Fuse Pull: Low Octane Fuel Fix For L99 and LS3. Reset Fuel Map for High Octane Fuel.

[Hulk]

Originally Posted by PQ

I think the 'Wake Up' is exagerated.

I know there have been a few who dyoned theri cars new and after 5 and 10 k and showed no difference. Including me. But my fuse pull difference only showed a 15 HP difference. So who knows.

15 HP is like adding a cold air kit or some exhaust mods.......this is free HP if you are running on the lower octane table, if not no change and no wallet damage.

I am guessing most of us got the cheapest gas the dealer could put in.

[PQ]

Originally Posted by Hulk

15 HP is like adding a cold air kit or some exhaust mods.......this is free HP if you are running on the lower octane table, if not no change and no wallet damage.

I am guessing most of us got the cheapest gas the dealer could put in.

True, but a CAI and even exhaust doesn't usually account for nearly a full second faster. I was mainly comparing it to my time increase in the beggining.

But, you're right. It's horse power you didn't have to mod to get.

Originally Posted by Scott@Bjorn3D

You also have to remember when people do Dyno pulls they look at the PEAK HP and TRQ numbers. Going to the low Octane Map really hurts your cars performance thru out the curve. Really hurts you off the line.

Yup. Which is where I figured the full second came from.

[shortstop4]

I told the dealer AT LEAST 3 times to make sure and fill it with premium gas.. and I verified on delivery that he did so.

That was before I had ever heard of a "low octane fuel table".. lucky i hounded my dealer

[PQ]

Originally Posted by shortstop4

I told the dealer AT LEAST 3 times to make sure and fill it with premium gas.. and I verified on delivery that he did so.

That was before I had ever heard of a "low octane fuel table".. lucky i hounded my dealer

[El Duderino]

so is this verified on the LS3's yet? I have one and granted it is my first sports car, it feels like a badass the way it is. I did confirm that all vehicles at my dealer fill from the same tank and it is not very likely it is premium. On top of all this, my dealer has not heard of anything like this. They state it should reset itself.

I guess my question is, Is the problem that the computer should, but is not resetting itself and by the fuse pull, we are fixing the issue?

apologies for the ignorance.....it's all new to me

[PQ]

Originally Posted by El Duderino

so is this verified on the LS3's yet? I have one and granted it is my first sports car, it feels like a badass the way it is. I did confirm that all vehicles at my dealer fill from the same tank and it is not very likely it is premium. On top of all this, my dealer has not heard of anything like this. They state it should reset itself.

I guess my question is, Is the problem that the computer should, but is not resetting itself and by the fuse pull, we are fixing the issue?

apologies for the ignorance.....it's all new to me

Basically, on many other cars, it resets to the high table.

On THESE cars, it doesn't. GM apperently didn't mean for it to. After all, if all cars set to the low table, GM has a bunch of weaker engines so not as much wear. So less warranty issues.

Cars used to really run like crap if they got low grade and required high. So we should just be glad out cars still run well. Instead of taking it to the dealer to reset should we accidentaly get low octane, we can just pull the fuses.

They don't seem to care to fix it. Not many complaints I guess. We here know our power. But most of the Camaro buying world will never know the difference.

[Milk 1027]

Originally Posted by El Duderino

so is this verified on the LS3's yet? I have one and granted it is my first sports car, it feels like a badass the way it is. I did confirm that all vehicles at my dealer fill from the same tank and it is not very likely it is premium. On top of all this, my dealer has not heard of anything like this. They state it should reset itself.

I guess my question is, Is the problem that the computer should, but is not resetting itself and by the fuse pull, we are fixing the issue?

apologies for the ignorance.....it's all new to me

I'm not sure if it's "confirmed" but definately worth it.

[Fourth Camaro]

Originally Posted by Fourth Camaro

I agree with your thoughts on customers not knowing their cars are not performing up to snuff.
I can't believe how many used SSs I'm seeing on Ford lots.
Seriously, at least half a dozen the last few months.

My problem is I'm looking at leaving my car for a day at the dealer, or a simple fuse pull.
Just annoying, not end of the world stuff.
So my hope is that it will pay off.......obviously.

