ONCE AND FOR ALL C5 CORVETTE FUEL GAUGE FIX!

[@VetOnVettes]

If you find value in my videos and want to support a small channel feel free to buy me a coffee! (or not..) www.buymeacoffee.com/markalafrer

[@roberttorres6689]

I did this on my vette and it worked and this is after I replaced both sending units a year ago and it did the gas gauge drop thing after doing this it worked with in a 20 minute drive and it's still working perfectly thank you

[@jimcear1766]

Thanks from another Vet with a vette. Just had my C5 Z51 go to zero . I swear I had the same expressions on my face as you. Doing the Techron additive and will not be fueling at 7/11 etc anymore .🤞hope it works

[@fbj59]

My 2002 C5 just started doing this, I will try to run better gas and try the techron. Thank you very much.

[@bobmrkus3185]

This problem has been a pain in the but for me for a long time, thanks for the info!

[@yukon2159]

I've been using a little bit of Marvel mystery oil mystery oil on every tank full and all of my vehicles for 35 years and have never had one fuel issue...... I just purchased AC5 with this issue in the process of using techtron but I feel that the mystery oil will prevent this future problem hopefully save prayers for me please!!!! And thank you so much for the video!

[@CaptEricS]

I had the problem a year ago and Sea Foam fixed it. Last week I filled my tank and put more Sea Foam in the tank. I drove it 10 miles and my gauge went to empty!?? I ordered 2 bottles of Techron yesterday and hopefully it will work again. My '01 has 65K mi. and I don't drive it very much. I am an ASE CMAT and I heard there is an access plate on the RH tank to get to the sensor and there isn't a sensor in the left tank. Is that true? Thanks in advance! PS; I read the GM TSB and I never trust GM TSB's...

[@AUMINER1]

I had the same problem, poured in $200 worth of fuel cleaner - didn't help. I finally spent the 15 minutes, pulled the sender out, fine scotchbright on the sender surface wiped the deposit layer off the contacts - done, best 15 minutes ever spent - the tire is the only thing in the way - it's super simple and 80K miles later it's still working perfect. zero dollars spent.

[@EHUE-kf4ey]

WHICH SIDE DID U PULL THE SENDER FROM & WHAT YR MODEL DID U DO THIS ON? HELP!!!!

[@AUMINER1]

@@EHUE-kf4ey the passenger side is the sensor that was not reading due to the fuel coating. 2000 c5

[@jonsmail8082]

​@@AUMINER1is that the side will also make car run out of gas. Happened to me yet only takes 9 gallons and start and runs again.

[@AUMINER1]

@@jonsmail8082 yes! it's a complicated system of siphons and pumps that is supposed to transfer fuel back and forth to keep both tanks the same, but that doesn't always work. I got the same tow bill from running out of gas.

[@jonsmail8082]

@@AUMINER1 okay I'll take apart passenger side sensor assy and clean it..

[@caseyberry6959]

Man these videos are great. You've got it down man. This is a very great informative channel

[@KA-te7xk]

I had this issue.. DO I LET THE GAS GO DOWN NEAR ZERO & POUR CHEVRON TEXTRON IN & FILL UP ON TOP OF THAT ? SO ITS NEAR THE BOTTOM?

[@pacsoulpavon9649]

I got my c5 in July 2022 and barely started doing it around December 2022. I always use shell vpower gas in all my cars . I will try the Techron tomorrow. It’s supposed to snow Thursday so the car will sit for a week

[@brendahadley6669]

Huge help thanks for doing this video

[@wingnut6867]

I keep a bottle of Techron in my car at all times! If this happens (about 3-4 times a year) I add the Techron, and head to the nearest good gas station. Usually reads correctly again within about 5-10 miles driving! 👍

[@oscarfuentes280]

I hace the same problem and I am thinking about repleasing the fuel pump! Dobyou think that might help?

