89 k1500 Fuel Gauge Problems

Hi all,

Just bought an 89 chevy k1500. When I bought it, it read 1/4 tank as full, and would drop down to empty as my fuel level went down. I was told I needed to change my sending unit. So I changed it, now it is just at empty ALL the time...except for when I turn the steering whell to the left! Seriously I can be at a complete stop, turn my wheel to the left and my gauge will go up! WHAT THE HELL!!! (not yelling at anyone...just in general because I'm pissed) So to sum this all up the dealer told me that I would have to buy a GM sending unit, have THEM install it (of course including outrageous labor charges) and they wouldn't garuntee it to work because they said my gauge could be broken, but I'm pretty sure it works. I dont know what to do, I just dont have a money tree like everyone else I guess...Can someone please help me? Thanks in advance!

-Mike

If that is what it takes to get your guage to read correctly then you must have a short in a wire. I would find a wiring diagram and see where the wire runs and what other components the wire runs through and see if there is any thing that could cause this problem.

hey thanks a lot...you have any idea where i can get a diagram from?

The only place I know of is in a Hayes repair manual. Overall, this is a pretty good investment.. It covers the wiring diagrams for all the wires in the truck.

THanks a lot, I appreciate your advice...I actually have a hayes and I didn't know it had diagrams. THanks again!

well I checked for shorts, and I found nothing. The problem must be the actual sending unit. well I can either spend the money and get it fixed, or I can do nothing and just keep randomly going to the gas station because I dont know how much gas I have. this sucks.

Hi, Have you thought about going to a salvage yard to buy a gauge and a sender? If you have a U-Pull it type of salvage yard close by they are usually pretty cheap. Just a suggestion,Hope it helps.....Jim

if it works when u turn the steering wheel it has to be connectin related