Gas Guage Issues
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,064
Likes: 4
Gas Guage Issues
Anyne reporting problems? I top off and it only shows half full and the computer states same, ie; distance to empty.
2006 MN6 Z51. I would like to fix this myself if I can, I hate taking my baby to the dealer.
Any ideas? Anyone with same issue and know the part number? I think it may be the sending unit at the rear driver tank.........
2006 MN6 Z51. I would like to fix this myself if I can, I hate taking my baby to the dealer.
Any ideas? Anyone with same issue and know the part number? I think it may be the sending unit at the rear driver tank.........
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 816
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by LOS ANGELES PI
Anyne reporting problems? I top off and it only shows half full and the computer states same, ie; distance to empty.
2006 MN6 Z51. I would like to fix this myself if I can, I hate taking my baby to the dealer.
Any ideas? Anyone with same issue and know the part number? I think it may be the sending unit at the rear driver tank.........
2006 MN6 Z51. I would like to fix this myself if I can, I hate taking my baby to the dealer.
Any ideas? Anyone with same issue and know the part number? I think it may be the sending unit at the rear driver tank.........
I experienced a similar problem and it was cured by just being very careful not to overfill the tank.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 672
Likes: 1
From: Sapulpa Oklahoma
Try some Chevron Techron additive before you take anything apart. Newer gas formulations cause the senders to get some sort of coating on them and cause similar condition. The "Top Tier" fuels have additive to prevent this. Most auto companies recommend the Techron as a cure. I had the same issue with my S-Type and this cured it. From then on, Chevron gas for me.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,115
Likes: 0
From: Dallas TX
There are a couple of things, although yours sounds like the sending unit. There is also a software patch for eradic fuel readings, as in the gauge will go to empty, then bounce up, etc. That's my issue, and it requires a GM software patch.
As for the fuel sending unit, you can get one from one of the forum dealers, or you can find the part and part # here...
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...05&catalogid=1
As for the fuel sending unit, you can get one from one of the forum dealers, or you can find the part and part # here...
http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...05&catalogid=1
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 27,420
Likes: 64
From: San Clemente CA
I have read a couple of times where members have had the same problem and it turned out to be a kink in the transfer lines between the two tanks. If none of the other remedies work it sound like a trip to the dealer will be necessary. The local dealer did a good job on my fuel gauge problem.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 53,527
Likes: 77
From: Arizona
Originally Posted by DANNOV
Do not top off your tank. Stop filling when the pump shuts down, don't add a drop more of gas. If you overfill you get these strange problems, we have had many posts here about this problem.
I experienced a similar problem and it was cured by just being very careful not to overfill the tank.
I experienced a similar problem and it was cured by just being very careful not to overfill the tank.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 53,527
Likes: 77
From: Arizona
Originally Posted by dbradley
Try some Chevron Techron additive before you take anything apart. Newer gas formulations cause the senders to get some sort of coating on them and cause similar condition. The "Top Tier" fuels have additive to prevent this. Most auto companies recommend the Techron as a cure. I had the same issue with my S-Type and this cured it. From then on, Chevron gas for me.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,064
Likes: 4
Thank you all for posting, Ill take a look underneath and see what I see.
By far, the best was the following. I will have alot of fun driving down the freeway jerking the car from side to side, then when I get pulled over, Ill just say "Hey, I was just trying to unstick the float gauge in my new 55,000 sports car !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
By far, the best was the following. I will have alot of fun driving down the freeway jerking the car from side to side, then when I get pulled over, Ill just say "Hey, I was just trying to unstick the float gauge in my new 55,000 sports car !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Originally Posted by sscamaro
I have the same problem sometimes. What I learned to do was jerk the steering wheel left and right quickly. The needle comes back to full and stays there. Problem solved.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 816
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Hoonose
Whoa! I thought it was just the opposite, to not drain your tanks to zero. I don't know about your car, but mine will take essentially no more gas after it automatically shuts off.
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 9
From: Jacksonville FL
Yes overfilling the tank is kind of the problem. You should be able to FILL the tank without any issues on any car. What happens on our cars is the fuel level sensor overtravels its path. When it does, it sends a false signal to the computer and for some reason it registers at zero fuel, or a fuel system problem. The software upload as mentioned earlier, reflashes the ECM and delays the signal that tells the computer the fuel sensor has overtraveled its path.
First take your car to the dealer and have them do the software update. If that does not work, then it could be the left tank fuel sending card. That has been known to go bad in many cars. In order to replace the card, they have to drop the fuel tank. It is a 3-5 day job. The software update is about a half an hour job.
Like stated earlier, there is a TSB out about this problem. Do a search for "Service Fuel System" and you will find all the answers you need on this. Hope this helps.
P.S. By the way I am taking mine in tomorrow for the software update, I have the same damn problem.
First take your car to the dealer and have them do the software update. If that does not work, then it could be the left tank fuel sending card. That has been known to go bad in many cars. In order to replace the card, they have to drop the fuel tank. It is a 3-5 day job. The software update is about a half an hour job.
Like stated earlier, there is a TSB out about this problem. Do a search for "Service Fuel System" and you will find all the answers you need on this. Hope this helps.
P.S. By the way I am taking mine in tomorrow for the software update, I have the same damn problem.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 7,302
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, CA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06
Originally Posted by LOS ANGELES PI
Anyne reporting problems? I top off and it only shows half full and the computer states same, ie; distance to empty.