[@Elaba_]

Lena and Alex had always dreamed of exploring Europe together, and they decided to do it in style by driving their brand new Chevrolet Z06 sports car. They were excited to hit the open road and see everything the continent had to offer. Their adventure started in Spain, where they explored the vibrant city of Barcelona and the stunning beaches of the Costa Brava. From there, they drove through the Pyrenees Mountains and into France, where they visited the famous wine regions of Bordeaux and Burgundy. However, their dream road trip quickly turned into a nightmare when they realized that their fuel gauge was broken. They had filled up the tank before leaving Spain, but they had no way of knowing how much fuel they had left. Their first breakdown happened in the middle of the French countryside. They were cruising along a winding road when the engine suddenly sputtered and died. They coasted to a stop on the side of the road and realized they were out of gas. Lena and Alex tried to remain positive as they walked to the nearest town to get some fuel. They refilled the tank and got back on the road, but they were now acutely aware of the limitations of their car. Over the next few days, they experienced the same scenario repeatedly. They got stranded on the side of the road six times due to their broken fuel gauge. They had to walk for miles to find fuel and sometimes even had to wait hours for help to arrive. Despite the setbacks, Lena and Alex refused to let their dream road trip be ruined. They met new people, saw amazing sights, and had unforgettable experiences. They visited the stunning beaches of the French Riviera, explored the ancient ruins of Rome, and danced the night away in a Berlin nightclub. Finally, after six breakdowns, they made it to their last destination, Amsterdam. They were exhausted and their car had seen better days, but they had completed their epic road trip across Europe. Lena and Alex learned a valuable lesson on their adventure: sometimes the journey is just as important as the destination. They realized that setbacks and challenges can be overcome with a positive attitude and a determination to enjoy the ride. They would never forget their trip, broken fuel gauge and all.

[@codyscott14]

Why wouldn’t they just fill up at every gas station ? Six times that happened 😂

[@Wayne_Firebird]

Can you do a video on c5 electrical part and power drain etc.

[@dhirocz]

Just bought a 45k mile 02Z and it has this issue. Doing the same as my old 98, techron treatments and a fuel filter, has helped but not fixed the issue. Im going to do the same as my last c5 and expose the contacts in the sending unit and clean them ip with some very fine sandpaper followed up by a brakeclean wash. Never had an issue after that.

[@milojanis4901]

You'll spend more on Techron that the new sending units cost!! Genuine GM senders are like $44 each at Rock Auto. 8 bottles of Techron will be about the same $$$

[@EHUE-kf4ey]

WHAT SIDE DID U PUT THE GM SENDER OR SENDERS? ROCK AUTO OUT OF STOCK (2/16/2024). $44.00 I DON'T THINK SO. @@milojanis4901

[@davidlippner7758]

They did the computer update on mine yrs ago and never had a problem again

[@EHUE-kf4ey]

U KNOW, I WONDER WHAT YR MODEL YOUR "MINE" YRS AGO & NEVER HAD A PROB AGAIN" IS? WHY WOULD'NT STATE THE YR,MAKE MODEL,ETE,ETC. WOW!!

[@bubbajerry]

I'm having this issue with my 97 Corvette. I've tried Techron and I'm not sure it's working on my car. The issue never goes away. The other issue I'm having along with the fuel gauge dropping to empty is when I fill it up the gauge only reads 3/4 full. What's involved with replacing the defective parts?

[@SLCVideoProductions]

I have had this problem on my '04 (135k miles) for about a year now. Fill the tank up full, gauge goes to empty, warnings come on. It almost clears up by the time I get home, which is a 5 mile drive, and starts getting closer to reading full the further I drive. If it is not working correctly by the time the car is parked, it seems to be pretty close and will the next time I drive it. It works perfectly fine after that until the next fill up. On a long trip it was pretty consistent in working normally after driving about 13miles. If I only fill the tank up about 2/3 I do not have the problem. I have tried the techron method, but that did not help. As much as I like everything working correctly, the little inconvenience of not seeing the gauge read full and have warnings come on is not worth the price of a fuel pump and sending unit replacement. Am interested in hearing about the computer update...

