PO442

TJBaker57

Lifetime VIP Donor
Member
Aug 16, 2015
3,328
Colorado
only get a reading on 2K scale I believe and got a fluctuating resistance reading of .580-.590


That's just the way your meter displays. Some do that, I have one that displays similarly. In your case that means you have a resisitance around 580 to 590 ohms. Thats too high for that system. As @budwich stated you likely have either a poor connector somewhere or a failing sender.
 

TJBaker57

Lifetime VIP Donor
Member
Aug 16, 2015
3,328
Colorado
@Stuntmanmike1977

I just re-read through this thread and would like to know if I understand the current situation correctly.

For some time now you do NOT have the check engine light on, correct?

Is it true that the issues right now are (A) you cannot fill the tank in the usual fashion as it backs up the filler neck and (B) the fuel gauge is not working correctly. Is this an accurate statement?
 

Stuntmanmike1977

Original poster
Member
Nov 21, 2021
184
Sanford, Maine
Yes, that is correct. No engine light and the fuel gauge goes to empty when I shut off the truck. Every time I start it, stays on empty and the low fuel light comes for a second or two as it should then goes a click past full. I think I ruled out a bad stepper motor cause it does cycle and cluster was rebuilt with the upgraded steppers about 3 years ago. I was hoping for something easy I overlooked but, this thing was never easy.
 

Aroc

Member
Jun 1, 2023
26
NY
That's just the way your meter displays. Some do that, I have one that displays similarly. In your case that means you have a resisitance around 580 to 590 ohms. Thats too high for that system. As @budwich stated you likely have either a poor connector somewhere or a failing sender.
The ohm meter is displaying kilo-ohms. Some digital meters actual show a small 'k' to indicate the ohm scale.
.580k-ohms is 580 ohms.
 

TJBaker57

Lifetime VIP Donor
Member
Aug 16, 2015
3,328
Colorado
Yes, that is correct. No engine light and the fuel gauge goes to empty when I shut off the truck. Every time I start it, stays on empty and the low fuel light comes for a second or two as it should then goes a click past full. I think I ruled out a bad stepper motor cause it does cycle and cluster was rebuilt with the upgraded steppers about 3 years ago. I was hoping for something easy I overlooked but, this thing was never easy.


Just wanted to get my understanding straight.

The fuel gauge issue is either a poor connection or a failing fuel level sender.

It is my belief that none of these electrical troubles or sensors or solenoids have anything at all to do with the problem of filling the tank.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Thetonymartin

Aroc

Member
Jun 1, 2023
26
NY
@Stuntmanmike1977 have you tried adding fuel to the tank with the C101 harness unplugged so the pcm doesn't get any signals from the fuel tank?

Or better yet, disconnect the battery ground terminal then try to add fuel.
 

budwich

Member
Jun 16, 2013
2,204
kanata
Maybe back a few pages, but have you tried your gas fill with the vent valve hose disconnected?
 

budwich

Member
Jun 16, 2013
2,204
kanata
Vent valve disconnected, computer harness disconnected or both, still overflows. Now the whole filler neck is full.
do you mean the vent valve is electrically disconnected or that the hose going to the valve is disconnected?

Ah, but this seems slightly different than your early results where the neck was slowly emptying ... or am I misreading the observations?
 
Last edited:

Stuntmanmike1977

Original poster
Member
Nov 21, 2021
184
Sanford, Maine
do you mean the vent valve is electrically disconnected or that the hose going to the valve is disconnected?

Ah, but this seems slightly different than your early results where the neck was slowly emptying ... or am I misreading the observations?
That was with the hose itself disconnected. It's draining but even slower than it was before. And that's not even the pressure from the pump, still using a gas can to put it in. Maybe if I can get at it today I'll replace the valve on the side of the engine since it's the only one I haven't done yet if that will help. Don't know if it's pulling vacuum or not.
 

