fuel guage does not work correctly

[danny7481]

my fuel guage does not work correctly in my 2000 gmc seirra, whenever i fill it, usually it says low fuel for a few minutes then goes up, and sometimes itll bounce back and forth rapidly, its strange. i was wondering exactly what part causes this, is it easy to replace and is it worth replacing? thanks.

[droppedgmc]

replace the float and or sending unit in the tank

[droppedgmc]

it's pretty easdy to replace, 2 bolts and the tank drops

[danny7481]

is it the fuel tank sending unit or fuel level sensor?

[droppedgmc]

the way you describe it sounds like a level sensor

[danny7481]

Originally Posted by droppedgmc

the way you describe it sounds like a level sensor

when it has a full tank the needle wants to stay on empty, when its 3/4 - 1/4 the guage works correctly and when under a 1/4 it wants to say empty. my friend has a 99 sierra and his stays on full all the time, no matter what. must be a common problem with gmc's.

[danny7481]

where is the level sensor? inside the gas tank?

[droppedgmc]

it's all 1 unit in the tank. i've had to replace mine for the same reasons

[danny7481]

i hope this is what your talking about, cause i just bought one

http://www.replacementautoparts.com/...meter&s=1&my=1

[C-Notes]

Originally Posted by danny7481

when it has a full tank the needle wants to stay on empty, when its 3/4 - 1/4 the guage works correctly and when under a 1/4 it wants to say empty.

Mine does the same thing. I've gotten use to it and now I just double check it with my mileage.

[Joe67]

This is a very common problem on the NBS 1999-2001 trucks. It is your fuel sending unit.
I finally replaced mine two years ago, new sending unit ran about $210 from the local auto parts store.

Unbolt your bed, pull it back about 1 foot, the entire job should take just over 1 hour with a couple of guys and the proper tool to remove the lock ring on top of the fuel tank

[danny7481]

Originally Posted by Joe67

This is a very common problem on the NBS 1999-2001 trucks. It is your fuel sending unit.
I finally replaced mine two years ago, new sending unit ran about $210 from the local auto parts store.

Unbolt your bed, pull it back about 1 foot, the entire job should take just over 1 hour with a couple of guys and the proper tool to remove the lock ring on top of the fuel tank

when you pulled the bed back, you didnt have to unplug the tailights or unbolt the filler neck from the gas tank?

[Joe67]

Originally Posted by danny7481

when you pulled the bed back, you didnt have to unplug the tailights or unbolt the filler neck from the gas tank?

Yes, you need to do that as well.

We actually dropped my tank, did it the hard way Thank god for the Trans Jack I had sitting in the garage... Next time I'd pull the bed back - MUCH easier

[danny7481]

could someone verify that the item in the link above is the right level meter. just want to make sure i bought the right part, thanks.

[droppedgmc]

it says it's a universal...try going to a parts store and see what they offer

[TDs6t9]

The one on my '99 silverado does the same thing. I just reset the tripmeter and go on my way. If I have to do some weekend work to it, I'll fix it then.

[TravRMK]

danny7481, did you ever get this fixed? My 00 GMC does the exact same thing. I also have a friend with a 01 Silverado that also does it. We would like to know what fixes it. If that $30 part does it then great. I would have thought it would be a dealer only part. I guess I should ask the local Napa guy if they can get them.