Sunfire fuel pump / gas gauge. Need help

[df122]

The other day on my way home my car stalled out and wouldn't start again. I have all ways had problems with it stalling when starting it in the morning but the dealer didn't think there was any thing wrong with it when i took it in before (of course). After towing it to the garage I was informed that it was probably the fuel pump. I spoke up and mentioned that the car only had 36000 km's on it. An hour bfter that the tech then proceded to tell me it was my fuel gauge and that my car had in fact run out of fuel (even though the gauge said i was 1/2 full). Now he still wants to replace my pump as he says that is the only way to fix he gauge problem. Does this make any sense?? Is my fuel pump some how connected to my gauge or is this guy pulling my leg?

[mike2004tct]

Originally Posted by df122

my car had in fact run out of fuel (even though the gauge said i was 1/2 full). Now he still wants to replace my pump as he says that is the only way to fix he gauge problem. Does this make any sense?? Is my fuel pump some how connected to my gauge or is this guy pulling my leg?

The fuel level sensor is part of the fuel pump assembly.

You may want to ask if the sensor only can be replaced (I did this on a Blazer, not sure if the part is available for the Sunfire).

Here's the choice, In order to replace the sensor, you have to remove the pump from the fuel tank. The mechanic is covering his own @ss by replacing the whole unit, he doesn't want you coming back shortly complaining about a non-functioning pump he may have screwed-up, if your old unit should fail shortly after the repair. New units carry a warranty, old existing units don't,... but there's a large $ amount involved. The labor charges are the same for a level sensor or pump replacement, the difference is the sensor is about $100.00 while the pump assembly is ~$300-600.00.

Good luck

[hourang]

you could just leave it and use your normal gas mileage as an indicator of when you need gas or not.