tranny, so far so good.... hope this is helpful

 

While on Assembly Plant tour I watched both gas tanks being installed with drive train already in place. I don't believe tranny or drive shaft need to be manipulated to remove either tank.

 

Seems to me I saw the same thing at BG. So what is all this talk about dropping the tranny?

My C6 just got the problem on Saturday at 1299 miles. I have an appointment this Saturday to diagnose the problem.

 

So they replaced it with the old sensor design and not the new redesigned card? Did they tell you this?

 

Had the problem on my C5and replaced the sending unit. Somone advised me to alternate between major gas brands as they each had their own unique additives. Since there was not a downside, I tried it. Went another 3 years and never had the problem again.