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Old 05-09-2005, 11:37 AM   #1
Braced
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Default Eratic fuel gauge fix?

Ken or Bob,

Any update on the parts for the C6 eratic fuel gauge problem. I heard a few forum members have had their's fixed with the new parts.

I would like to take mine in soon with the new part numbers in hand and get this issue resolved.

Thanks guys,

Steve Brace

Last edited by Braced; 05-09-2005 at 07:58 PM.
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Old 05-09-2005, 08:38 PM   #2
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Steve,

I just called GM Parts checking on this. Using the part # provided by Chevrolet on the service bulletin I refer to in my news letter. GM parts has not received any of them yet and still does not have an eta from the supplier. GM Parts technical assistance verified that the # on the bulletin are the new service part numbers as well. My guess is if someone has had theirs repaired the dealer probably used the 04 style part numbers that do NOT have the special coating on the contacts. This is what the bulletin says to do if necessary by the way. If the dealer just told the person that the new number was used or the owner misunderstood only that dealer will know. If those people can tell me what part numbers were installed I can verify which style parts were used.

Bob
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Old 05-09-2005, 08:48 PM   #3
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Thanks Bob. I know there are a lot of us here on the forum waiting for GM to release the new parts. I'll keep watching this forum for word of a fix.

Thanks again,

SB
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Old 05-24-2005, 09:01 PM   #4
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Hey Bob,

I assume from your statement that the Fuel Sender Card used in the 2004 C5 is the same type used in the C6?

My 2004 C5 Coupe has just developed the Erratic Fuel Gage problem so please keep us updated on when the new parts will become available Thanks
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Old 05-27-2005, 01:43 PM   #5
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Thanks
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Old 05-29-2005, 08:07 PM   #6
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Thanks Bob,
I (wife) has a 2000 Vert and at five months of age we experienced the fluctuating fuel gauge, but it never happened again until this last month at 68 months old(with 50,093 miles) it hit again went to local dealer and it was repaired. Well.. we hit the road to the Corvetteforum Cuise in and ZAMMOOO the gauge hits EMPTY and check gauges comes on.. filled her up and went 351 miles on on empty tank. It has stayed on empty to this moment (over 1,200 miles). If had been fixed this should not have happened Right?. Back to the dealer in the morning. I am just very glad that that is not a driveabilty issue. We are very happy to have the extended GMPP bought from you folks. PS. Did not see Ken at the cruise-in.
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Old 07-20-2005, 03:55 PM   #7
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Help! I live in Oshawa Ontario and ordered a C6 from a local dealer. My fuel gauge is reading erratic, the check engine light is on, and I get the typical DIC display. The dealer says he reset the computer but it didn't help. I told him there was a bulletin issued but he can't find it. Can anyone give me the bulletin number so I can pass it along to the experts. Thanks.

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Old 07-20-2005, 08:04 PM   #8
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Default Fuel Gauge Repair Parts Now Available

For those of you experiencing this problem call your dealers attention to Tech Service Bulletin # 05-06-04-041 dated June 14,2005. The bulletin references the erratic fuel gauge problem and calls for replacing the LH fuel gauge tank sensor. It is part # 88967316 and is in stock in limited supply in only one warehouse in GM land. The warranty time is 6-7 hours so plan on at least an all day job if not two days.

Bob
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Old 07-21-2005, 07:11 PM   #9
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Thank you Bob!!
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Old 07-22-2005, 12:46 AM   #10
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Default What empty fuel gauge problem? I'm at 4,000 and no problems.

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Old 07-22-2005, 12:58 AM   #11
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It's only been, what six years, and they STILL don't have this fixed. I'm sorry, but this is another example of GM sloppy engineering.

Maybe they should forget the whole thing, and just put a dip stick on the end of the fuel cap. Or maybe go to a fully mechanical gauge like those used on lawnmowers, or early VW Beetles. Just about anything beats this garbage.

Michael
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Old 07-22-2005, 10:26 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael A
It's only been, what six years, and they STILL don't have this fixed. I'm sorry, but this is another example of GM sloppy engineering.

Maybe they should forget the whole thing, and just put a dip stick on the end of the fuel cap. Or maybe go to a fully mechanical gauge like those used on lawnmowers, or early VW Beetles. Just about anything beats this garbage.

Michael
Wow Michael don't hold back tell us how you really feel
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Old 07-22-2005, 10:37 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Michael A
It's only been, what six years, and they STILL don't have this fixed. I'm sorry, but this is another example of GM sloppy engineering.

It just not GM that has the problem, Dodge has had the problem along with other auto manufacturers. Not everyone gets the problem. I bet if you did a survey of the location of the fuel gauge problem it will probably be realted to the areas or states that have special regulation to the types of gas that can be used. For example CA has a winter blend and a special summer blend to redude pollution.

Just my .02
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Old 07-22-2005, 08:14 PM   #14
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Default Fuel Gauge Problem Cause

From my understanding in reading the GM tech information bulletins it sounds like the problem is being caused by a chemical reaction on the electronics sensor on the fuel gauge. Since not every brand of gasoline has the same additives and also vary by regions of the country; not everyone is having the problem. GM says they have been trying to come up with a coating that is resistant to all of the gasoline additives used, but then the additives change and here they go again. Only certain types of additives seem to cause the problem, but what they are I don't know.

Bob

Here is a copy of the actual bulletin.

