If you have a Flex Fuel engine, pray that you never have to replace the Flex Fuel sensor. The OEM part costs anywhere from $500 to $750! I've compiled some information and taken some from the company website to produce this writeup as a very cost effective alternative that can increase your MPG!
There is an alternative though which eliminates your engine's ability to run E85 ethanol gas. T&S Electronics is a company that makes a product called "The Replicator" for both GM and Ford vehicles. Not only does it eliminate your FF sensor, it has been tested to improve your MPG by about 1.4mpg!
How do I know if I have a Flex Fuel vehicle?
On Chevys, ff the 8th digit is a Z you have a 5.3 liter flex fuel engine and that includes the Flex Fuel sensor.
What are the error codes that indicate a problem with the Flex Fuel Sensor?
Error codes that indicate the Flex Fuel Sensor has failed:
PO176 – Flex Fuel Sensor Malfunction
PO177 – Flex Fuel Sensor Malfunction
PO178 – Flex Fuel Sensor low input <45 Hz
PO179 – Flex Fuel Sensor high input >170 Hz
What are the OEM part numbers for the Flex Fuel Sensor?
-GM Part No. 12570260 or GM Part No. 12568450
-Avg cost $600
Where can I get The Replicator?
http://www.tandselectronics.com/ is the company's website and their products can also be found on Ebay for the same price if you prefer shopping on ebay.
FAQ
Q: Will the engine codes go away after installing the flex fuel replicator?
A: The codes associated with the flex fuel sensor will clear if you disconnected the battery during installation. Otherwise, it will clear after about 30 minutes of operation or 30 miles. It will only clear engine codes PO176,177,178 and 179.
Q: The housing on my flex fuel sensor is leaking. Can I bypass the sensor after installing a Flex Fuel replicator?
A: You can bypass the original sensor after installing the Flex Fuel Replicator. The original sensor no longer has any functionality
Q: Do I have to remove the original sensor when installing a Flex Fuel Replicator?
A: No you do not, fuel still passes throught the old sensor housing. If the original sensor is leaking fuel, you will want to bypass it though.
Q: Is it illegal to alter the OEM flex fuel sensor?
A: No it is not illegal. The flex fuel sensor is a part of the fuel delivery system. It is not a part of the emission system.
Q: What limitations does my vehicle have after installing the Replicator?
A: The only limitation you have is that your car will not be able to burn alternate fuels like E85 with a standard Replicator installed. You must burn good old fashioned unleaded gasoline that may contain up to 10% ethenol.
How do I install The Replicator?
General:
1.) DISCONNECT THE BATTERY with the ignition key off and out.
2.) Disconnect the flex fuel sensor on the vehicle.
3.) Always mount the Replicator away from heat sources and inside the frame rail of the vehicle where it will be protected from water and flying debri.
GM vehicles:
A.) Install the Replicator by connecting the male plug on the Replicator to the female plug on the vehicle wiring harness. Make sure that the locking tab on the vehicle wiring harness latches completely on the Replicator latch tab. This will ensure that you have a weather proof connection and the Replicator will not become disconnected during vehicle operation.
B.) Attach the Replicator to the vehicle using the supplied wire ties. On Suburbans the Replicator can be attached to the fuel lines. On S-10s a convenient mounting location is the oil dipstick tube.
Hope this helps anyone who has the error codes showing up in diagnostics!
BOSS
There is an alternative though which eliminates your engine's ability to run E85 ethanol gas. T&S Electronics is a company that makes a product called "The Replicator" for both GM and Ford vehicles. Not only does it eliminate your FF sensor, it has been tested to improve your MPG by about 1.4mpg!
How do I know if I have a Flex Fuel vehicle?
On Chevys, ff the 8th digit is a Z you have a 5.3 liter flex fuel engine and that includes the Flex Fuel sensor.
What are the error codes that indicate a problem with the Flex Fuel Sensor?
Error codes that indicate the Flex Fuel Sensor has failed:
PO176 – Flex Fuel Sensor Malfunction
PO177 – Flex Fuel Sensor Malfunction
PO178 – Flex Fuel Sensor low input <45 Hz
PO179 – Flex Fuel Sensor high input >170 Hz
What are the OEM part numbers for the Flex Fuel Sensor?
-GM Part No. 12570260 or GM Part No. 12568450
-Avg cost $600
Where can I get The Replicator?
http://www.tandselectronics.com/ is the company's website and their products can also be found on Ebay for the same price if you prefer shopping on ebay.
FAQ
Q: Will the engine codes go away after installing the flex fuel replicator?
A: The codes associated with the flex fuel sensor will clear if you disconnected the battery during installation. Otherwise, it will clear after about 30 minutes of operation or 30 miles. It will only clear engine codes PO176,177,178 and 179.
Q: The housing on my flex fuel sensor is leaking. Can I bypass the sensor after installing a Flex Fuel replicator?
A: You can bypass the original sensor after installing the Flex Fuel Replicator. The original sensor no longer has any functionality
Q: Do I have to remove the original sensor when installing a Flex Fuel Replicator?
A: No you do not, fuel still passes throught the old sensor housing. If the original sensor is leaking fuel, you will want to bypass it though.
Q: Is it illegal to alter the OEM flex fuel sensor?
A: No it is not illegal. The flex fuel sensor is a part of the fuel delivery system. It is not a part of the emission system.
Q: What limitations does my vehicle have after installing the Replicator?
A: The only limitation you have is that your car will not be able to burn alternate fuels like E85 with a standard Replicator installed. You must burn good old fashioned unleaded gasoline that may contain up to 10% ethenol.
How do I install The Replicator?
General:
1.) DISCONNECT THE BATTERY with the ignition key off and out.
2.) Disconnect the flex fuel sensor on the vehicle.
3.) Always mount the Replicator away from heat sources and inside the frame rail of the vehicle where it will be protected from water and flying debri.
GM vehicles:
A.) Install the Replicator by connecting the male plug on the Replicator to the female plug on the vehicle wiring harness. Make sure that the locking tab on the vehicle wiring harness latches completely on the Replicator latch tab. This will ensure that you have a weather proof connection and the Replicator will not become disconnected during vehicle operation.
B.) Attach the Replicator to the vehicle using the supplied wire ties. On Suburbans the Replicator can be attached to the fuel lines. On S-10s a convenient mounting location is the oil dipstick tube.
Hope this helps anyone who has the error codes showing up in diagnostics!
BOSS
