Fuel Gauge Problems

Refer to my reply.If anybody knows anything about this fuel gauge problems let me know what i can do to fix it without going to a dealer. THEY ARE RIP-OFFS!!
Jim

I took my truck in to have this problem fixed and all they did was add fuel injector cleaner to the tank! This was supposed to clean the sending unit and correct the problem. Surprise - it didn't work.

Do recalls work on used trucks as well as new ones?

Thanks Piley, i tried the cleaner thing in the tank as well. It seemed to make it work alittle better but it did not fix it.
Jim

Do recalls work on used trucks as well as new ones?

Jeverett, I would think so, as long as you know about the recall. I get them in the mail because i bought mine new. if you buy used, i can not answer your question correctly. i do know if it is a big safety issue they do recalls on all involved.
Jim

The dealer says that it is the fuel sensor, and they cost around 300 dollars.

Thats why mine will stay like it is...its not broken...yet, but sometimes it acts funny. $300 just aint worth it to me.

If you choose to drop the tank and remove the fuel pump and sending unit assembly, you might be able to fix this yourself.

I recently did this on my 97. There was this powder like residue on the windings for the sending unit potentiometer. I used carb cleaner and light scrubbing with a toothbrush to clean it.

Check to make sure it works by plugging it in (make sure the ground wire is grounded) and turning on the key before you reinstall it. Do not connect the fuel lines while you are doing this. Move the float to the various postions and see how the gas gage responds.

Do recalls work on used trucks as well as new ones?



i bought my truck used and i just recived the tail gate cable recall notice, and they will replace my tail gate cables for free. so to answer your question i think they work on used trucks also.

auto zone sells the whole pump assy. for $200.00 My pump is still working but guage isn't friends pump and guage went out replaced assy. and it worked.

According to the dealer the sending unit cannot be replaced without replaceing the fuel pump as well. This is the reason why it cost $400-$700 to get the dealer to fix it. Go to the parts department and tell then the problem. Have them look for the sending unit repair kit. It only cost $40-$60. It should only take the novice about an hour or two to replace. Once you replace it you will see that the problem stems from the two contact prongs on the potentiameter bending or breaking off. SIMPLE INEXPENSIVE FIX. DEFINETLY DO IT YOURSELF!!

Do you have to drop the tank to fix the sending unit? And if you do, is that very difficult on a '99 Silverado?

Thanks

i just ordered my fuel pump for my 2000 5.3.from this web address http://klova-autoparts.tripod.com/klova/id10.html.i got mine for $180.00 shipped check out his ebay auctions where there cheaper.i think he also sells the fix kit but im not 100% on that.i hope this helps somebody,also it much easier to unbolt the bed and move it back about 2 feet.i think its 8 bolts ,unplug the tail light wiring and the gas fill tube.

My '99 is in my friends shop for this fix. Tank gets dropped tomorrow. (Or maybe we'll remove the bed instead....) Will report back what we find and what was done to fix it. The posts here will be of a big help.

Mahalo!

I just checked the internet and there are no "recalls" or "service bulletins" on faulty fuel gauge or faulty fuel sending units (for '99 Siverados). It appears we are on are own unless we make a lot of noise. Guess I'll call a dealer tomorrow and see what they say.

As an aside, I spoke to a dealer service rep about the "Top Speed Limiter" cut-off. He will see what he can find and get back to me. Mmmmm, there may just be a way around the "limiter"...

According to the dealer the sending unit cannot be replaced without replaceing the fuel pump as well.

My local dealer did. The gauge in my 2000 GMC Z71 was acting stupid, so they swapped out only the sending unit only. Then two weeks later I was back to have them swap out the faulty fuel pump as well(it was squeeling loud before the gauge issue, but very randomly). Luckily this was all under my warranty, saved me about $1000 for GM parts and labor.

Lifted off the bed and replaced the sending unit. All is well now. But, for how long.....?

Does anyone know where I can get a simple set of instructions for dropping the tank? My wife has been on my case for some time to fix her fuel gauge (same problem as above).

I just checked the internet and there are no "recalls" or "service bulletins" on faulty fuel gauge or faulty fuel sending units (for '99 Siverados). It appears we are on are own unless we make a lot of noise. Guess I'll call a dealer tomorrow and see what they say.

As an aside, I spoke to a dealer service rep about the "Top Speed Limiter" cut-off. He will see what he can find and get back to me. Mmmmm, there may just be a way around the "limiter"...

Very interested in the limiter issue! Post a new thread if you get some good info!

I just got done replacing my sending unit on my 01. I dont know which would have been easier but I decided to remove the bed. 8 bolts, an engine hoist, one trip to the parts store and about 2 hours work. By my self even. Got the new unit/pump from O'reillys for $270. Figured I'd just replace it and do it right the first time so I dont have to do it again....I hope.

Unfortunately a recall wont happen. They had a similar situation with the circuit board that was in the wiper motors of the OBS trucks. My dealer said they were having a failure rate of over 85% - but no recall. If you knew what the problem was you could buy the part for $60 and install it in the parking lot in about 10 minutes. If you did not know what the problem was and simply dropped the truck off for service, they would replace the entire motor - and charge you accordingly.
If a faulty wiper system wont get a recall (huge safety concern) that our bad gas guages will most likely be swept under the rug too.

My brother has a '96 and the wiper circuit replaced for free as it was a "safety" problem.

I ordered only the sending unit (since I have not had any pump problems). I have a friend to help lift the bed off. Do I need to burn off all the gas in the tank before attempting to change out the sending unit?

I ordered only the sending unit (since I have not had any pump problems). I have a friend to help lift the bed off. Do I need to burn off all the gas in the tank before attempting to change out the sending unit?

No need to empty the tank but I wouldnt do it with a full tank either. There's no real safety concerns other than possible spillage but it will be alittle easier if you happen to drop something and have to fish it out. Plus you need to jocky the pump/float unit around a little to get it out so again, the spillage issue. I did mine with about half a tank or less.