Issue with fuel level sensor

[bobbyja]

My 2001 Chevy Silverado's fuel gauge drops down to empty when I idle for about 30 seconds or longer. The "low fuel" warning light also comes on. When I let off the brake and start driving again, it no longer does this. I took my truck into the dealership this morning and they said that there was a problem with the fuel level sensor. Parts($158) and labor would total $400. I was wondering if there is a way to unplug it so the the warning light doesn't come on. But if this is possible would it cause my fuel gauge to stop functioning? The cost of repairing this is just too expensive. It's been going on for quite some time so I'm thinking that it won't put me in danger if it's not corrected. Please let me know otherwise. Thanks in advance!

[horse482]

Both the guage and the warning light are controled by the ecm, so there is no way to disable it. Why don't you just buy the part and install it yourself?

[bobbyja]

That's probably the way I'm going to go. Thanks for the reply.

[plathegame]

the pump assy is the problem.. mine started doing the same thing at 47k mi about 2 1/2 years ago and my buddys sierra does it.. i put it off for a while but i just replaced it 2 weeks ago.. got an ac pump from a local parts jobber for 274.00 .. its pretty easy to do yourself took me less than 1 hr in my driveway

[jumpingjack66]

Originally Posted by plathegame

the pump assy is the problem.. mine started doing the same thing at 47k mi about 2 1/2 years ago and my buddys sierra does it.. i put it off for a while but i just replaced it 2 weeks ago.. got an ac pump from a local parts jobber for 274.00 .. its pretty easy to do yourself took me less than 1 hr in my driveway

Curiose because i have to do it someday. How did you drain the gas remaining in the tank...jj

[Whitaker 24]

Where does the part go if you are gonna do it yourself? is it like changing the fuel pump?

[plathegame]

Where does the part go if you are gonna do it yourself? is it like changing the fuel pump?

the pump and sending unit are a complete assy

[plathegame]

Curiose because i have to do it someday. How did you drain the gas remaining in the tank...jj
__________________

i didnt drain it.. the tank is plastic so it os fairly light.. i just lowered it down w/ my floor jack, pulled the tank out from under the truck put the new pump in. than slid the tank back under the truck put it back on the jack and jacked it right back in. i only had a 1/4 tank of gas but i have done these before w/ more i just drained the tank into 2 buckets until it was light enuff to handle on the jack for reinstallation