Gas Gauge

Hey guys, I have a 2000 monte ss pace car, about a year ago my gas gauge

has been sending false readings, sometimes it is pegged at empty, sometimes

full, it doesn't matter how much fuel i have in the tank.

Even when i am driving in a matter of seconds it will go to full, empty, half

full, anywhere anytime, what is up, thanks guys. Scott

It's most likely a bad fuel level sensor in the tank. It is replaceable without changing the entire fuel module.

AC-Delco part #sk1051 (GM# 89060197) Dealer retail is $160., but you can find it cheaper.

Yeah, its the damn sending unit.. and getting into the gas tank isnt easy and mechanics dont do it for cheap, so if you dont plan on keeping the car in the longer run, what you should do, is fill your car till it's full, then get an extra gallon of gas with you in the car. Reset your trip meter, then just drive normally and dont fill up until your car dies on the road, when it does, see how many miles you have on your trip, divide that by gallons and you'll know your gas mileage, or actually just the trip mileage would be enough for you to know how many miles max you can go.

So everytime you fill up, you know how far you got to go, and just rely on your mileage. Also remember that doing this is not good for your car (The letting it run out of gas part) but im sure letting it die once wont be that big of a problem since it happens to everybody, just about. Or if you dont feel like letting it die, just fill up every 3 days. But keep in mind this is just an alternative, a way cheaper one to replacing the sending unit.

Actually, there is an access hole in the trunk for removing the sender so you don't have to drop the tank. It's only an hour or 2 job (depending on how hard the sender retainer fights you.

thanks guys

Actually, there is an access hole in the trunk for removing the sender so you don't have to drop the tank. It's only an hour or 2 job (depending on how hard the sender retainer fights you.

Oh yeah? Ive heard about cutting through to get to the tank, but I guess GM started to catch on that it isnt that fun to replace fuel pumps/stuff thats in there.

Several W-Body cars (and probably a few others by now) have an access under the rear seat cushion. Mitsubishi was the first one I saw doing that back in the early '90s.

As for the "flaky" sending unit, you can frequently remove and repair the sender without having to replace the entire in-tank unit. Of course, it will have to be removed, and the sender removed from the fuel unit:

http://mysite.verizon.net/strey/files/InTankUnit01.jpg

Once the sending unit is removed, unclip the float swing arm from the pivot. Tighten the pivot, add some tension to both of the small bifurcated contact arms, and gently clean the circuit board traces with a pencil eraser. Reassemble and install the unit:

http://mysite.verizon.net/strey/files/LevelSensor05.jpg

With the fuel unit removed, it might be a good idea to inspect the electrical connectors for the pump, since they tend to overheat and fail:

http://mysite.verizon.net/strey/files/PumpConnector.jpg

If your's has a problem like that, you can install an aftermarket in-tank wire harness and bulkhead connector to solve the problem.

Several W-Body cars (and probably a few others by now) have an access under the rear seat cushion.

Good post Jeff, however, where the access cover is located on later model GM "W" body cars - ie: 2000 and up Monte, 2000 and up Impala, 97 - 04 Regal, 97 - 04 Grand Prix and 98 - 02 Intrigue is directly behind the rear passenger seat in the trunk area. See pic below.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/fpaccess.jpg

And if you have the fold down section with the rear seat the job is alot easier.

excellent pictures and help thanks guys