Flaky Float?

[jessep28]

My car now has 61k on the odometer.

The gas gauge started reading abnormally after previous fill up last week. I went about 60 miles before movement was visible on the needle. Normally I start getting movement around 20-25.

I filled up again to test actual economy at 180 mi and gague was reading over 1/2, but i put 9 gallons in it.

Everything was working fine until last week. I am curious if it's a flaky float or electrical issue that sends to the fuel gauge or something else. I am aware that fuel gauges are not the most accurate items on cars, but this just struck me as odd since it never did this in my 2 years of ownership.

I am going to see if behavior continues on this fill up. So far I have not driven enough to tell.

Please advise...I am aware of the other threads regarding what to look for in the fuel pump assembly. Thanks again.

[JonJon68]

97 GPGT 116,500.
Not to hijack your thread Jesse but I'm having a similar problem with my gauge. When I get down to a quarter tank the gauge shoots up to full. Today while on the highway, I killed the engine and restarted and the guage went back to showing an accurate reading but soon started showing inaccurate by going to half, full and back to half again. Until I can get this taken care of I'll just make sure to fill my tank when I get down to half. It works fine if I don't let it get down to a quarter tank. After doing a search and doing research I believe the problem is the fuel gauge sending unit. Will be doing more research and in the meantime I'll be watching your thread Jesse. Good luck!
I need a little myself..

[BNaylor]

I agree fuel level sending unit. You have the option of replacing the complete fuel pump assembly or just the level sending unit <--cheaper. About 1.0 hours DIY.


Located behind the rear passenger seat in the trunk via an access panel.





Pump Pump Assembly with Level Unit/Float

[rickisrad]

Another thing you can do is remove the unit and spray the contacts on the float gauge. I did this and it helped alot. I still have problems with it but I can see where the contacts are worn out in mine. I have 154,000 miles on it so it has been filled up a few times.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by rickisrad

Another thing you can do is remove the unit and spray the contacts on the float gauge. I did this and it helped alot. I still have problems with it but I can see where the contacts are worn out in mine. I have 154,000 miles on it so it has been filled up a few times.

Not a bad suggestion but cleaning the contacts very seldom works or may only work for a short period of time. Once the contacts at the float wiper are worn out the unit should be replaced. Otherwise, the job will have to be redone.

What alot of people don't realize is GM has a level sending unit/float kit that can be purchased and installed separately without having to purchase the complete fuel pump assembly which is expensive around $300 plus dollars. The kit is available for around $85.00.

Here is one I did in approximately 1 hour total time:

[rickisrad]

Originally Posted by bnaylor

Not a bad suggestion but cleaning the contacts very seldom works or may only work for a short period of time. Once the contacts at the float wiper are worn out the unit should be replaced. Otherwise, the job will have to be redone.

What alot of people don't realize is GM has a level sending unit/float kit that can be purchased and installed separately without having to purchase the complete fuel pump assembly which is expensive around $300 plus dollars. The kit is available for around $85.00.

Here is one I did in approximately 1 hour total time:

Yes, the cleaning would definately be a temporary fix. When I cleaned mine there was alot of build up. It helped get the float more accurate for the time being. Thanks for letting us know about the cheaper fix. I will have to pick that up. $85 sure beats over $300!!!! Thanks again

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by rickisrad

Yes, the cleaning would definately be a temporary fix. When I cleaned mine there was alot of build up. It helped get the float more accurate for the time being. Thanks for letting us know about the cheaper fix. I will have to pick that up. $85 sure beats over $300!!!! Thanks again

Just a note but be careful on getting that part from a GM dealer (Stealership). The GM list is $160 and most dealers will charge that much. It looks like it only cost GM around $10 to make the part. We have a source that charges around the $85 plus shipping. PM me if you need contact information. Good luck guys!

[Venditi]

Guys You should read my threah after installing a new sending-unit I got all a issue, maybe you could help me resolve this problems.