[@plhonthelake2157]

I have that exact same problem on my '04. After a fill up mine takes about 20 miles of driving before the gauge wakes up. Not worth the price to fix it.

[@mulletsquirrel]

Mine started having this issue immediately after dealer replaced my left gas tank and crossover tube. Trying to decide if I should take it back to them after a $3000 fix caused another issue.

[@moodberry]

@@plhonthelake2157 I know its been a while since you posted your comment above, but is it possible that when you fill up, you "top off" your tank? Many cars, not just vettes, if you top them off, have a fuel spill tube that empties into a carbon granule canister. It is an emissions thing... Anyway, if that carbon gets polluted by repeatedly getting soaked with gas, it will stop venting correctly. But once there is a little bit of air at the top of the tank, the gas can flow freely again. Of course, an air lock, like when you try to pour gas from a gas can, will prevent gas from flowing.

[@EHUE-kf4ey]

WHAT YR MODEL?@@mulletsquirrel

[@mulletsquirrel]

@@EHUE-kf4ey 04 Z06

[@darrylsjodin7184]

Ya, Techron is good. Amsoil has a fuel system cleaner called P. I. that is proven to clean injectors, so it might work. They also have an upper cylinder lubricant to add to the gas and I noticed the GM tick tick sound is quieter now in my 03 Z06.

[@FEAR_Actual]

I've got a 2003 Z06, and yes the fuel sending unit is a pain in the ass to remove since you have to drop the drivers side tank just to access it. The pump assembly drops from the top down hence removal of the gastank to access it.

[@grahamfrost2480]

I thought they'd resolved this issue by the 04 model. Thank you for the update though, very useful.

[@zeldadahedgehog]

my 05 C6 has the exact same issue

[@davidgaunt5539]

@@zeldadahedgehog my 04 Z06 did this yesterday Feb 27 2023, my wife and I are cruising listening to tunes half a tank went to flat out, I punched it reassured her I had plenty, hopefully techron will work🇺🇸

[@xzaverysathre6096]

Question? I had my fuel gage dump and i wanted to make sure i had gas so i went to the gas station, pulled alittle too far past the pump, put it in reverse and the car died, i put in gas and when i would start the car, then put it in gear and press on the gas the car would die right there, but would start back up and idle just fine, basically just wouldnt let me drive it, what do you think that is?

[@MDCF1565]

Our 08 C6 is doing the same, gas gauge not working at all. we have the Vortex Yellow about the same color as the one in the video 😊

[@moodberry]

Good info. One correction. This problem affects ALL Corvettes, not just going back to 2000. I don't know if the CAUSE is sulfur in pre-2000's, but they have gauge problems too.

[@nwc3270]

I had a friend of mine that has a 2019 Vette that had the sticky gauge problem said don’t use Shell fuel,for some reason it buggers things up. I have a 2001 ,gauge got stuck twice stopped using shell gas and no issues since

[@ChristinaDunn-mc1wl]

If I put a scan tool on mine even when there are no codes. I then hit clear codes and the gauge works again. it might last a week or a month but eventually does it again. The last time it also lit a check engine light for Lean Bank 1 and 2. Not sure they are related

[@drumstix5001]

Kept my 04 Z06 for two months because of those issue. The car left me on the side of the road the day I bought it after it shut off while driving. Dealer quoted $1800 to fix. Couldn’t afford to deal with the problems so I traded it after two months. Now have a 2010 c6 that has had the same issue a couple times but has never shut off on me.