Aroc

Member
Jun 1, 2023
26
NY
That was with the hose itself disconnected. It's draining but even slower than it was before. And that's not even the pressure from the pump, still using a gas can to put it in. Maybe if I can get at it today I'll replace the valve on the side of the engine since it's the only one I haven't done yet if that will help. Don't know if it's pulling vacuum or not.
The Evap valve hose disconnected should allow the tank to vent to atmosphere albeit through the canister. With engine off the purge valve is closed so changing the purge valve can only help remove pressure (add vacuum) when engine is on. Plus it's not typically pulling vacuum at idle. You said earlier you could not remove the canister but could you disconnect the hoses to it then try to add fuel?
Other than that i hate to be bearer of bad news but the fix may require a tank drop and inspect.
 

Stuntmanmike1977

Original poster
Member
Nov 21, 2021
184
Sanford, Maine
I was supposed to replace the fuel pump and straps tomorrow (if the strap bolts don't snap off). What am I looking for on top of the tank? And no, could not get the lines off the valve that's on the engine thought you meant the one behind the tank. After much thought though, is it really a good idea to put in a new and fairly expensive fuel pump if I can't really put barely any fuel in it?
 

Aroc

Member
Jun 1, 2023
26
NY
I was supposed to replace the fuel pump and straps tomorrow (if the strap bolts don't snap off). What am I looking for on top of the tank? And no, could not get the lines off the valve that's on the engine thought you meant the one behind the tank. After much thought though, is it really a good idea to put in a new and fairly expensive fuel pump if I can't really put barely any fuel in it?
I was just stating at this point I don't think the purge or evap valves are preventing fuel from entering the tank. The last thing you should try is disconnect the hoses at the charcoal canister next to the fuel filter. It will allow the tank to fully vent so you will pinpoint if the cause is likely a fuel tank internal problem if still doesn't receive fuel.
 

AmpOverload

Member
Jul 10, 2023
161
USA
@Stuntmanmike1977:

IMHO, I would definitely not put a new fuel pump in now. I've seen absolutely no evidence that you need one. Solve the fuel-filling problem first, then go from there.

Given that (IIUC) you've manually vented the tank by disconnecting the hose that goes between the EVAP system vent valve and the fuel tank and you're still having problems with fuel not going into the tank, it seems to me that the most likely source of that issue (ignoring any other EVAP system issues for the moment) is a problematic "rollover" valve (a.k.a. "fuel check valve" or "fuel inlet valve"). If that valve isn't open far enough, it would explain your immediate issue. In fact, @Mooseman (in post #75) and @Aroc (in post #139) have already pointed you in that very direction, but I don't see that you've ever fully addressed that possibility. Or if you did, I didn't understand you (e.g. "The original valve is free, just won't go in." -- I'm not sure what that means, frankly).

I've looked at various sources of information about the fuel system on a 2003 TrailBlazer. IIUC, the fuel check valve can only be replaced by dropping the tank, so if you're going to drop the tank, you should probably be prepared to inspect and to test (and maybe even to replace) that fuel check valve.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Stuntmanmike1977

AmpOverload

Member
Jul 10, 2023
161
USA
Try disconnecting the charcoal canister hoses. Let us know if that works or not.
That's a very good point. This image shows the EVAP system hose routing for a 2003 TrailBlazer:
2003-Trailblazer-EVAP-hose-routing.png
  1. EVAP Canister Purge Solenoid
  2. EVAP Canister
  3. Fuel Fill Neck/Fill Cap
  4. Rollover Valve/Fuel Tank Pressure (FTP) Sensor
  5. Fuel Tank
  6. EVAP Canister Vent Solenoid
  7. Vent Hose/Pipe
  8. EVAP Vapor Pipe
  9. EVAP Purge Pipe
  10. EVAP Service Port
IIUC, you disconnected the hose at #7 and still had a fuel-fill problem. But there could be an obstruction in the hose at #8, which is why @Aroc's advice is quite wise. If you still can't fill after disconnecting hose #7 #8, then the fuel check valve seems the most likely culprit. Good luck!

