Fuel Level Sensor

Just wondering if anyone else has had a problem with their fuel level sensor going bad. I found a TSB on the problem, which says it is the "result of the corrosive effect of certain fuel blends on the contact surfaces of the fuel tank sensor." I discovered I had a problem when mine left me stranded two weeks ago. The gauge showed 1/8 tank, but the odometer showed 351 miles - about 50 miles more than I normally get out of a tank. If you've had yours fixed, what did it cost for parts/labor? I've heard a couple of different prices from dealers and don't know who to believe.

[ChadGT]

had ours fixed/replaced twice under warranty, so i have no idea how much it would be. failed early at somewhere around 8k miles, then again around 25k miles??? the tsb they used supposedly calls for an upgraded part.

chad

[dearim]

I got quoted $300 from a dealer and $225 from a local independent.

Best deal of all is just to have a buddy who works on 'em for a living. They'll do it for pizza and a Coke.

I think for now I'm going to watch the trip odometer. Hopefully I can convince my brother to fix it and pay him with beer.

[gagt2002]

Had same problem with my 2001. About 5 months after having the car from new, the fuel sensor went on it. Yep, I was stranded and pretty bitter. All is well with car and it's been running good for a while now.

[Licit]

Mine started going to crap at 40000 or so miles. The weird thing is that since then it will read correctly at a full tank and stay accurate until a half tank. After a half tank it starts going back up towards full. When it gets low it will usually bounce down to the empty point, set off the little light, then float back to full again. I'm kind of proud that in over 40,000 miles since I've run out of gas only twice. While working in delivery too(doh!!!)

That's funny, because mine acted weird like that for a while, but is almost reading accurately now. I usually fill it up at about 280 miles and the gauge is reading 1/8 - 1/4 of a tank. The most gas I've been able to stuff in it is 10 gallons. I don't trust it at all, but at least the gauge isn't bouncing all over the place like yours now. A girl a work has an Alero that did the same thing. When they took it to the dealer, they were told that there's a recall on it, but the car was still under warranty. Everybody I've talked to says it's just a TSB issue, not a recall.

[Licit]

I had told the dealer about it, also mentioning that I am well out of warranty(83,000 miles). His answer was that they could replace the gas tank for whatever hundred $$$ and that should take care of it!!!! I am always surprised that in several different complaints I've had regarding my car, not once did the dealer mention a TSB on things. I have always found out through my other independent (real)mechanic or on this forum. No wonder people feel that American car companies suck and switch to buying foreign cars. Man I love my car, I just wish a dealer who should know about things with it would give some respect to that fact I have seen so many people who have good GM dealers, I just wish I could get half the help and service they do.

I agree completely. I've also found that a lot of times it depends on who the service manager is at the dealership. There used to be a total jerk at mine who tried to argue with me every time I brought mine in to have it fixed under warranty. Since he's been gone, their service has improved tremendously. I was having the same brake problems as everybody else and he tried to tell me the grinding was due to my "big, open 16" wheels that allow water to get to the rotors." I told him it was funny that this was my third GM car with big, open 16" wheels and none of them had brake problems. After that he quit arguing with me.

[cmoore]

There was a TV report this morning about the same problem occuring on Pontiac Sunfires. A GM spokesman came on and said that there had been over 100 reports of this in the last couple of weeks. Funny in that the majority of the problems were reported here in Southern Ontario. Apparently GM is issuing a TSB on this, not a recall at this point.

[Gimli]

TSBs are inside information from GM to the dealers. They're not supposed to discuss TSBs with clients. it's the same for all manufacturers, domestic or import.

[Mike Jung]

Originally posted by cmoore
There was a TV report this morning about the same problem occuring on Pontiac Sunfires. A GM spokesman came on and said that there had been over 100 reports of this in the last couple of weeks. Funny in that the majority of the problems were reported here in Southern Ontario. Apparently GM is issuing a TSB on this, not a recall at this point.

Yeah, I heard about it on the radio earlier in the week; was looking for a news article to post a link, but could not find any.

The radio said it effected broad range of GM vehicles year 2000 & up.
They said dealers were getting calls for this 200+ times a week or about 12 cars per day for warranty work approval.
It seems to be happening to people more often right now, & GM has noticed more warranty claims because of it.

They gave an example: using a Pontiac Sunfire that happened to a woman, who ran out of gas because her gas gauge said she still had 1/2 tank left.
Some tow truck driver's have noticed more complaints of motorist running out of gas with GM vehicles lately.

So the symtoms are you run out of gas while the gas gauge shows 1/4 to 1/2 tank left.

I know, I reset the trip counter mileage at every gas fill-up (to figure out my mileage vs gas used).
It might be a good idea for others to watch there mileage since last gas fill-up.

GM has now issued a 'new' TSB to the dealers because of the high incidents of gas gauge levels not working properly.

[cmoore]

My neighbour has a 2002 Malibu and it has gone into the dealer for the fuel level sensor. Her tank was reading anywhere from 1/4 to 1/2 a tank after a complete fillup.

[Mike Jung]

Finally the story made it's way into the newspapers.

Empty tanks baffle
GM blames gas for faulty fuel readings in cars Auto maker, oil firms work to solve sticky gauges

Change of gas solved problem

Avoid fuels until issue is resolved

How long must customers keep track of mileage?

For me using a 'cleaner' worked
see my post in thread: Low fuel light

[Mike Jung]

Also see Molson's post in thread: Petro-Canada and GM's Fuel war..

[Cooler22]

I would just like to let everybody know that I have ran out of gas too and I don't use Shell or Petro. I actually use Sunoco.

My younger brother who has a 2002 Sunfire had the samething and he only uses Esso.

Correct me if I am wrong, but it can't be the gas!!

[Cooler22]

Well it seems that GM is trying to solve the problem but only on the late model vehicles.

Come on now what about us!!!!!!

[Costa]

Hello everyone

Don't let the dealer skrew you on this problem.
I have a 2000 Grand Am GT.

I never experienced this problem, but I recieved a recall notice in the mail only a few months after I bought my car. I had it fixed right away.

[soop]

Mine is a 2000 GT1 and yup same thing ... but I haven't heard anything about a recall ... but i have heard that it will cost 400$ or so on mine, even with an extended warranty.


If anyone has info on a recall, please please please POST IT!

[Costa]

Alright here is some info, I hope this helps. I don't have the recall paper because the dealership kept it, but here is the info from my work order.

Maybe that 00101 number code means the recall
By the way, Sorry for the french, I live in Montreal

B (MA) 00101 Indications Irregulieres De L'Indicateur De Carburant
Cause: Indicateur Essence Irregulier
V0626 (MA)00101 Remplaces La Carte D'Indicateur De Niveau de carburant, Le Tamis De Carburant et le joint annulaire
362WGM94 1.30
1 22674712 SEN KIT
1 88891094 FILTER KI
FC:96
Part#:22674712
Count:2

9995 99 Recall 00101 Replaced fuel level sensor for Recall 00101