2000 Z71 problems anyone have fixes for me

I have a few problems with my truck.
1) My gas gauge goes empty to full and back to empty even when the tank is full.
2)My rear end makes a low pitch sound like hound dog when I take off from a dead stop. Didnt know if I had play in my gears, or maybe disc brake was hanging up?
3) anyone know how to change instument lights in dash? some of my control lights need changed.
4) When I start my truck it does not start up right away like it use to. I have to turn key on and off then back on then it will start?
5)My right rear brake area makes a clatter noise when I hit bumps . its really getting on my nerves.I have looked at everything possible I can under the backend??
6) I also noticed a click in the left front engine sounds like it coming from altenator , but not for sure. when I get to 10-15 mph something clicks from under the hood. then again when I put in park ?

Can you give some additional information about the truck. Engine size? Mileage? Which lights are out of the dash? When you start the truck after cycling the key, does it run rough or just start up like normal? Have there been any recient repairs done? I have seen some common problems with the problems you are describing, I just want to get some additional info.

Based on problems #1 & 4, it sounds like you have a bad fuel pump. I had the same problem as #4, and it turned out it was the check valve on the fuel pump - replaced pump for around $300. I suspect #1 is the sending unit (part of the fuel pump assy), and not the actual gauge because of your problem #4, this problem should fix itself when you replace the fuel pump.

[quote=bigdawgs2001]I have a few problems with my truck.
1) My gas gauge goes empty to full and back to empty even when the tank is full.
2)My rear end makes a low pitch sound like hound dog when I take off from a dead stop. Didnt know if I had play in my gears, or maybe disc brake was hanging up?
3) anyone know how to change instument lights in dash? some of my control lights need changed.
4) When I start my truck it does not start up right away like it use to. I have to turn key on and off then back on then it will start?
5)My right rear brake area makes a clatter noise when I hit bumps . its really getting on my nerves.I have looked at everything possible I can under the backend??
6) I also noticed a click in the left front engine sounds like it coming from altenator , but not for sure. when I get to 10-15 mph something clicks from under the hood. then again when I put in park ?

This is a 2000 Silverado Z71 4x4 Ext. Cab. It has a 5.3 V8 and just turned 103,000 miles

My truck just doesnt start right away , I have to turn the key on for like 4-5 sec. so the power turns on , then turn off , then turn back on again and after that it will start. It use to start right up as soon as I'd crank it . AfterI get it started the engine slap/knocks slightly for 15-20- sec. then goes away . Then the thing idles and runs smooth as can be engine wise.

Based on what you said. There is a fuel pressure regulator on the driver side of the engine. It is mounted on the fuel injector rail, and has a black vacuum line attached to it. If you have trouble finding the regulator, find the sticker under the hood that has the vacuum lines on it. The fuel pressure regulator is labeled on that sticker, just trace it from comparing the sticker to the parts you see. After the truck has been run and shut off for like 10 or more minutes, disconnect the vacuum line at the regulator. You should find a bunch of gas run out. This means the fuel pressure regulator is leaking and must be replaced. GM has changed the design and make sure you buy a dealership part for this repair. Aas far as the fuel gauge, rjeffery is right. It is the fuel level sensor. If it were me, I'd replace the fuel pump while you have it out, not much fun to have to put a fuel pump in just after you get done putting a level sensor in. You can buy a fuel pump from aftermarket auto part stores, I think. Just be aware GM has redesigned this part also. There is now a new connector that should be replaced when you replace the pump. Make sure you check the wiring harness connector at the top of the tank, look closely and see if it has melted. GM's design change was due to alot of these melting.

As far as problems 2,3,5,& 6. I would need to check some bulletins for common problems. I do know these trucks had alot of problems with the park brake shifting and prematurely wearing out. Most of the time it would be severe enoug to damage the rotors. It might be a good idea to look at them if they have not been inspected. You will have to remove the rear rotors to see them. GM has redesigned the retainer to help hold it in place. I'll look at the bulletins and see if anything jumps out. Let me know if you find anything else. Hope this helps.

"My truck just doesnt start right away , I have to turn the key on for like 4-5 sec. so the power turns on , then turn off , then turn back on again and after that it will start. It use to start right up as soon as I'd crank it . AfterI get it started the engine slap/knocks slightly for 15-20- sec. then goes away . Then the thing idles and runs smooth as can be engine wise."

I had the exact same problem on my 02 4.8L. I replaced the fuel pressure regular and fuel fiter but did not help. I finally bit the bullet and replaced the fuel pump, and problem fixed.

Yup, the check valve stuck open problem. There is a check valve in the fuel pump that is designed to hold fuel pressure in the system while the truck is off. When it goes bad, the fuel drains back into the tank. After a few key cycles, now you have fuel pressure, but air up at the injectors. Just make sure your fuel pressure regulator is not leaking, because it will give you closely similar symptoms. If you disconnect the vacuum line and it is dry, then the fuel pump would be the culprit. If the vacuum line is wet with gas, you will a regulator to fix that, then check to see if it still needs a pump, but given you have a fuel gauge problem also, that would be fixed at the same time. Hope this helps.