2000 Chevy Silverado.
Dear JK: Why does my fuel gage not alway work. It seems like a
loose connection because it changes at any time when the tank is full or
low. The dealer wants to change the sending unit and fuel pump which is
allot of money. I wondered if it could be the unit in the dash?
JK:
The computer buffers the gauge when in drive or reverse so as not to have so much
movement during vehicle start and stop when the fuel is moving. In park, the gauge will
move according to fuel movement in the tank. If it is very erratic, it sounds like a sensor
problem.
Fuel level senders are a very common cause for this condition. The sensor deteriorates.
There is a bulletin for loss of power to the pcm on 4.3l v6. Probable cause is the ignition
switch. But there are other problems all at once. Temp. Gauge, battery. Light, and
PRNDL inop.
A bulletin did come out in early 05 for this sensor, after we had seen many of them fail.
Also need to check that the harness and connector on top of the sending unit not
burned.
Dear JK: Why does my fuel gage not alway work. It seems like a
loose connection because it changes at any time when the tank is full or
low. The dealer wants to change the sending unit and fuel pump which is
allot of money. I wondered if it could be the unit in the dash?
JK:
The computer buffers the gauge when in drive or reverse so as not to have so much
movement during vehicle start and stop when the fuel is moving. In park, the gauge will
move according to fuel movement in the tank. If it is very erratic, it sounds like a sensor
problem.
Fuel level senders are a very common cause for this condition. The sensor deteriorates.
There is a bulletin for loss of power to the pcm on 4.3l v6. Probable cause is the ignition
switch. But there are other problems all at once. Temp. Gauge, battery. Light, and
PRNDL inop.
A bulletin did come out in early 05 for this sensor, after we had seen many of them fail.
Also need to check that the harness and connector on top of the sending unit not
burned.
Other related articles:
Fuel gauge problems
| 12-29-10 I have the same prob. With a 2000 Impala |
Comments
| Yes, it does sound like the fuel level sensor in the tank. It is also very common on your car. |
| 2-9-11 i have same problem with 2000 silhouette. |
| Either the level sensor in the fuel tank, of a connector problem on these minivans. Under the van, just behind the drivers seat is a connector through the floorboard. Disconnect and check for green corrosion. |
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| 8-15-11 I have the same problem with an erratic fuel gauge on a 2002 venture. The entire fuel module was replaced with a new one. The wiring and plugs are not damaged or corroded. The gauge was accurate after the installation until the car was filled up with gas, as I used up some fuel it the gauge would go to empty sometimes and the low fuel lamp will come on. Then go half way, etc. |
| See above wiring problem description. |
| 9-20-11 i have a 96 Silverado. My fuel gauge is moving out of control. It locks out on the oil pressure gauge. I replaced 2 complete fuel pumps. Where should i look next. Thanks Kenny thurman. |
| If you've replaced the fuel level sensor along with the pumps you did, which usually for your year truck come with a new pump, you could possibly have a gauge problem. If it is the gauge, the entire instrument panel cluster would need replaced. If you have not replaced the level sensor, also known as a float, I would definitely start there. |
| 9-22-11 I have a 2000 Silverado that goes to empty sometimes when it is full. I can move shift lever from drive to neutral and it will read right for a while. |
| Yes. Sounds like a bad fuel level sensor in the gas tank. These are very common. When the gas moves the sensor to a spot that is not bad, it will then show correctly for a while. |
