possible fuel sending unit replacement

UPDATED POST:
I just replaced my fuel sending unit but it did not solve ALL the problems.

I'll explain: With the old fuel sending unit, the gauge would always read either empty or full (never the right level this tells me my sending unit was bad and may have a second problem), now after replacing the sending unit it reads either empty or the correct level,

I have read in several places that you should replace a wire harness when replacing the pump; I suspect this may be my problem. I also notice that some times when I place the shifter in park or neutral it will begin to work. Also driving down the road, some times it works properly reading the right level or it reads empty. This indicates to me it is probably a loose connection or the bad wire harness, I don't know how to trouble shoot this yet.
Where is this wire harness?
(I don’t think it is the one in the fuel pump since the wires are soldered directly to the fuel sending unit – which I replaced with the fuel sending unit)

Got any suggestions or ideas?

ORIGINAL POST:

2000 Olds Intrigue
Having intermittent level readings on my fuel guage, mostly shows empty and the fuel light off when there is plenty of gas, occationally it will show the proper level.

1.) I see it is easy access through the trunk but how difficult (any special tools) to remove the fuel lines and/or vacuum hoses

2.) Is the sensor in the tank part of the fuel pump or can it be purchased or repaired separately (anyone know any tricks here, it BS that you have to replace a $500 part because of a 3-cent coating rubbing off a wire)?

I haven't seen a listing for just the sending unit, just the "fuel pump and module" from $225 to $450. Anyone have a source for a lower price

You will need fuel line seperators to get the lines apart. They aren't expensive and autozone or advance should have them. The sending unit is part of the fuel pump module assembly and is usually replaced as a unit.

THANKS for the info...
I was able to remove the fuel lines without any special tool, I just squeezed the clear plastic clip and the lines slid off. It wasn't difficult accessing or removing the whole fuel pump assembly

My fuel gauge swings from low to high no matter how much gas is in the tank, looks like I'll be replacing the fuel sender. I think I have figured out the location (in the fuel tank, accessed through the plate in the floor of the trunk). Has anyone replaced the sender who could give me some details on what's involved? Any hints to replacing it? Recommendations on how to relieve the fuel pressure? Any idea how much the part is?

Thanks!
bkbucs

My fuel gauge swings from low to high no matter how much gas is in the tank, looks like I'll be replacing the fuel sender. I think I have figured out the location (in the fuel tank, accessed through the plate in the floor of the trunk). Has anyone replaced the sender who could give me some details on what's involved? Any hints to replacing it? Recommendations on how to relieve the fuel pressure? Any idea how much the part is?

Thanks!
bkbucs

It is difficult to find only the sending unit, everything is normally sold as a unit for ~$500. I did find discounts on ebay and also just the sending unit for ~$60 plus shipping from several sites. One person had it for $25 plus shipping of $5.

I did it although Gas fumes are dangerous, I recommend you not do this yourself, it should be done by professionals.

bkbucs
Send me your email at jazz175hp@juno.com