Hi,
My gas gauge hasn't worked since the day I got my car, just curious what wold cause this. The needle has very eratic behavior, for example, when its really low on gas it will be in the yellow zone long enough for the "check guages" light to come out, then it goes up to half a tank.

Thanks for any help!

Get the manual and try to check the ground for it first. Then maybe replace the sending unit

The lower it gets, the more it fluctuates. When you get down to 1/4 tank, it definately could hit the yellow when braking and 1/2 when accelerating.

This is a class problem on these cars. It seems to be very prevalent on the 97 Se'*. The fuel level sensor is failing more than likey due to the wipers burning. You may have to replace the level sensor which requires fuel tank removal & a few $$ in labor.

Had the same problem. Had to replace the sender unit and was pretty much ripped off, but that'* another story...

How much did it cost you lash? I work at a dealership so I can get labor for $30 an hour.

GM seemed to have this issue in 97. My pickup did roughly the same thing.

Since you work at the dealer it shouldn't be too bad. And if you ask a friendly mechanic to do it on the side you can probably get a better price that includes a 12 pack of beer.

It cost me WAY too much! I posted a rant Monday regarding the whole thing. I don't think I'll make that same mistake again.

Anyway, I'll dig out the bill tonight and see what they charged for the parts. It will give you a general idea how much for them. Just do your shopping and you'll probably save on them too. I won't go back to that specific dealer EVER again!

I'll try and post the part info tomorrow.