Fuel Sending Unit Replacement

Hi all,
notice my fuel gauge will bounce around a lot when I'm sitting still at idle, but will seem to work when driving. Though it won't show the correct amount below half a tank or so.

I did some searching and it someone said to pull the connector out and start the car and see if it shows a maxed out tank reading. If it doesn't, its probably the wiring harness.

I stopped by advance auto parts, found out: they don't sell the unit individually AND they DO sell the wiring harness, saying that its commonly faulty.

What do you guys think?

Also, only place I really found a sending unit by itself was on eBay for about $35. That sound right to you? How hard is this going to be? Luckily the military base I'm at has a full stall with lift and nearly unlimited tools, but I'm just lacking on real experience... :)

Thanks

Sounds like the level sender is faulty. You can get it separately, AC Delco only.

Hi again. Is it the fuel level sensor or the fuel sending unit? I'm trying to do some research and change it out this week before I have to make a roadtrip, but everyone seems to use "sending unit" and "level sensor" for the same thing. As far as I can tell, the sensor is a sub-part of the whole sending unit. Should I just try to change the sensor first (about $35) or look for the whole sending unit itself?

GM refers to it as the fuel level sensor. Aftermarket manufacturers may call it a fuel sending unit, or a level sensor. If you buy a fuel pump module, the fuel pump, the fuel level sensor, and in most cases, the fuel tank pressure sensor are all included.

Thanks!