FUEL TANK SENDING UNIT

toddgotfish · May 31, 2003

my 20000 sierra fuel gauge is fluctuating and i suspect the sending unit needs to be replaced .

i know its in the tank and i know what that means .anyone done it and how hard is it (2hrs,3hrs,4hrs???)

Thanks

Todd

Stomper · May 31, 2003

I have put a fuel pump in my old 99 GMC and I have also replaced the pump in my 92 S-10. I found it to be easier to lift the bed off rather then to drop the fuel tank. All you need is few buddies to help lift the bed off and everything is right their handy to work on. If you do take the bed off don't set it right on the ground because you could bend the lower panels. Set it on some saw horses, that way too you don't have to bend down to pick it back up.

GDN · May 31, 2003

My sender/guage started doing the same thing about Christmas of last year. I figured it would be several hundred to replace/fix. I just started using the trip odometer and knew how far I could go on a tank of gas. Was able to trade about a month ago - that problem went with the truck. It is irritating though to have a guage quit working on a truck not even 3 years old - but yet out of warranty.

I wonder if there are a lot of failures on these parts? I know 96 and that era had quite a few fuel pump failures.

COZWV · May 31, 2003

There has been a s**tload of failures of the fuel gauges! We have about 10 of these new (2000-2001) Chevy silverados and all of them have had fuel gauge problems.

I really think GM should be covering this, Unfortunately our trucks usually go out of warranty the first year because of the high mileage.

I think it was around $150.00 to fix it.

cyclejerk · June 1, 2003

I agree with "stomper", take the bed off, it's much SAFER also. A little advise, after you are finnished and you put the bed back on, put it in place and just start the bolts but do not tighten them yet, get in your truck and look in the side view mirrors to check for alignment before bolting it up tight. ( m2c)

ctoliver · June 2, 2003

Notes

Service and Repair

FUEL SENDER ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT

TOOLS REQUIRED

J 44402 Fuel Tank Sending Unit Wrench

REMOVAL PROCEDURE

Remove the fuel tank. NOTE: Do Not handle the fuel sender assembly by the fuel pipes. The amount of leverage generated by handling the fuel pipes could damage the joints.

Remove the fuel sender assembly retaining ring using the J 44402.

Remove the fuel sender assembly and the seal. Discard the seal.

CAUTION: Refer to Approved Container Caution in Service Precautions.

Clean the fuel sender sealing surfaces.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

CAUTION: Refer to Fuel sender gasket caution in Service Precautions.

Install the new seal on the fuel tank. IMPORTANT: The fuel pump strainer must be in a horizontal position when the fuel sender is installed in the tank. When installing the fuel sender assembly, assure that the fuel pump strainer does not block full travel of the float arm.

Install the fuel sender assembly into the fuel tank. NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

Install the fuel sender assembly retaining ring using the J 44402.

Install the fuel tank.

Dex857 · June 4, 2003

I just did this on my '99. unbolt the left hand side of the bed and just loosen the right hand side all the way out just befoe the bolts come out. Lift the bed up on the LH side and block it up with a jackstand. You will need about 18 inch's.

It took me about 1 1/2-2 hours.. easy easy easy....

Bought the sending unit off ebay.. I have the part number if anyone needs it.

heavy4x4 · June 10, 2005

I just did this on my '99. unbolt the left hand side of the bed and just loosen the right hand side all the way out just befoe the bolts come out. Lift the bed up on the LH side and block it up with a jackstand. You will need about 18 inch's.
It took me about 1 1/2-2 hours.. easy easy easy....

Bought the sending unit off ebay.. I have the part number if anyone needs it.

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