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1997 C5 problems

by Bill Smith

Have two problems with my 1997 corvette C5.
#1 Dual ac blows hot on drivers side and cold on drivers side.
#2 Fuel gauge works sometimes. Goes to empty when not working.

Webmaster Comments: The C5 Corvette has several common problems. These 2 are examples of them. The fuel gauge is very common among all GM vehicles. A fuel system cleaner or different brand of fuel can help. If that does not help you may need to change the sensor assembly. The Dual AC problem could be several things. The batteries are notorious for leaking acid on the AC control lines on the FWD firewall. The controllers are also known for failing.

Know before you buy or learn before you have a problem! Let us show you all the common problems! Check out our C5 Corvette Buyers / Owners Guide. The C5 Corvette Book of Knowledge will tell you all about problems like this along with tons of other great information. See our Home page for links to more info.

Comments for 1997 C5 problems

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Feb 07, 2011
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		C5 Problems
by: Corvette-web-central

The buyers and owners guide has a list of several problems to be aware of with C5 Corvette's

https://www.corvette-web-central.com/Corvette-buyers-guide.html
Apr 03, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Acturator
by: Anonymous

Your acturator needs to be reprogrammed.That is why it is hot on driver side and cold on passenger side.Mine did it last summer.
Sep 08, 2009
Rating
starstarstarstarstar 		Fuel Gauge
by: Corvette-web-central

(Long story short replace the LH fuel level sensor the P/N is listed below)

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.


Here is a copy of the actual bulletin.

Document ID# 1673168


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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)

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