[@EHUE-kf4ey]

WOW!! GM ENGI-NUTS. HI-DOLLAR VEHICLE FOR TO BE AMERICA'S SUPPOSED TO BE THE ONLY TRUE AMERICAN SPORTS CAR, THEY SAY. FUEL & CHEAP PARTS. AMERICAN GREED @ IT'S FINEST. IS FORD,DODGE CHRYSLER,HONDA,ETC,ETC,ETC HAVING THIS SULPHUR PROB. SHOULD'NT HAPPEN IN THIS AGE OF GOING TO MARS & THE MOON. OUT OF ALL MY 70 + YRS I'VE NEVER SEEN SUCH B S!!!

[@jasonbillings3574]

hey my gas gauge goes to e. Unplug battery and it goes back full but before you get out the garage back to e. 2003 c5. Is this what you are talking about

[@EHUE-kf4ey]

WHAT DOES THE STATEMENT MEAN "UNPLUG bATTERY"?

[@moodberry]

Is it possible that when you fill up, you "top off" your tank? Many cars, not just vettes, if you top them off, have a fuel spill tube that empties into a carbon granule canister. It is an emissions thing... Anyway, if that carbon gets polluted by repeatedly getting soaked with gas, it will stop venting correctly. But once there is a little bit of air at the top of the tank, the gas can flow freely again. Of course, an air lock, like when you try to pour gas from a gas can, will prevent gas from flowing.

[@gregl4244]

Techron once a year and good gas has worked for me for years.

[@LouC518]

Thanks just picked up my first corvette today and on the way home the fuel gauge puked lol

[@VetOnVettes]

Hah. Yup, they do that. I run techron twice a year and it hasn't done it in 4 years.

[@steveperchinsky5833]

HI Yea for me as usual those simple fixes never work for me I fill my vette up, the gauge shows full, it runs to a half a tank, boom drops to zero service fuiel system sign on the dash i ran about 4 bottles of techtron in it, no differnce. Truthfully i dont run high octane fuel in it Thinking it wasnt good for the car being too hot for it. I will now that you said to. I don't drive it all that much either. You think trying more techtron and high octane is worth another try? i do believe mine you have to pull both tanks and change the units. Im 70 years old so its a tad tough for me. I believe gm chevy dealer wants 2000 dollars to do it. LOL I drive it till it says service it and then i fill it back up ???????????? whata ya think? thanks for the information also. thanks Steve.

[@camerongoff1081]

What would you say about the fuel gauge if it just doesn’t work at all. Not intermittently

[@bryce031]

So, I have been battling this issue for a while now. My gauge will get to about a half a tank and will drop to Empty. On three separate occasions now, my Z06 has 'run out of gas' and left me stranded. All 3 times I have been able to add a couple gallons of gas, drive it to the gas station, and after pumping only 8-9 gallons of gas - it is again full. I have read in a few forums about the "siphon jet pump" being clogged, but don't have the first clue how to access it or fix it. Do you have experience with this or have a video you would recommend?

[@jonsmail8082]

Have same issue but left stranded two...haha

[@dreamzv1]

My digital fuel range is not reading correctly. I started at 160 mile range on digital and then I drove 40 miles and my fuel range went up to about 190. Then I drove back 40 miles, my fuel gauge had started on 117 and had only gone down to 101. My fuel gauge only dropped to corrected position when I had turned off then turned on my car. Is this a similar issue?

[@mrhrobinson]

Question, where in the 757 are you located?

[@naranjoceidy]

What year is your corvette? Would this method work on a 04 z06?

[@VetOnVettes]

2001 & absolutely

[@joshuachavez7736]

so the bottle of techron should work? because my 98 C5 just started having this problem i put in full tank but then it says it got low fuel or should i just replace fuel gauge sending unit?

[@35057]

After I got my 02z back together from a heads cam build I was driving along and I saw “check gauges” and looked and I had ZERO OIL PRESSURE. 🤯🤯🤯. Pulled over and checked. Oil is fine. It’s not making noise, the valvetrain is quiet …. So I rolled the dice and decided to try to limp it home…… well the whole gauge cluster froze. 😳 that’s a relief. Disconnected the battery and it hasn’t happened again in a while.

