Fuel Sending Unit Replacement

[AlphaCrow]

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

[old_master]

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

[AlphaCrow]

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?

[old_master]

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.

[AlphaCrow]

Thanks!