EDIT: Sorry! Hose #8, not #7!
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Stuntmanmike1977

Stuntmanmike1977

Original poster
Member
Nov 21, 2021
184
Sanford, Maine
@Stuntmanmike1977:

IMHO, I would definitely not put a new fuel pump in now. I've seen absolutely no evidence that you need one. Solve the fuel-filling problem first, then go from there.

Given that (IIUC) you've manually vented the tank by disconnecting the hose that goes between the EVAP system vent valve and the fuel tank and you're still having problems with fuel not going into the tank, it seems to me that the most likely source of that issue (ignoring any other EVAP system issues for the moment) is a problematic "rollover" valve (a.k.a. "fuel check valve" or "fuel inlet valve"). If that valve isn't open far enough, it would explain your immediate issue. In fact, @Mooseman (in post #75) and @Aroc (in post #139) have already pointed you in that very direction, but I don't see that you've ever fully addressed that possibility. Or if you did, I didn't understand you (e.g. "The original valve is free, just won't go in." -- I'm not sure what that means, frankly).

I've looked at various sources of information about the fuel system on a 2003 TrailBlazer. IIUC, the fuel check valve can only be replaced by dropping the tank, so if you're going to drop the tank, you should probably be prepared to inspect and to test (and maybe even to replace) that fuel check valve.
I meant that the spring loaded flapper in the tank inlet was free. Tested about 30 times by now.
 

Stuntmanmike1977

Original poster
Member
Nov 21, 2021
184
Sanford, Maine
The valve your all talking about is that circular one on top of the tank? Never thought about that one. But, need to drop the tank anyway to check that valve. How would I test that and is it even available? Will try the charcoal canister line first. The one that goes to the vent valve is clear. The one that says To Tank is the one I have to blow out when I get the tank down. Was gonna replace the pump/sender unit to fix the stuck on full gauge issue. Have not had a problem with this issue since my wife Ran the pump dry and kept trying to start it. Still read quarter tank. That was about almost 3 months ago. Ever since then it just got worse and worse. Now, it's even starting to stall and runs like crap but I'm pretty sure that's the fuel filter which I'm changing too.
 

AmpOverload

Member
Jul 10, 2023
161
USA
The valve your all talking about is that circular one on top of the tank?
No, I think you may be confused. Go to that RockAuto link, click on the Dorman part, then download the PDF installation instructions for that part. In step 12, you should see a picture of someone using a big Crescent wrench to tighten that "rollover" valve that I'm talking about.
Never thought about that one. But, need to drop the tank anyway to check that valve. How would I test that and is it even available?
Did you click on my link?
Will try the charcoal canister line first.
That's wise (and inexpensive). :wink:
Was gonna replace the pump/sender unit to fix the stuck on full gauge issue.
OK, well, in that regard, I moderate or even might retract my statement about "absolutely no evidence that you need one", but I meant evidence of the pump not pumping. Replacing a pump to fix the gauge is certainly done a lot, but it's not what I consider "cost effective".
Have not had a problem with this issue since my wife Ran the pump dry and kept trying to start it. Still read quarter tank. That was about almost 3 months ago. Ever since then it just got worse and worse. Now, it's even starting to stall and runs like crap but I'm pretty sure that's the fuel filter which I'm changing too.
Well, if you've already bought the pump and it gives you peace of mind, then it certainly would be a good time to replace it when the fuel tank is dropped to diagnose a possibly misbehaving "rollover" valve.
 
Last edited:

Stuntmanmike1977

Original poster
Member
Nov 21, 2021
184
Sanford, Maine
The rollover valve I think you mean is that the aluminum one you have to feed through the fuel pump opening and cut the old fill inlet off the tank? About 120 bucks for that part. Kinda out of money when I bought all that other stuff. I'll have to wait on that one and get the supplies I need to smooth out the inlet opening to insure a leak proof seal. If that's the one your talking about.
 