[@wyattoneable]

I tried Sea foam for months. I buy the best shell premium fuel, and I downloaded the Technical Service Bulletin (June 27, 2003). I don't know if GM will perform the upgrade on the PCM, but it's worth a try. Otherwise it looks like I'm down to replacing the sending unit. Which as far as I know comes with a new fuel pump assembly. GM wants $700! Yikes. But I appreciate the information and your videos. Subscribed.

[@estebanmoreno7927]

Update?

[@wyattoneable]

@@estebanmoreno7927 I sold the car. The new owner was made aware of the issue and I haven't heard anything back.

[@shaark92]

I've read this on the Corvette Forum, too. 01 Z06, no issues on this yet. Wondering about Amsoil's "PI" gasoline additive. It has "detergents" too. Techron is widely available, but just curious if anyone knows the PI will do the same thing ... I'm an Amsoil guy, (not a seller) and get LOADS of their products. Using PI for this purpose would seem ... convenient ... rather than having to ADD another product/source to the lineup. Thanks for your video!

[@shaark92]

I suppose Chevron's not making your "top tier" ... but using the techron additive ... was an oversight? :)

[@dtaylor224]

Which side that causes the gauge to stay on E. Driver side or Passenger side?

[@VetOnVettes]

Driver's side

[@dtaylor224]

@@VetOnVettes I brought a brand new one and filled my tank up and still on E after driving around for an hour. Smh

[@ernestlabier3916]

Have a problem, started my 01 Z06 the other day. My gages flashed and my odometer went to 22,000 MI. I had 81,000 on it. It has never changed back to $81,000 can you help me

[@darrenbrown896]

Bottle of Techron worked for mine.

[@RussDunn-z6o]

Mine stops working, tried Techron and BP gas. still will do it. If I put a scanner on it there is not a code but if I tell the scanner to clear codes the gauge works immediately. I think it is a PCM / ECM issue

[@IndependenceCityMotoring]

Unfortunately Techron did not fix this issue on my C5Z, despite multiple treatments and letting it sit in the tank a while. And I only use Top Tier gas. I know from CorvetteForum that Techron has worked for others though. I just poured in BG 44K Fuel System Cleaner which is supposedly the best out there...we'll see what happens. Good video nonetheless.

[@VetOnVettes]

This may be a case of a failed switch or continuity to the gauge unfortunately. In the margins.. but could be faulty part. In that case a replacement may be the only way.

[@daren9721]

I had the same problem, what I did chevron techron, top tier fuel and clear codes with your obd2 scanner. No codes show up but just clear anyway. When you clear the codes the fuel gauge move to were it's supposed to be .Good luck.

[@daren9721]

I tried other fuel cleaners didn't work. Chevron techron is the only thing that works.

[@gotmylk]

@@daren9721 that's spot on. Techron does the trick in most instances...with a higher grade fuel. You can also reset the gauge with the onboard diagnostics in the car. I had this issue for years when I lived in CA and octane was only 91 grade. Even when filling up with Chevron fuel with Techron. Moved back to NJ and had three different C5s, two of which never had the problem (assuming because they lived their whole lives on 93 octane fuel). My CA C5 stopped having the issue with the 93 octane. I still throw a bottle of Techron or Seafoam in here and there for good measure.

[@gotmylk]

I should add...this issue occurred all the time when my black coupe was only two years old, and continued to happen for 6 years while I lived in CA. I still have that car now for 21 years. The issue stopped in 2007 when I move to a state with 93 octane fuel.

[@donbeard7284]

My 02 coupe has this problem. I've run Techron in 5 tanks of gas, it still has the problem. And now the fuel pump is starting to make a bunch of noise. :(

[@robcof7129]

What did u do

[@alexmatheny9295]

What about Kum & Go 93?

[@TJsVette]

I have ran about 6 bottles of it and have only ran 93 octane and mine will work but once you go about 100 or so miles it always fail. Sometimes if you let it sit it will work again until you go another 100 miles lol. About sick of it tbh.

