im wondering how many ppl this happens to,
when my gas gauge gets down to the last 1/8th of a tank my meter practically drops to zero, not only that the estimated miles left til empty stops at 40 and i gaurentee i dont get 40 once it hits that point (and trust me i drive very reserved when it tells me that)
does this happen to anyone else or is my cobalt just stupid?

 

yeah man that happens to me too. i have no clue as to why though.

 

Cause it wants you to go buy gas!

 

Mine did that too take it in they will reflash your computer and it should fix it, it did on mine atlleast, good luck!


Edit. Looked at my invoice, they re-prgrogrammed instrument cluser as per doc id1752795 (maybe a tsb?)

 

hmm.... i wonder, thats really odd that they would reflash and make it work especially if a lot of ppl have the same problem on their new cobalts.
out of curiosity what year are your cobalts?

 

mines an 07

what i hate is when your driving the needle goes to empty and gas light comes on, shut off the car and i get alittle more than a quarter of a tank

 

If yours is an 05, that is the correct document ID number for the problem you had. It's not a TSB as of yet but just a document for dealers to get a quick reference as to what is going wrong with come of the cars.

There is a TSB for the 07's. The document ID is 1861088 and the TSB is 06-08-49-018

Document ID# 1861088
2007 Chevrolet Cobalt

Subject: Inaccurate Fuel Gauge Readings, Fuel Gauge Reads Empty When There is Fuel in Tank, Low Fuel Message Displayed in DIC, DTC P0461 Set (Reprogram ECM) #06-08-49-018 - (09/08/2006)



Models: 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, HHR

2007 Pontiac G5

2007 Saturn ION





Condition
Some customers may comment that the fuel gauge reads empty when there is fuel in the tank. Also, the driver information center may display the "Low Fuel" message.

Upon investigation, the technician may find DTC P0461 set.

Correction
First confirm that DTC P0461 has set and that no other fuel-related codes exist. If other codes are present, follow published DTC diagnostics in SI.

A new software has been developed to correct this condition. Technicians are to reprogram the ECM/PCM/VCM using SPS. The new service calibration is currently available on TIS2WEB.

Warranty Information
For vehicles repaired under warranty, use:

Labor Operation
Description
Labor Time

L1199*
Reprogram ECM to Correct Fuel Gauge Issues Using SPS
0.4 hr

* This is a unique labor operation number for bulletin use only. This number will not be published in the Labor Time Guide.

 

but to my knowledge it hasnt set the code. but ill look into it

 

wow thats amazing thanks for the great info. i think im gonna call my dealer and schedule an appointment to get it fixed.
also as for it saying its low and there is gas in it, ever notice when you go around a sharp turn the gauge goes down and never comes back up, lol. i always assumed it was because it only read it at start and while it goes down it keeps its lowest reading and shows that, i dont really know but that was my assupmtion.
again great info.

 

I don't have a broke guage, but I never run my car below about a third tank.

Its actually bad to run a low tank, cause the fuel sending unit is supposed to be immersed in fuel keeping it cool, and to pervent overheating and premature wear.

 

i actually just called my dealer and the lady had no idea what i was talking about. so i asked to talk to their head technician and he didnt know either.
she said i could schedule an appointment but i asked what good it would do me.
is any of that info on the GM site or anything, like somewhere other than a forum so i can quote it to the tech. he seemed to think i was full of sh**

 

If the go to GMDealerworld and enter the document ID number they should find the info that I posted. That's where I got the info . They must be new at the game

Tell them to:
log on to www.gmdealerworld.com
click on Service Information (SI)
click on "Find a document by its ID, bulletin or campaign # in Number Search" The words "Number Search" is the link

they can enter the 1861088 under the bottom area where is says "Enter a Document ID:"
or
they can enter 06-08-49-018 in the top area where it says "Enter a Bulletin/Campaign #:"

 

thanks a lot, i really appreciate the great info.
i will definately do that

 

thanks a lot, i really appreciate the great info.
i will definately do that

 

np. If the dealer follows those steps, they should have no problem finding it

 

i think i fucked up my gas tank when trying to jack it for summer tires switch anyone have any idea if i could have bent the tank sorry to hijack the thread

 

no prob about the hijack, i think this thread was kicked anyway.
do you mean bent the filler neck?
you could dent the tank, or bend one of the supports?
but the filler neck would be more likely, what seems to be the problem with it?

 

the shield under the tank i think is what got primarily bent sucks alot