AmpOverload

Member
Jul 10, 2023
161
USA
The rollover valve I think you mean is that the aluminum one you have to feed through the fuel pump opening [...]
Yes, that's the part I'm referring to. You do have one of those on your tank, don't you?
[...] and cut the old fill inlet off the tank?
If your rollover valve is anything like the one in those instructions for the Dorman part, then you shouldn't be cutting anything. Did you see step #12 where they "Tighten locking ring"? You should be able to loosen that locking ring (assuming you decide to replace that rollover valve), after tying a cord around it, and fish it out of the tank via the same fuel pump opening atop the tank into which you'd fish the new rollover valve.

I have this uneasy feeling that you have not downloaded and read that PDF from the RockAuto Dorman page. If that's true, I strongly suggest you read that and familiarize yourself with the part and its replacement.

Also, have you been able to disconnect the EVAP cannister's lines as suggested previously, to be sure that is/isn't the problem?
 

budwich

Member
Jun 16, 2013
2,204
kanata
there is still something funny, if you have the "venting" disconnected so that its allowing "free air flow", then filling should function "normally" especially with a gas can fill. I suggest you get a long plastic or solid copper / steel line of small diameter and feed in down the filler neck into your tank. Use you gas can and try a fill. The wire / steel line should be holding the flap open and allowing for both gas and air to flow in either direction.
 

Stuntmanmike1977

Original poster
Member
Nov 21, 2021
184
Sanford, Maine
Yes, that's the part I'm referring to. You do have one of those on your tank, don't you?

If your rollover valve is anything like the one in those instructions for the Dorman part, then you shouldn't be cutting anything. Did you see step #12 where they "Tighten locking ring"? You should be able to loosen that locking ring (assuming you decide to replace that rollover valve), after tying a cord around it, and fish it out of the tank via the same fuel pump opening atop the tank into which you'd fish the new rollover valve.

I have this uneasy feeling that you have not downloaded and read that PDF from the RockAuto Dorman page. If that's true, I strongly suggest you read that and familiarize yourself with the part and its replacement.

Also, have you been able to disconnect the EVAP cannister's lines as suggested previously, to be sure that is/isn't the problem?
My tank is 100% original. Still have the original molded to the tank plastic nipple.I can't see a link for the PDF. Yes, removing the canister line did nothing.
 

AmpOverload

Member
Jul 10, 2023
161
USA
My tank is 100% original. Still have the original molded to the tank plastic nipple.
OK, I think I'm starting to understand why you said "cut the old fill inlet off the tank". That would make sense if GM failed to design the original rollover valve to be replaceable. Typical GM. :duh:

That RockAuto link to the Dorman "inlet valve" says:
Dorman's direct replacement inlet valve offers a cost-savings advantage, enabling replacement of just the failed original valve, instead of replacing the entire fuel tank, saving you time, money and labor.
I assumed that the original part was similar, based on that "direct replacement" wording. If not, maybe you do have to cut the original valve off somehow. Shame on me for assuming. Sorry for the confusion.

Yes, removing the canister line did nothing.
So, IMHO, I think you need to now see if that rollover valve is preventing you from adding gas. It seems like the last remaining suspect in this mystery, right?

I can't see a link for the PDF.
I could link to the PDF directly, but there is useful information on that RockAuto page for the Dorman part (#577106) that you might want to look at. The PDF is on that same page, under the "Additional Resources" section, as "Install/Removal Instructions".
 

Stuntmanmike1977

Original poster
Member
Nov 21, 2021
184
Sanford, Maine
OK, I think I'm starting to understand why you said "cut the old fill inlet off the tank". That would make sense if GM failed to design the original rollover valve to be replaceable. Typical GM. :duh:

That RockAuto link to the Dorman "inlet valve" says:

I assumed that the original part was similar, based on that "direct replacement" wording. If not, maybe you do have to cut the original valve off somehow. Shame on me for assuming. Sorry for the confusion.


So, IMHO, I think you need to now see if that rollover valve is preventing you from adding gas. It seems like the last remaining suspect in this mystery, right?


