I need to take my Zee in to have the PCM reflashed/updated for the fuel gage "recalibration" (for lack of a better term). My fuel gage went bonkers one day and then seemed to work again, but it seems inaccurate when the fuel is low... almost ran out of gas one day because I believed the "Range" indication on the DIC. Filled up and it took like 18.45 gallons, and the damn tank only holds 18.5 total!
Anyway, I'm looking for a dealer in the South end who can do this without screwing something up. Anyone have this done, or at least had some experience with a dealer who knows what the hell they are doing?
I talked to the dealer I bought the car from and of course you have to educate them ... no wonder they don't have many Vettes come in for service.
Are there any independent shops who do PCM recals/reflashing? I would think it's a dealer thing only since the PCM updates probably change on a regular basis.
__________________ I don't need no stinkin' signature !!
I had this done recently by an independent service garage who happened to have the latest equivalent of the TECH2. My Son works there as a mechanic so he did it on his lunch hour so there would be N/C. Just to sure I got the latest recal, I had a Chevy dealer recheck for any missing PCM upgrades for my '02 Z. At the same time, I had them enable the LTPWS in the Body Control Module (this was something the independent shop could not do with there "programmer", apparently not on par exactly with a Tech2). The dealer's service dept told me "no PCM upgrades required, and the BCM LTPWS feature is now enabled per your request". Again, No Charge. I was quite pleased they did the latter for free, but I'm sure it could not have taken any more of their service technician's time than a few minutes.
I haven't had a fuel level gauge go suddenly empty since, but I'm still keeping a close eye on it. Also, I recently completed the LTPWS sensors retrofit and it works GREAT!
dsinned -- What's the LTPWS feature? Also, since you had the PCM updated, have you checked the accuracy of your fuel gage.
Before mu fuel gage went bonkers that one time, then seemed to "fix" itself, I use to keep track of what the "Range" on the DIC indicated as well as the "AVG MPG" and using these figures I would verify that the remaining amount of fuel in the tank corresponded with what the car was telling me. My gage was almost dead on until it went hay wire, now it seems to be off some when I do the same calculation check upon a tank fill-up.
It's a nifty safety feature and no C5 Corvette should be without it!
Since I had my '02 Z06 PCM update (iaw TSB #02-06-04-010) to address the Erratic Fuel Gauge behavior, I have yet to experience this problem. Keep in mind it's only been a couple months and not that many tankfuls of gas since I had the reflash. I'm not yet prepared to say that merely a reflash is necessarily a guaranteed fix. But so far, so good.
Originally posted by dsinned Since I had my '02 Z06 PCM update (iaw TSB #02-06-04-010) to address the Erratic Fuel Gauge behavior, I have yet to experience this problem.
Sounds like a promising first thing to try.
So is that the only TSB that addresses a PCM update? Are there any other PCM updates (if there are some) for the 2002 that "fixes" any other problems with the car?
I'm jus wondering if the dealer will be able to know to give me any other PCM updates while I have it there.
I ran my VIN for my 2002 through it and it came up with (as far as I can tell 3 or 4 software updates:
1) New software to address deceleration stalling.
2) Engine calibration - new calibration to reduce spark knock.
3) Engine diagnostic calibration
4) Fuel system calibration - new calibration regarding complaints of erratic fuel gauge and to improve handling of DTC P1431.
There are other things that come up concerning transmission diagnostic calibrations and speedo calibrations, but these are referencing 2001 models.
What's puzzling is that you would think putting in your specific VIN would narrow it down more accurately. My Z is a 2002, and obviously a stick, so why are they showing info for 2001s and most likely auto trannys concerning new calibration software for the transmission.
More GM confusion? Hope the dealer knows what the hell is supposed to be updated, or I could get older software instead.
There have been many threads regarding the erratic fuel gauge problem. Everybody has different theories, and one that worked for me was to change brands of gas. I always used Shell, but when my gauge started going to empty at about 1/4 to 1/2 full tank, I began using Chevron. Since then, it hasn't re-occured. Some dealer service depts. say it has to do with sulphur content in gas messing with the tank sensors, but who knows.
Don't mean to hijack this thread, but does anybody know where you can get a GOOD dyno tune in the NW? I'm talking LS-1/6 edit or equiv. Thanks, Dave.
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'02 B/B LGM Lts, Corsa. TEA/Trickflow215s/Crane cam, Powerbond pulley. FAST 90/LS2TB. Meziere EWP. Harland Sharp roller rockers, and Vararam. Oh yeah, C6Z shifter. I need an intervention.
Originally posted by exSSer There have been many threads regarding the erratic fuel gauge problem. Everybody has different theories, and one that worked for me was to change brands of gas. I always used Shell, but when my gauge started going to empty at about 1/4 to 1/2 full tank, I began using Chevron. Since then, it hasn't re-occured. Some dealer service depts. say it has to do with sulphur content in gas messing with the tank sensors, but who knows.
I've read some old threads about the erratic fuel gage, and the subject of brand of gas used was also discussed.
Even guys who always used Chevron had experienced the problem. Maybe the higher sulfur gasoline does effect it too, but from what I have read on this board it doesn't seem to matter too much. I had used Chevron mostly (Texaco sometimes) before my gage went bonkers one time at about 8,000 miles. It kind of "fixed itself" after that one episode, but now I can tell (through calculations using gas pump and DIC info) that the gage is off. It say I still have 40 mile range when I'm running on fumes!!! It use to be pretty dead on before it had its episode.
GM must have found something in order to do a recalibration on the fuel gage system.
If the DIC says you still have 40 miles to go when the tank is on fumes it must be calculating and adding the coasting range from your average cruising speed which in your case might be fairly high when your motor quits.
Originally posted by Mufflerbearing If the DIC says you still have 40 miles to go when the tank is on fumes it must be calculating and adding the coasting range from your average cruising speed which in your case might be fairly high when your motor quits.
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