Don't let some guy with a Jan '10 build date, a crappy attitude and an LS3 get under your skin.

I am very grateful I saw this thread last year!!!!!!!
I'll report back if I decide to visit the dealer.

My first post here since last summer. I had stopped at my dealer once since and asked them to check for bulletins.
Was at the dealer today. Finally set an appointment because I'm tired of this, and was bothered that apparently there are reports now that not only low octane gas can get this screwed up. Bumps in the road? With summer coming up, I wanted this fixed.

For the first time today, I saw an official document that referenced the issue.

#PIP4728: Higher Than Expected 0-60 MPH (97 KPH) Acceleration Time- (Nov 4, 2009)
Refers only to L99.
The dealer gave me a software update, reprogram ECM.

My car is a *%$@ing rocket again. Hopefully, it will be forever.

It is stunning how the car transforms after fuse pulls, and again after the update today. If you can tap on your gas pedal gently, and don't get RPM surges, you may have the problem. For me, when the car is right, the pedal is very responsive. When it's not, and I'm moving at around twenty miles an hour and I floor it, it feels like the trans is missing on shift points.
Just a COMPLETE change in the car.
When I left the dealer, and knew it was right again, I laughed out loud. I was happy.

If my car reverts again, I'll be back.

[PQ]

Originally Posted by Fourth Camaro

#PIP4728: Higher Than Expected 0-60 MPH (97 KPH) Acceleration Time- (Nov 4, 2009)

[Fourth Camaro]

Originally Posted by PQ

If the problem has been permanently solved for me, and hell, even if it hasn't, I want to thank you guys for bringing this to light.

The tech that rode with me initially today told me he was not aware of a problem. I believe him.
They also told me that when they found the bulletin they said " This guy does his research."
That tells me that there are people out there that drive this car and don't know that the problem exists.
That sucks.

[PQ]

Originally Posted by Fourth Camaro

If the problem has been permanently solved for me, and hell, even if it hasn't, I want to thank you guys for bringing this to light.

The tech that rode with me initially today told me he was not aware of a problem. I believe him.
They also told me that when they found the bulletin they said " This guy does his research."
That tells me that there are people out there that drive this car and don't know that the problem exists.
That sucks.

I can tell you ABSOLUTELY that MOST of them out there are weak and don't even know it. I can remember some of the first vids of cars where people were not impressed with the L99. And even now, some dealers don't even know and are telling there customers that the car is running correctly. Drove me crazy before all of this.

[NAZZ]

#PIP4728: Higher Than Expected 0-60 MPH (97 KPH) Acceleration Time - (Nov 4, 2009)


Subject: Higher Than Expected 0-60 MPH (97 KPH) Acceleration Time


Models: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro

with V8 Active Fuel Management Engine (RPO L99)

and 6 Speed Automatic Transmission (RPO MYC)




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern:
Some customers may complain of higher than expected 0-60 MPH (97 KPH) acceleration times when hot ambient temperatures are present. In some cases, they may report 0-60 times around 7 seconds.

This may be the result of the vehicle being filled with regular grade unleaded gasoline at one time. If the vehicle has been filled with regular unleaded gasoline, the ECM may be compensating for the lower octane by retarding the ignition timing during certain driving conditions.

Recommendation/Instructions:
If SI diagnosis does not isolate the cause of this concern, perform the suggestions below if the customer wants the best performance from their Camaro:

In an area where it is legal to do so, take a snapshot of a 0-60 WOT acceleration event and compare the vehicle speed parameter to the snapshot timer to determine the 0-60 MPH time.
Determine what gasoline octane the customer has been filling the vehicle with.
• 2a. If they have never used anything but premium unleaded with a posted octane of 93 or higher, go to step 3.

• 2b. If they occasionally use regular or mid-grade gasoline, the gasoline must be removed from the tank and it must be refilled with premium fuel of 93 octane or greater. This can be done by advising the customer to switch to premium fuel of 93 octane or greater and returning after a few tanks of premium fuel have been consumed. Or, if immediate results are necessary, drain the fuel tank, refill it with premium fuel of 93 octane or greater, and drive the vehicle at least 15 miles to purge the old fuel out of the fuel rail and lines.

