Can the Flex fuel sensor be bypassed?

Tiny
BILL MARSHALL
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 166,000 MILES
I've never used E85 in my Tahoe. A few months ago, I got a CEL P0178, fuel composition sensor circuit low output. It's intermittent, seems to pop up when I'm under half a tank and goes away when I fill up so, I've been putting it off. My tags expire next month so, I purchased a new, aftermarket sensor from Amazon since the dealer wants around $600 for the part alone. I replaced it but, the next day I not only got a P0178 but, also a P0179 fuel composition sensor circuit high output.

I have a bidirectional scan tool so, I looked over the sensor values. On cold start, the sensor showed

On time - 2 ms
Frequency - 52 Hz
Fuel alcohol content - 31%

Over the course of about 2 minutes, as the truck warmed up, I watched the fuel alcohol content drop 1% at a time until it reached a reading of 2% where it held.

I know these sensors are a common problem but, the OEM ones aren't cheap. I don't ever plan on using e85 so, is there a way to bypass this sensor or deactivate it somehow?

Thank you.
Sunday, September 21st, 2025 AT 7:37 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,601 POSTS
I would not try to bypass the flex fuel sensor, it will do nothing but make the PCM freak out and throw codes. Return the Amazon sensor if possible and get an OEM part or a known good aftermarket brand (Bosch, Delphi). Cheap generic sensors are a common fail. Clear the codes once completed. Let us know how it goes
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, September 21st, 2025 AT 9:21 AM

Please login or register to post a reply.