'00 Fuel Gauge Suddenly Went To Below E

[spikefish]

I have an '00 GMC Sierra, 83,000 miles, great truck and few problems.

 

Filled up today and the fuel gauge showed Full. After a few miles the "low fuel" light came on, and the gauge was below Empty. Turned the truck off and on a few times and the gauge would jump to Full momemtarily, and them drop below Empty. Now the gauge constantly reads below Empty.

 

Am I doomed to a $400.00 fuel tank drop, and sending unit/fuel pump replacement?

[jrrod2004]

I have an '00 GMC Sierra, 83,000 miles, great truck and few problems.

 

Filled up today and the fuel gauge showed Full. After a few miles the "low fuel" light came on, and the gauge was below Empty. Turned the truck off and on a few times and the gauge would jump to Full momemtarily, and them drop below Empty. Now the gauge constantly reads below Empty.

 

Am I doomed to a $400.00 fuel tank drop, and sending unit/fuel pump replacement?

 

 

probably but it might be easier to unbolt the bed (idea came from Wingnut).

[bill190]

Actually I would test the wiring between the tank and the indicator first. Perhaps there is a loose connection?

[svensk]

Welcome to the club. Mine has been doing that for over 2 years. I track my fuel level by resetting the trip counter every gas fill. My fuel pump is still going strong so I haven't needed to get it this issue fixed yet.

[Spurshot]

Friends did the bed removal trick a few months back. You'll need a few friends to do this or maybe a hoist or two. Sounds like it was easier than dropping the tank.

[wgabert]

seems to be a recurring problem with these trucks.. I am on my third sending unit in three years. It is possible to purchase the sending unit separately.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-FUEL-SE...sQ5fAccessories

 

 

I lifted the box. much easier job that way.

 

warren

[spikefish]

Thanks for the replies. But the problem may not require major repair, or sensor replacement.

 

I got some good info from a radio show.

 

This guy (http://www.texascardoctor.com/) has a radio show on Saturdays where folks call in and ask questions. He has 50 years experience, and one of the most successful auto shops around for 25 years.

 

Anyway, I called in yesterday and he said that the problem was very common on GMC vehicles. It seems that some sulfur compounds build up on the contacts of the sensor and they will not make contact. The problem is exacerbated with the presence of methanol in the fuel. His recommendation was to go to an auto parts, buy two bottles of Techron, and double treat a tank of fuel. In most cases that solves the problem. The Techron bottle even states that it helps alleviate fuel gauge problems.

 

He also said that if one ever has to replace the fuel pump to only use an AC-Delco assembly, never an after market.