2001 Jimmy fuel gauge drops

OK...I don't think this is a big deal, but my wife does and its her truck:

Recently, within the last couple of weeks, the fuel guage will drop to empty and the low fuel light will come on. This usually happens at idle and when she starts moving again, or revs the engine, the gauge goes back up and the light goes out. There is no loss of power or stuttering - truck runs fine.

My questions are :

1. Is it a big deal?

2. From reading the forums, it sounds like it may be the coating on the float or fuel sender. Could it be that?

3. Here's the biggie - Is it a big and/or expensive job?

I was a mecahnic for a number of years and am fairly confident I can make most repairs myself...as long as they dont involve needing a lift.

Any ideas?

probably a loose connection at the 4-wire connector on top of the gas tank. try wiggling it or cleaning the contacts. make sure the grounds are good too. when the plug is removed gage should read full and if you ground the purple wire gage should go to empty. to replace the float/sender you have to drop the tank not too big a job just a pain in the ass.

Ok..you're the third GM truck owner complaining in the last month of erratic fuel guage. My 1999 Jimmy guage suddenly developed the same behavior...needle sitting at almost 1/2 tank...drive 5 miles, park...needle at 1/8 and Low Fuel light on...drive more hoping the 1/2 reading was more accurate..then the guage is up to 1/4 and the light out. A friend bought a 2004 Chevy full-size pickup..he ran out of gas two times in a week. Dopey, yes, but the guage was reading 1/4 then drops to E as the truck stops running. I know of a 2000 Blazer having guage problem last week. We laughed..GM quality.

Maybe there's a change in my region of gasoline mixtures/additives from suppliers..??

most of the GM electronics come from mexico. ya gotta love that quality. "Like a Rock"

I have EXACTLY the same problem with my 2001. Generally, it only gets flaky under 1/4 tank. Park the truck for a few mins, get in & start it up again, guage reads empty and low fuel warning light. If I shift in & out of neutral a couple times, it generally goes back up to 1/4 and the light goes out.

GM had a service bulletin for flaky Jimmy fuel guages, but apparently it wasn't specifically for the 2001. Perhaps someone knows more about this? From what I've seen online, it appears to be a pretty common problem.

I had the same problem on my 1999 jimmy...with my fuel guage. Cost me $785 to fix. The fuel level sending unit is built within the fuel pump, replace the fuel pump and your problem will be solved.

Paul

The dealer can calibrate the gage with a tech 2 if it's just off by a bit. much cheaper than replacing everything in the tank