Car sputters and hard to crank on a cold start.
11-18-2013, 08:26 PM
#11
Technical Moderator
Join Date: 01-23-2009
Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia
Posts: 24,660
The OBDII reports the alcohol % to a TechII scanner and many other scan tools, not all. My ScanmasterELM software and my $12 bluetooth adapter does.
If you are not buying E85 on purpose, I might be suspecting the sensor in the gas tank, I think it's part of the fuel pump.
If you are not buying E85 on purpose, I might be suspecting the sensor in the gas tank, I think it's part of the fuel pump.
11-18-2013, 08:36 PM
#12
Technical Moderator
Join Date: 01-23-2009
Location: Fredericksburg, Virginia
Posts: 24,660
When I put "P0172" into the search box 8 pages of results spit out.
The computer reports the alcohol content to the OBDII reader. There is a sensor in the gas tank, part of the fuel pump IIRC. If you are not putting E85 in the tank, maybe the sensor has gone wonky.
The OBDII code is supposed to tell the technician where to turn his book to start further testing. All too many of them got their training at Advance AutoZone PEP as a tool to sell parts. We have been hearing a lot of people lately getting caught in the "throw parts at it until goes away" tornado, it surprises me that it's Official GM shops doing it.
The computer reports the alcohol content to the OBDII reader. There is a sensor in the gas tank, part of the fuel pump IIRC. If you are not putting E85 in the tank, maybe the sensor has gone wonky.
The OBDII code is supposed to tell the technician where to turn his book to start further testing. All too many of them got their training at Advance AutoZone PEP as a tool to sell parts. We have been hearing a lot of people lately getting caught in the "throw parts at it until goes away" tornado, it surprises me that it's Official GM shops doing it.
11-18-2013, 08:55 PM
#14
Deceased
Join Date: 06-30-2010
Location: Kannapolis NC
Posts: 25,739
I think that the basic issue is a dealer or dealer's tech who isn't versed in the proper diagnostic procedures, coupled with the typical service department "upsell" mentality.
Now if there is really that much alcohol in the fuel, and as the OP stated, he doesn't use E-85....then the gas station may have a tank filled with the wrong juice.
That can happen, not too long ago a local gas station got their tank filled with diesel accidentally, around 100 cars had to be fixed on their dime.
Now if there is really that much alcohol in the fuel, and as the OP stated, he doesn't use E-85....then the gas station may have a tank filled with the wrong juice.
That can happen, not too long ago a local gas station got their tank filled with diesel accidentally, around 100 cars had to be fixed on their dime.
11-18-2013, 11:39 PM
#15
New Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 11-15-2012
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14
[QUOTE=843de;726103]Check your PM, and sorry for the late reply.
To me it sounds like a dealer that's bypassing the proper diagnostic procedures and going for your wallet with the classic "upsell" of a "Fuel System Service".
To me, the first step is always suspecting a dirty, failed, or loose MAF sensor.
http://www.obd-codes.com/p0172[/QUOTE
Please pardon my ignorance but where is the MAF sensor located?
(Check out post #18 below....843de)
To me it sounds like a dealer that's bypassing the proper diagnostic procedures and going for your wallet with the classic "upsell" of a "Fuel System Service".
To me, the first step is always suspecting a dirty, failed, or loose MAF sensor.
http://www.obd-codes.com/p0172[/QUOTE
Please pardon my ignorance but where is the MAF sensor located?
(Check out post #18 below....843de)
Last edited by 843de; 11-19-2013 at 01:03 AM.
11-18-2013, 11:45 PM
#16
New Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 11-15-2012
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14
The OBDII reports the alcohol % to a TechII scanner and many other scan tools, not all. My ScanmasterELM software and my $12 bluetooth adapter does.
If you are not buying E85 on purpose, I might be suspecting the sensor in the gas tank, I think it's part of the fuel pump.
If you are not buying E85 on purpose, I might be suspecting the sensor in the gas tank, I think it's part of the fuel pump.
11-18-2013, 11:52 PM
#17
New Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: 11-15-2012
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14
When I put "P0172" into the search box 8 pages of results spit out.
The computer reports the alcohol content to the OBDII reader. There is a sensor in the gas tank, part of the fuel pump IIRC. If you are not putting E85 in the tank, maybe the sensor has gone wonky.
The OBDII code is supposed to tell the technician where to turn his book to start further testing. All too many of them got their training at Advance AutoZone PEP as a tool to sell parts. We have been hearing a lot of people lately getting caught in the "throw parts at it until goes away" tornado, it surprises me that it's Official GM shops doing it.
The computer reports the alcohol content to the OBDII reader. There is a sensor in the gas tank, part of the fuel pump IIRC. If you are not putting E85 in the tank, maybe the sensor has gone wonky.
The OBDII code is supposed to tell the technician where to turn his book to start further testing. All too many of them got their training at Advance AutoZone PEP as a tool to sell parts. We have been hearing a lot of people lately getting caught in the "throw parts at it until goes away" tornado, it surprises me that it's Official GM shops doing it.
11-19-2013, 12:58 AM
#18
Deceased
Join Date: 06-30-2010
Location: Kannapolis NC
Posts: 25,739
The MAF sensor is part #14 in this diagram, it's easy to get at once you've removed the airbox. It should only be cleaned using "MAF Sensor Cleaner" available at your local auto parts store.
One important thing to remember, DO NOT under any circumstances touch the sensor elements, just let the cleaner blast away any deposits. If you touch the sensor elements, it's pretty much ruined.
One important thing to remember, DO NOT under any circumstances touch the sensor elements, just let the cleaner blast away any deposits. If you touch the sensor elements, it's pretty much ruined.
