Fuel Pump Question

[alz]

I have a 99 Suburban OBS. The fuel gauge just started acting up. It flutters and jumps around. When ignition is turned to ON, the needle pegs way past full and then goes below empty, then settles somewhere in the middle once started.

The fuel pump was replaced once already, a couple years ago. I don't recall the mileage.

Could this be anything but the fuel pump module? As in a ground problem or something with the gauge. I don't want to replace another fuel pump and it be something else.

Can the fuel level sending unit be replaced seperately? Is it worth it?

What brand pump would you recommend?

[rodram]

.... don't know about all the other stuff you asked, but when it comes to buying a fuel pump you need to get an ACDelco from a dealer, or a Delphi brand from a good parts retailer.

 

.... everything else has a much higher risk of failure and frankly for that reason is just not worth the money ....

[VRSCA1]

If it is the plastic type fuel pump module which I think it is...the fuel level sensor is serviced seperatly,check with your dealer.Easy to change,dropping the fuel tank will be the bull work but not to bad as long is the fuel level is near empty.

[Delray]

I used the cheap fuel pumps never had a problem, cept when the old woman don't keep enough fuel in the tank to cool the pump she wares it out, that one lasted two years. Folks don't understand that you can't let the fuel level get below 1/4 and expect the pump to last.

your gauge probley has a bad ground.

[alz]

I finally got around to replacing the pump assembly. I have a camping trip this weekend and will be pulling a TT. Thought I would get it out of the way for piece of mind.

Purchased a new Delphi pump, fuel line tools and Wix filter at the local auto parts, $320.

Three hours later, new pump installed and she is running.

The only problem is, the gauge is still doing the same thing. ARGH!!!

Where is the ground for the instrument cluster and or gauges?

I did pull the inst cluster a month or so ago to see if anything was amiss. Nothing looked out of the ordinary.

Help.

[bronyaur]

My '99 OBS K1500 P/U (120k miles) has a similar jumpy fuel gauge, although my needle just seems to vibrate super fast, then make little jerks here and there. Based on everything I've read I was leaning toward replacing the fuel pump, but if you're saying that it didn't fix your gauge problem........

[alz]

After reading alot of posts, it seems most have cleared up with pump replacement. Can't say that yours won't. I guess I will be looking into some ground issue or bad connection in the instrument cluster.

[alz]

Anyone have any idea how to go about swapping out a fuel gauge from the instrument cluster?

[aja72]

Wiring and plugin and power and grounds are very important. Normally what is the reason for failing old pump. When no start check for 12 volt power and good ground at the wires going to pump.

[alz]

Did you read any of my posts? Starts and runs with old pump and new pump. Problem is the gauge flutters with both as well.

[green 788]

It's probably in the gauge... you can check the wiring to the gauge... bump the dash in that area with the palm of your hand and see if the gauge responds to that. If it does, the wiring problem is probably at the gauge, or the gauge is bad. Could just be a loose connection. See if you can get your hand up under the dash to reach the back of the gauge to check for a loose connection that way...

 

For the record, Bosch fuel pumps came highly recommended when my OEM Delphi went out of my '96 K3500. The Bosch eliminates the pulsator portion of the original pump, which is supposed to help it last longer... but of course, only time will tell if this is true.

 

Dan