[@zacharyzane1638]

If this answer is correct then why was it only on the C5 Corvette? There should have been a mass of other vehicles from Chevy specifically and any other manufacturers so this doesn't make any sense. Yes when my C5Z gauge dropped to zero is when i began my search for this. Now ive replaced enough fuel pumps and inspected every single one for damage or gunk buildup. Ive never once found any indication of film, gunk or debris on a sending unit contact points. Ive never found any gunk, sludge or debris in a tank either. Sending units arms with the float are made where the factory bent arm with contact point glides along the contact plate. They lose contact over time with wear simply making for an erratic issue. Why did Chevrolet change to the upright fuel pump design incorporated to the C6? Because the previous design was flawed. Check out how many C6 corvettes ever experienced this issue.

[@eyemastervideo]

Is gas really the issue? Because the C6 suffers from the same problem, and using fuel additives will not fully fix the problem, just delay full failure.

[@keithr6827]

I had to use techron with shell + nitro to get mine to work. Mine only read to 3/4 and wouldn't fill up past that until I used shell. Only bad thing is that shell is 11 miles from me and out of the way. Marathon's gas didn't help nor did BP. Ain't really shit here in my area of Ohio.

[@JamesKoorey]

I put both a new pump and sending unit in the right side. Still having this issue brand new. Any thoughts

[@US2A]

Depending on where you live ive heard just run ethanol free.

[@VetOnVettes]

Yes, that's definitely an option. Like you said, depending on where you live.

[@paulpaulm7354]

How is Sunoco fuel?

[@VetOnVettes]

It's a quality fuel 👍👍

[@danielskopp2448]

Actually this fuel tank problem has been around since the 1997 hit the streets!!

[@fastbobby504]

Hi, I have a C5 (01 Convertible) and I too live in VA. (Near Winchester) I do little things on it, but since I moved here I have been looking for a trustworthy, good Corvette mechanic. Are you near to me and if so, do you know anyone? Thanks!

[@jimstrawder2063]

Is there a bird in your garage? Check out time stamp 2:46.

[@milojanis4901]

Dude, I'm over halfway thru the video, and no action! All talk. I'm here because I thought you were going to show how to remove the fuel senders and pump.....😢

[@VetOnVettes]

Jack up the rear of the car. Remove the drivers side rear tire. You now have full access to the sending unit which causes the issue. 3 bolts. Pull it out. Take some parts cleaner & a green scrub pad to the slide sensor. Your problem will be fixed for 4-6 months. Or you can replace it (same steps). However, 60% of C5 have this issue. It's not the part itself (98% of the time). It's the lousy detergents that are placed in gas these days. Run techron every 2 months and the problem is solved. If after 4 treatments of techron the gauge has not corrected itself you may have a faulty sending unit. It's simply sulfur buildup. That its.

[@US2A]

​@@VetOnVettes lol

[@milojanis4901]

Video is TOTALLY useless for worn senders. Not only that, by the time you buy and use 10 bottles of Techron, you could've bought BOTH senders new!! 3 bolts to remove your sending unit??! Not on my 2000!!!! There are 6 bolts on BOTH L and R sides. Techron is good stuff. But if it doesn't help after 3 or 4 bottles, time for new senders. An in depth how to on replacing them seems to be made of Unicorn teeth......🤯

[@US2A]

@@milojanis4901 if you know more then why don't you do a video?

[@milojanis4901]

​@US2A Because I'm too busy fixing a LOT of things on my car, and don't post videos on any media. I posted pics, and dozens of posts on the Corvette Forum on how to do this. This video is useless to someone who wants to tackle the job.....

[@nwc3270]

I’ve used shell gas twice and my gauge got stuck twice, stopped using shell gas and have had no issues in 19 years, got a 2001 c5

[@VikingWolf84]

Mine climbs immediately after fueling then slowly drops DTE numbers and fuel gauge drops to empty and Low Fuel reading