fuel gauge

99 chevy 4x4 stepside single cab 5.3 V8

What do I need to check to correct this problem. My fuel gauge does not display the correct ammount of fuel in the tank. One munite it will say empty and the next it will say full. It only works properly when I am on the hiway and ride for about 10 minutes. But most of the time it just bounces all over the place.

Thanks for any comments

check your ground wire if it goes to the frame then run a ground from the battery. then see if it takes care of the problem.

if that does not work then it looks like its new sending unit or gauge.

what does a new sending unit cost ?? Does that involve dropping the tank


check your ground wire if it goes to the frame then run a ground from the battery. then see if it takes care of the problem.

if that does not work then it looks like its new sending unit or gauge.

Yes you do have to drop the tank. It is the sending unit/fuel pump..Good luck
I believe it was around two hundred bucks but dont quote me on that..

i dont know the price of a new sending unit. but i do know you can get one with out the fuel pump. I have seen a few chevy trucks with a fuel gauge problem. you would think thay would have a good fix for this one. also thay have a big problem with the left running light burning out faster than normal.

You don't need the whole sending unit. More than likely it's just the fuel level sensor. The sensor cost about $260.00 The pump/sending unit is an assemble module. Wich cost around $600.00 Both prices are what to except to pay at the dealer. Little less or more. Gm empolyes get a discount.

As far as replaceing the sensor. You can drop the tank or lift the bed off, if you have enough help. Worst case you can take it to the dealer.
The cost on that is around 900.00 parts and labor not including tax.

I had the same problem with mine. it's the sending unit in the tank. I called parts stores and the dealer and both said I could only get the pump and sending unit as a unit. There are two pumps used in our truck. One costs $270 and the other is about $380. Luckly mine was the lesser. I found taking the bed off to be the easiest. 8 bolts that are easy accessable along the frame and the wireing harness plug by the tailgate. I used an engine hoist to assist taking off the bed and had my pump/sending unit changed in about 2.5 hours.
I've heard other people mention being able to buy the pieces seperatly but everyone I called to buy from said it was a unit. I figured my pump pickup screen was dark brown and nasty looking and it had 76k miles run through it so I replaced it while I had it apart so I wouldnt have to do it again later.

To answer you question, it's the sending unit.