Fuel Gauge Problem

[Ironhead]

I have a 96 CE that I just bought on 3-11-05. When traveling home I noticed that the bars on the fuel gauge always showed 100% full, now I know that the tank was not full,so I took it back to the car dealer that I purchased it to get it fixed.The explanation that he gave me was that it was a electrical glitch from sitting on the lot for a period of time and for me to drive it for a while and see if it will start working right.Is there anyone out there had this problem or could give any suggestions what this might be . Thank You

 

[Vettefan87]

Well I did a quick search and came up with this. http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61272&highlight=digital+fuel+gauge

 

[Ironhead]

Thank You Vettefan87,big help

 

[Vettefan87]

No problem, by the way Welcome to the CAC. If you can't get it fixed post back. I will continue to search a little to see if I can find some more info for you.

 

[Ironhead]

ok buddy Thanks again

 

[badabing9]

I have a 96 CE that I just bought on 3-11-05. When traveling home I noticed that the bars on the fuel gauge always showed 100% full, now I know that the tank was not full,so I took it back to the car dealer that I purchased it to get it fixed.The explanation that he gave me was that it was a electrical glitch from sitting on the lot for a period of time and for me to drive it for a while and see if it will start working right.Is there anyone out there had this problem or could give any suggestions what this might be . Thank You

greetings,

i had a similar problem 2 months ago. there is a simple fix for this and if you want, i can send you a word doc with pictures included if you wish. it is not my "fix" but someone else's that i used that worked fantasticly. it involves a simply "cleaning" of the "in tank" sender unit. i am assuming yours is the same as in my 88 vette.........let me know.

 

[Ironhead]

badabing9 please do I would appreciate that very much, I can tell from my short time on this forums site that there is nothing but 1st class people on here and becoming part of this was a great move,I just hope I will be able to help someone out as I have been.

 

[Jeb]

There was a problem in Louisiana and Florida several months ago when some Shell (and others) stations got a hold of some contaminated gasoline. An additive that was not supposed to be there was, and it damaged the fuel sending units causing them to read Full all of the time. (Apparently, the additive caused one of the parts to disintegrate.)

If you traveled to these states in the last 6 months or so and bought gas, you might want to think about this. Even if you didn't, and the fuel gauge is Kapoot, ask your mechanic what might have caused it. You might, especially if you have receipts, be able to be compensated if the fuel caused the problem.

 

[badabing9]

badabing9 please do I would appreciate that very much, I can tell from my short time on this forums site that there is nothing but 1st class people on here and becoming part of this was a great move,I just hope I will be able to help someone out as I have been.

ok, no problem however, ya have to furnish me with an e-mail address to send it to. not sure if i can do it here or even to attach a file. i will wait for you to furnish e-mail .

 

[ATL 84]

Hi,
I was reading this post doing research on this same type problem. I am so confused on what it could be. I added a new dash, that did not fix so I know its not the dash. I was thinking the sending unit next. If you guys could help I would greatly appreciate it.

 

[WaveDoggie]

Clean up the fuel sender yourself and save $515 for the part alone. Crossfire Crosspost

 

[-=Iron Mike=-]

The fuel sending units are a little different from 88 to 96. I took mine out ('95)and cleaned it up a couple of weeks ago and it is a little better. The unit itself is very simple and does get dirty over time. Before throwing money at a new part I would try cleaning the contacts first.

 

[JohnnyC]

On my 96, I have recently found that only to ~1/2 tank of gas will those bars start to drop... and they drop pretty quickly. I drove for a week with gauge at "Full".

I'm going to remove the sending unit and clean as others have recommended.

 

[sxyvet]

hi there guys,
i also have a problem with my 1991 fuel guage/sender unit!
how ever i took the advice from c.a.c and cleaned the contacts on the sender but still no luck!
it hasnt fixed the problem of the readings of how much fuel the tank really has!
there is how ever a after market universal sender made byw auto meter and sells for $30.00 u.s and can be brought from pace performance or auto parts performance warehouse!
part number is #atm 3262.
thanks
glen
sxyvet
Australia

 

[badabing9]

.........for those whom have tried "the fix", be sure that you not only clean the contact tab and ever so lightly bend it to make a better contact but, if you don't clean the contact windings you will be wasting your time.