2006 MN6 Z51. I would like to fix this myself if I can, I hate taking my baby to the dealer.
Any ideas? Anyone with same issue and know the part number? I think it may be the sending unit at the rear driver tank.........
2006 MN6 Z51. I would like to fix this myself if I can, I hate taking my baby to the dealer.
Any ideas? Anyone with same issue and know the part number? I think it may be the sending unit at the rear driver tank.........
If you want, you can bring it by and we can update your C6 with the latest calibration from GM and see if that takes care of your issue. We are tied into GM's TIS 2000 database system and can update all GM vehicles in about 15 minutes. This way it can be done while you wait and you won't have to go to the dealer.
Let me know.
Thanks!
Shawn
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 6,516
Likes: 4,840
From: One Hour From Boston!
I had this problem with my 2002 C5. I always used Sunoco gas and always topped off. Since I bought my C6, I changed to Shell gas and never top off. Never found out for sure if it was the gas or topping off or both. Haven't had the problem yet and have nearly 17K miles on her...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 816
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by DSchaefe
Why can't GM fix this annoying crap? I had the same problem on my C5, I just assumed they would have addressed this on the C6. What a joke.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Southeast PA
w/Drvn Exctment... I had the same problem. As mentioned earlier, it is a fuel card issue. My engine light eventually went on, as well as an erratic fuel gauge.I had mine to the dealer a couple weeks ago for the re-program. It only took about an hour and I have not had an issue since... knock on wood!
The tech also stressed that the fuel tank should never be topped off... stop at the first time it clicks off. Although, it can happen without topping off. Good luck!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,713
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by DANNOV
Do not top off your tank. Stop filling when the pump shuts down, don't add a drop more of gas. If you overfill you get these strange problems, we have had many posts here about this problem.
I experienced a similar problem and it was cured by just being very careful not to overfill the tank.
I experienced a similar problem and it was cured by just being very careful not to overfill the tank.
I have +13K miles on mine, and I consistently both consume the fuel to below well the 'low fuel' DIC warning, as well as then carefully filling up WITH A TOP OFF of at least one click or two after the fuel pump auto shuts itself off. Never had a spillage, but have had one or two dribbles into the overflow tube. Easily handled.
Could you give any examples, or any theory, as to why fully filling the tank as it is designed to be, causes these 'strange' or mysterious issues?
It is indeed a fact that many early fuel sending units had defective sensors, but if that is the case, I would think you would want to know that, and have it properly repaired rather than crossing your fingers and only running between 1/4 and 3/4 of a tank. That does not appeal to me one bit.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 889
Likes: 1
From: Arizona
Originally Posted by LOS ANGELES PI
Anyne reporting problems? I top off and it only shows half full and the computer states same, ie; distance to empty.
2006 MN6 Z51. I would like to fix this myself if I can, I hate taking my baby to the dealer.
Any ideas? Anyone with same issue and know the part number? I think it may be the sending unit at the rear driver tank.........
2006 MN6 Z51. I would like to fix this myself if I can, I hate taking my baby to the dealer.
Any ideas? Anyone with same issue and know the part number? I think it may be the sending unit at the rear driver tank.........
Chevron Textron additive (Costco 4/$10) resolved issue with not filling up all the way, first shut off @ pump. And used 1st tier fuel not the am/pm junk.
No issues with the 06 Vette just use Chevron and will use Textron additive once in a while.
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 3,630
Likes: 8
From: Virginia Beach Virginia
Why top it off?..as soon as you get close to knowing your almost full...stop...I think the topping off too much is causing the problem. Besides...fuel is heavy and that slows you down a bit...
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Southeast PA
Originally Posted by TrackNoob
Respectfully, I think your advice is incorrect.
I have +13K miles on mine, and I consistently both consume the fuel to below well the 'low fuel' DIC warning, as well as then carefully filling up WITH A TOP OFF of at least one click or two after the fuel pump auto shuts itself off. Never had a spillage, but have had one or two dribbles into the overflow tube. Easily handled.
Could you give any examples, or any theory, as to why fully filling the tank as it is designed to be, causes these 'strange' or mysterious issues?
It is indeed a fact that many early fuel sending units had defective sensors, but if that is the case, I would think you would want to know that, and have it properly repaired rather than crossing your fingers and only running between 1/4 and 3/4 of a tank. That does not appeal to me one bit.
I have +13K miles on mine, and I consistently both consume the fuel to below well the 'low fuel' DIC warning, as well as then carefully filling up WITH A TOP OFF of at least one click or two after the fuel pump auto shuts itself off. Never had a spillage, but have had one or two dribbles into the overflow tube. Easily handled.
Could you give any examples, or any theory, as to why fully filling the tank as it is designed to be, causes these 'strange' or mysterious issues?
It is indeed a fact that many early fuel sending units had defective sensors, but if that is the case, I would think you would want to know that, and have it properly repaired rather than crossing your fingers and only running between 1/4 and 3/4 of a tank. That does not appeal to me one bit.
GM put the new programming into place on the '06 and newer models, which supposedly delays that message... that is why you do not experience any problems filling your tank.
And when I say it is not recommended to top off... you just stop when it hits the first click... most new cars have the same recommendations... not just vettes!