I could link to the PDF directly, but there is useful information on that RockAuto page for the Dorman part (#577106) that you might want to look at. The PDF is on that same page, under the "Additional Resources" section, as "Install/Removal Instructions".
Where is the rollover valve located? I tried to drop the tank today but, got as far as breaking another clip off the canister line and the front strap bolt threads just rotted away in the frame so, gave up for now. I'll pick up some new bolts, nuts and washers. Don't know about the rear yet though. Got that one to loosen and tighten up but felt sketchy. Any way to replace the rear one since it is almost impossible to get to once it breaks?
 

Stuntmanmike1977

Original poster
Member
Nov 21, 2021
184
Sanford, Maine
To be honest, I'm scared to remove the fuel line connectors. Last time I did any fuel work was just the filter and ended up getting towed to the shop for leaking. Apparently upon reconnecting it I tore one of the o-rings. Don't they need to be replaced after a while?
 

jerflash

Member
Aug 12, 2020
37
NYC
I did not read though this whole thread but... since you are usually allowed one readyness code to be not passed, why not just disable the codes for the evap system in hptuners? I only say this since it seems like such a hassle for an older truck.

I had the code pop up on my 2008 trialblazer and replaced the purge valve and it never came back. Issue is the readiness code never sets so their must be some issue. if it ever becomes an issue for me and comes back i will just set all codes to "do not report"
 

Stuntmanmike1977

Original poster
Member
Nov 21, 2021
184
Sanford, Maine
I did not read though this whole thread but... since you are usually allowed one readyness code to be not passed, why not just disable the codes for the evap system in hptuners? I only say this since it seems like such a hassle for an older truck.

I had the code pop up on my 2008 trialblazer and replaced the purge valve and it never came back. Issue is the readiness code never sets so their must be some issue. if it ever becomes an issue for me and comes back i will just set all codes to "do not report"
I don't have a scan tool or access to one. Haven't had a check engine light for weeks and nothing pending. Gonna drop the tank to do the pump/sender, check the harness while it's out and blow out ALL the lines and go from there. I've already replaced all the EVAP components.
 

Stuntmanmike1977

Original poster
Member
Nov 21, 2021
184
Sanford, Maine
Product thumb

Product thumb

Product main large

Dorman - Help Fuel Tank Strap Hardware Kit​

Part # 55157. Can anyone tell me if these will work? The original ones disintegrated. Site says won't fit but, can't find anything else. Especially for the rear strap bolt which I cannot access the clip, nut whatever is in there until I drop the tank, I think. Not access hole for the rear which I think is behind the tank.
 

mrrsm

Lifetime VIP Donor
Supporting Donor
Member
Oct 22, 2015
8,272
Tampa Bay Area
Sure... This Video covers this otherwise intractable problem very nicely:

 

Stuntmanmike1977

Original poster
Member
Nov 21, 2021
184
Sanford, Maine
Sure... This Video covers this otherwise intractable problem very nicely:

On mine, there is no opening at all for the rear strap which is rotted 3/4 through and the front strap bolt is barely in the hole, just spins by hand. Little different configuration from a suburban but almost identical. So, I need the part number mentioned in the video? Has to be a clip of some kind cause there is no access point In the rear at all.
 

mrrsm

Lifetime VIP Donor
Supporting Donor
Member
Oct 22, 2015
8,272
Tampa Bay Area
Okay... Given that there is "Always More Than One Way to Skin A Cat..." have a closer look at what this design really implies:

(1) The 15mm Nut is "Clam-Shelled" to a "Sideways "U" Shaped Plate" in order to be able slip it on... above and below the thickness of the Plate Steel Bracket (in some instances) and thus...its design prevents the Nut from Turning once the Threaded Hole of this device is aligned with the Open Hole in the upper Bracket. Note that the Red Arrow displays the Open Slot that allows this "Metal Sandwich" to work out in this way.