Document ID# 1673168


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Erratic Fuel Gauge Readings, Fuel Gauge Reads Empty When There is Fuel in Tank, DTC P0463 Set, Service Fuel System Message Displayed (Replace Left Fuel Tank Level Sensor) #05-06-04-041 - (Jun 14, 2005)
Erratic Fuel Gauge Readings, Fuel Gauge Reads Empty When There Is Fuel In Tank, DTC P0463 Set, Service Fuel System Message Displayed (Replace Left Fuel Tank Level Sensor)
2004-2005 Cadillac XLR

2003 Chevrolet Corvette (Built After December 2002)

2004-2005 Chevrolet Corvette

Built Prior to December 2004

For the 2003 Chevrolet Corvette, this bulletin only applies to vehicles with the FFS fuel system.

Condition
Some customers may comment that the fuel gauge is erratic or reads empty when there is fuel in the tank. Also, the driver information center may display "Service Fuel System."

Upon investigation, the technician may find DTC P0463 set.

Cause
This condition may be due to the following causes:

• The sender card has insufficient ink and looses electrical contact when the tank is over filled.

• Loose or poor connections at the PCM.

Correction
Check the connections at the PCM/ECM using the proper pin drag test. Use care to select the proper pin for testing. Refer to PCM/ECM Connector End Views in SI in order to identify the correct pin. If all connections check good, then replace the left fuel tank level sensor with P/N 88967316. Refer to the Left Fuel Level Sensor Replacement procedure in the Engine Controls sub-section of the Service Manual (SI Document ID #1398504 [Corvette] or Document ID #976863 [XLR]).

Right fuel tank senders are rarely faulty and should only be replaced if diagnostic information specifically indicates replacement of the right fuel tank sender or a DTC P2068 is present.

Parts Information
Part Number
Description

88967316
Sensor Kit, Fuel Level (LH)


Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time

L1197*
Sensor, Fuel Level (Tank Unit) -- Replace
6.0 hrs

Add
Diagnosis Time
0.0-0.3 hr

Add: (Z06 Corvette Only)
To Remove Brake Cooling Ducts
0.2 hr

Add: (Corvette Only)
With Automatic Transmission
0.3 hr

*This is a new labor operation number. The next update of the Labor Time Guide will contain this change.




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.
WE SUPPORT VOLUNTARY TECHNICIAN CERTIFICATION


© Copyright General Motors Corporation. All Rights Reserved.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Document ID# 1673168
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Old 07-22-2005, 10:47 PM   #15
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Would this forum be a way to test out this theory? For example if forum members that are having problems tend to be clustered geographically or by brand of gasoline then the particular additives required for that area or brand could be suspect. But if there is no cluster then this explanation is suspect. Also, why is it GM technology that has the problem (I had a similar situation with a Buick that never got fixed) and not other automobiles if the additives are the culprit? And if other technology doesn't have the problem why would GM persist with one that does?
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Old 07-23-2005, 03:30 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by rmreid
Wow Michael don't hold back tell us how you really feel
As you can tell, I've about had it with GM fuel gauges. I also have a '95 Trans Am, and it has a bad fuel gauge, too! What the h*ll is this? It is plagued with the typical F car fuel gauge problem of reading higher than the proper level (excessive resistance in the sender), so you run out of gas at 1/4.

This is the kind of stuff that kills brand loyalty. People buy another brand just to get away from the same old problems repeated over and over. Sure, there may be other problems, but at least you have finally rid yourself of bad fuel gauges (hopefully).

GM needs to identify these repetitive weak areas (add clutch stickng to floor at high RPM, and warped rotors to this list), and put a team of engineers on them. They have GM Research, and GM Engineering Staff (Corporate) who could be assigned this work.

Michael
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Old 07-24-2005, 09:47 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nel727
Would this forum be a way to test out this theory? For example if forum members that are having problems tend to be clustered geographically or by brand of gasoline then the particular additives required for that area or brand could be suspect. But if there is no cluster then this explanation is suspect. Also, why is it GM technology that has the problem (I had a similar situation with a Buick that never got fixed) and not other automobiles if the additives are the culprit? And if other technology doesn't have the problem why would GM persist with one that does?
Sorry to hear that the C6 has this problem, I would have thought GM might have had this one solved. I have a 2000 Vert in Canada and I was plagued with this problem for a long time. I tested a number of local fuels (Petro Canada, Esso, Shell, Sunocco) and the only one that consistently "cures" the problem for me is Sunoco Gold 94 (thankfully).

I certainly don't miss the heart rate and blood pressure increase when the chimes start sounding and the dash lights up during a road trip in the middle of nowhere!
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Old 07-24-2005, 11:11 AM   #18
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I am having the same issue with the fuel gauge in my 2005 Vette, It flips on and off and does it more when there is close to a full tank of fuel. It has been doing it since the car had 500 miles on it. My grandfathers 2001 buick is doing something simalar. If he tops the tank off it causes his gauge to stop working for a while. My car is going into the dealer tomorrow, I will let everybody know how it goes.

Last edited by Nicodemus; 07-24-2005 at 11:13 AM.
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Old 07-24-2005, 03:15 PM   #19
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Default fuel gauge

i have found that with my 3 C-5s if i did not "overfill" add fuel after the pump shut off,i had no fuel gauge problem.i never had the fuel gauge repair done on any of them. same on my C-6 i never "overfill" and so far no fuel gauge problems.
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Old 07-24-2005, 03:21 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by clem zahrobsky
i have found that with my 3 C-5s if i did not "overfill" add fuel after the pump shut off,i had no fuel gauge problem.i never had the fuel gauge repair done on any of them. same on my C-6 i never "overfill" and so far no fuel gauge problems.
I thought that the dealer my have overfilled mine and caused this problem so I let it run down and the fuel gauge was working properly by the time I got to 3/8 of a tank but then I filled and and did NOT top the tank off past one click of the pump and the problem came right back.
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Old 07-24-2005, 03:21 PM
 
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