The gas gauge on my parent'* 2001 Bonneville SLE is acting erratic. The mechanic said the entire gas tank would have to replaced at a cost of $600. Thinking this was a little odd, I did a part look up and found a fuel level sensor kit for $120. I am not familiar with the Bonneville but I preform all the mechanic work on my car and as such I do not understand the need to replace the entire gas tank if what seems to be the fuel level sensor is acting up.
Can someone help me with this.

Thanks,

Dan

If it is the fuel sender that is acting up, you need a scan tool to verify. It can be easily replaced through the trunk and the tank does not need to come out. Pull back the trunk carpet to reveal a trap door to the fuel pump and sender.

isn't this the problem where you just splice in a resistor or something into the fuel sender wiring???? Like in tech info?

Thats for a fuel pump problem is only a patch. You can get away with just a multimeter to test the sender.

Disconnect the fuel tank unit connector.
Use a multimeter on ohm scale (resistance)
Place leads on A and D connections.
Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position.
Tester resistance dials to 40 ohms (EMPTY).
Tester resistance dials to 248 ohms (FULL).

The fuel sender sencer is bad. Replace it or you're fuel pump will fail. Mine did because of it.

Are you referring to the fuel level sensor kit for $120 I located on the web?
I don't understand how a fuel sender sencer can cause the fuel pump to fail unless, maybe, it is let run dry.
Does any know where I could find diagrams of the tank and sensor?

Dan

PS - I want to thank everyone for their replies.

"The fuel sender sencer is bad. Replace it or you're fuel pump will fail. Mine did because of it."

Heres something I found for you.
1. Relieve the fuel system fuel pressure, remove the fuel cap.
2. Make sure you have less than 3/4 of tank of fuel.
3. Remove the spare tire cover, the jack, and the spare tire.
4. Remove the fuel sender access panel.


5. Clean all of the fuel pipe connections, all of the hose connections,
and all of the areas surrounding the connections before disconnecting
the connections in order to avoid possible contamination of the fuel system. (Important!!!!).
6. Remove the quick-connect fittings at the fuel sender assembly.
7. Disconnect the electrical connector from the fuel sender.
8. Disconnect the electrical connector from the fuel tank pressure sensor.


9. Remove the fuel sender retaining cam, using a locknut wrench.
10. Remove the fuel sender assembly and the O-ring from the fuel tank.


11. Discard the fuel sender assembly O-ring. (get a new one).
12. Clean and inspect the O-ring sealing surfaces of the fuel sender assembly .