Reprogram the ECM with the latest TIS2Web calibrations to reset the ECM adapts. Normally this reset can also be accomplished by pulling the 2 main ECM fuses (F13R and F20U) shown in the ECM Power, Ground, MIL, and Serial Data Schematic (SI Document # 2209065).
In an area where it is legal to do so, take another snapshot of a 0-60 WOT acceleration event and compare it to the original snapshot to determine if the 0-60 MPH time has increased. If an increase is noted, advise the customer that they should only use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating of 93 or higher to continue getting the best performance from their Camaro. This is outlined on page 8-45 of the owner's manual. GM Connect Message G_0000037144 was also sent out on 9/2/2009 about filling stock units with premium gasoline.

[PQ]

Originally Posted by NAZZ

#PIP4728: Higher Than Expected 0-60 MPH (97 KPH) Acceleration Time - (Nov 4, 2009)


Subject: Higher Than Expected 0-60 MPH (97 KPH) Acceleration Time


Models: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro

with V8 Active Fuel Management Engine (RPO L99)

and 6 Speed Automatic Transmission (RPO MYC)




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern:
Some customers may complain of higher than expected 0-60 MPH (97 KPH) acceleration times when hot ambient temperatures are present. In some cases, they may report 0-60 times around 7 seconds.

This may be the result of the vehicle being filled with regular grade unleaded gasoline at one time. If the vehicle has been filled with regular unleaded gasoline, the ECM may be compensating for the lower octane by retarding the ignition timing during certain driving conditions.

Recommendation/Instructions:
If SI diagnosis does not isolate the cause of this concern, perform the suggestions below if the customer wants the best performance from their Camaro:

In an area where it is legal to do so, take a snapshot of a 0-60 WOT acceleration event and compare the vehicle speed parameter to the snapshot timer to determine the 0-60 MPH time.
Determine what gasoline octane the customer has been filling the vehicle with.
• 2a. If they have never used anything but premium unleaded with a posted octane of 93 or higher, go to step 3.

• 2b. If they occasionally use regular or mid-grade gasoline, the gasoline must be removed from the tank and it must be refilled with premium fuel of 93 octane or greater. This can be done by advising the customer to switch to premium fuel of 93 octane or greater and returning after a few tanks of premium fuel have been consumed. Or, if immediate results are necessary, drain the fuel tank, refill it with premium fuel of 93 octane or greater, and drive the vehicle at least 15 miles to purge the old fuel out of the fuel rail and lines.

Reprogram the ECM with the latest TIS2Web calibrations to reset the ECM adapts. Normally this reset can also be accomplished by pulling the 2 main ECM fuses (F13R and F20U) shown in the ECM Power, Ground, MIL, and Serial Data Schematic (SI Document # 2209065).
In an area where it is legal to do so, take another snapshot of a 0-60 WOT acceleration event and compare it to the original snapshot to determine if the 0-60 MPH time has increased. If an increase is noted, advise the customer that they should only use premium unleaded gasoline with a posted octane rating of 93 or higher to continue getting the best performance from their Camaro. This is outlined on page 8-45 of the owner's manual. GM Connect Message G_0000037144 was also sent out on 9/2/2009 about filling stock units with premium gasoline.

Awesome. Thanks for posting.

Mine was never as slow as 7 seconds. But definitely slow. The 2011s should also be under the umbrella as well. Unless they changed something in the passed few months.

[Gizz69]

I stopped at my dealer today, and they had no idea what I was talking about until I gave them this information. Couple of things to note:
This is for 2010 L99 Camaros. The fuses to pull for the 2011 are 5 and 20, not 13 and 20 as stated above.
According to the dealer, this should take less than 30 minutes but is not a permanent fix either. If you somehow manage to get low octane gas in the engine you will be right back where you started.

I guess it is worth a shot, and make sure you just put in the good stuff moving forward. I think ultimately, the only way to do it right is going to be to get an after-market tune that removes the possibility of two fuel maps completely.

These engines are built like tanks. I don't see why GM is so scared of letting them do what they are designed to.