(2) But if NOT ...and there is ...No EZ Way ....to position and hold this unique "Clam-Shell Nut To Tang" in place, take the Dorman Kit to your Garage Bench and gently start prying the two Tang Halves apart until the 'Bendy" point can be flattened out; either with a Ball Peen Hammer ...or by using a Small Vise ....Right where that Blue Arrow is pointing in the image depicted below.

(3) Then ...Grab that Flattened Tang with a Pair of Needle Nose Pliers and after manipulating the Bolt through the Gas Tank Strap and up into the SUV Frame, carefully align the Modified Dorman "Nut-To-Tang" end over the Hidden Hole in the Upper frame where the Original Nut was Spot Welded in place... and Start Threading that 15mm Bolt on through. If the "Nut-To-Tang" Flattened End begins to Rotate... Grab hold of it again with the Pliers and hang on until it develops enough contact friction to stop turning. Gently but firmly tighten the whole Rig Down... and you're "Good To Go" for another 22 Years. :>)

(4) If it comes down to cases ...and you simply cannot get any purchase in the area where this hole & fastener are located... Consider MIG Welding on a length of 16 Gauge Flat Stock Steel about 1" Wide X 18" in Length... right along the outer edge the Flattened "Nut-To-Tang"... and then bend it around into the Right Shape so you can fish it up into place ...and hold it right where the Strap Hole, the "Nut-To-Tang" and the New 15mm Bolt properly align ....and then... Start Threading in that 15mm Bolt:

61sJpChXQvL-1836530828.jpg
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: Stuntmanmike1977

Stuntmanmike1977

Original poster
Member
Nov 21, 2021
184
Sanford, Maine
Okay... Given that there is "Always More Than One Way to Skin A Cat..." have a closer look at what this design really implies:

(1) The 15mm Nut is "Clam-Shelled" to a "Sideways "U" Shaped Plate" in order to be able slip it on... above and below the thickness of the Plate Steel Bracket (in some instances) and thus...its design prevents the Nut from Turning once the Threaded Hole of this device is aligned with the Open Hole in the upper Bracket. Note that the Red Arrow displays the Open Slot that allows this "Metal Sandwich" to work out in this way.

(2) But if NOT ...and there is ...No EZ Way ....to position and hold this unique "Clam-Shell Nut" in place, take the Dorman Kit to your Garage Bench and gently start prying the two Tang Halves apart until the 'Bendy" point can be flattened out; either with a Ball Peen Hammer ...or by using a Small Vise ....Right where that Blue Arrow depicted on the image below is pointing.

(3) Grab that Flattened Tang with a Pair of Needle Nose Pliers and manipulate the Bolt through the Gas Tank Strap...and carefully align the other Bolt to Tang end over the Hidden Hole in the Upper frame where the Original Nut was Spot Welded...and Start Threading that 15mm Bolt on though. If the Bolt-Flattened Tang begins to Rotate...grab hold of it again with the Pliers and hang on until it develops enough contact friction to stop turning. Gently but firmly tighten the whole Rig Down... and you're "Good To Go" for another 22 Years. :>)

(4) If it comes down to cases ...and you simply cannot get any purchase in the area where this hole & fastener are located... Consider MIG Welding on a length of 16 Gauge Flat Stock Steel about 1" Wide X 18" in Length... right along the outer edge the Flattened Tang-Nut... and then bend it around into the Right Shape so you can fish it up into place ...and hold it right where the Strap Hole, the Nut-Tang and the New 15mm Bolt properly align ....and then... Start Threading that 15mm Bolt on IN:

View attachment 113955
So, which bolt kit do I need the one in the video or the one I posted?
 

mrrsm

Lifetime VIP Donor
Supporting Donor
Member
Oct 22, 2015
8,272
Tampa Bay Area
Looks like they are one and the same...This Screen Print illustrates the matching Part Number:

HEREISYOURPARTNUMBER.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: Stuntmanmike1977

Forum Statistics

Threads
23,726
Posts
642,681
Members
19,261
Latest member
Spanky73

Members Online