Fuel gauge problem
#1
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Fuel gauge problem
Hey guys,
Just wanted you all to know that I had an issue with my fuel gauge being very erratic lately and most of the time being stuck on full. I looked on here and found most of you saying it was the sending unit. I went out and bought a new sending unit from the dealer. (I work at an automotive repair shop, so I got it at our cost thank goodness.) I removed the access cover in the trunk, unhooked the 2 electrical connectors and the 2 fuel lines. Removed the lock ring and pulled the pump assy. After getting out my trusty DVOM, I checked resistance and found out it jumped all over the place so I knew I was on the right track. I replaced the sending unit, and reinstalled the pump into the tank. Finished the install with the cover and fuel gauge works great.
I went back to the old sending unit and found 2 things wrong with it. The sending unit arm was loose and wobbled back and forth. I also found that the 2 arms that actually sweep the electrical contacts very worn and actually 1 of them was broken. I also noticed before installing the new sending unit that the electrical contacts were actually redesigned and had a much longer contact than the old one. I think GM realized that it was a bad design. I really appreciate your help and you made me much more confident in attempting the repair. I have done many repairs like this before in my shop, but it is slightly different in my own car with my own money. Thanks again!
Just wanted you all to know that I had an issue with my fuel gauge being very erratic lately and most of the time being stuck on full. I looked on here and found most of you saying it was the sending unit. I went out and bought a new sending unit from the dealer. (I work at an automotive repair shop, so I got it at our cost thank goodness.) I removed the access cover in the trunk, unhooked the 2 electrical connectors and the 2 fuel lines. Removed the lock ring and pulled the pump assy. After getting out my trusty DVOM, I checked resistance and found out it jumped all over the place so I knew I was on the right track. I replaced the sending unit, and reinstalled the pump into the tank. Finished the install with the cover and fuel gauge works great.
I went back to the old sending unit and found 2 things wrong with it. The sending unit arm was loose and wobbled back and forth. I also found that the 2 arms that actually sweep the electrical contacts very worn and actually 1 of them was broken. I also noticed before installing the new sending unit that the electrical contacts were actually redesigned and had a much longer contact than the old one. I think GM realized that it was a bad design. I really appreciate your help and you made me much more confident in attempting the repair. I have done many repairs like this before in my shop, but it is slightly different in my own car with my own money. Thanks again!
#4
Senior Member
True Car Nut
As you know from your research, this is a very common problem. I did mine last summer with a sending unit I bought from Tristar radiator, but I probably paid too much for it. I did not realize the dealer sells a sending unit; I thought they only sold the fuel pump.
What is the part number of the sending unit you installed? What does the dealer normally sell it for? Your information will help other members that encounter this issue.
What is the part number of the sending unit you installed? What does the dealer normally sell it for? Your information will help other members that encounter this issue.
#5
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I will have to get the part number tomorrow. I left it at work. I paid at my cost approx. $125 which after looking at Rock Auto tonight is about the same as they charge. I was a little disappointed by that but I do realize I bought a O.E. dealer part and Rock Auto may be aftermarket.
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