fuel sending unit

Nick167 · Dec 9, 2015

On my new truck the fuel gauge shows empty and he light is on I did some research and have decided its the fuel level unit in the tank I priced a new one and its 600 is there any way to fix a bad one I hate to spend that kind of money on one and I'd prefer a working gauge opposed to tracking my miles its a 2001 2500hd silverado with the duramax

rrlund · Dec 9, 2015

I'd make sure you have a good ground. I know a guy with an older gas Chevy who was having trouble with the fuel pump in the tank. He put in a new one,it didn't work. He went and got another new one,still nothing. He checked it on the bench and it ran. Cleaned up the ground and found out that's probably what was wrong with the original.

mite-help · Dec 9, 2015

$600. sounds a little much. that model doesn't have in-tank pump if I remember correctly. agree about checking ground $ stepper motors?.

Nick167 · Dec 9, 2015

I checked the ground it looks good and there is no stepper motor either

DENNIS MIN · Dec 9, 2015

Nick167,

circuitboardmedics redid the dash cluster and guaranteed it for life, about $240, especially when I asked for the LED upgrade.

Search dashboard problems for that year and you'll find more wrong, than nright, with GM's dash.

D.

Steve@Advance · Dec 9, 2015

I had an 01 Silverado that did that. Started out intermittant, sometimes it would change with the slamming of the door, hitting bumps. I've seen it on others around that year.

I just lived with it until the pump went out. Got a new AC Delco pump (not an aftermarket), the wiring harness was different, an upgrade probably due to that problem. Never had any more problem after that.

If you do want to change it, check online, Rock Auto, Ebay. Cheaper than the dealer, save the tax. I do recommend staying away from aftermarket!

Dave Sherburne, NY · Dec 9, 2015

Check Rock Auto, the Fuel Tank Sending Unit is $261 or less

RayP(MI) · Dec 9, 2015

GM had problems a while back with the sending units on some of their in-tank fuel pump/gas gauge units a while back. The little fingers that slid up and on the rheostat wore out prematurely and would loose contact. Would bet this is your problem. Unfortunately, they didn't make parts availble except as a full gauge and pump as a unit. Expensive. I had one replaced as an extended warranty, other one I drove until pump failed. Refilled by miles driven. Not convenient. Also had issues with wiring harness connector... re-engineered, made mechanic replace plug to match new pump. Last one I replaced had plug like origional unit, had to rewire again. Grrr!

gab · Dec 9, 2015

Gm sold separate fuel level sensors for several cars/trucks, installed one in my 97 Jimmy, about 75 bucks I think.

Tim in OR · Dec 9, 2015

My 02 GMC 2500 HD /w Duramax does the same thing. I sweated it till I crawled under and unplugged the sender wire. The guage moved till I plugged it back in. I then ordered the sender from Rock Auto. When it got here I crawled under again and temporarily hooked the new one up. The guage worked. Now I just have to wait for a dry day or two when I have time to empty the bed, loosen it and tip it so I can change the sender.
In my brain it will be easy. Reality has yet to rear its ugly head.
You tube has several video's on changing the unit. Pick the process that fits your style.
Tim in OR

2x4 · Dec 10, 2015

My 2001 HD 2500 in-tank fuel pump died but the sending unit was good. As others said, I had to replace the unit as a whole. However, the sending unit is a separate piece & can be put on your current pump. This involves cutting an 18"x 12" hole in the bed (easiest way) or dropping the fuel tank completely out. Either way, as soon as you put a used sending unit on & get going, the fuel pump will die at a point far from your home & you'll have to do the job all over again. The simple solution is to always keep the tank full & not worry about it.

4play · Dec 10, 2015

I have done those, you can get a Delco or Dorman part that replaces the sending unit only. The Dorman 911-005, can locally or online 20-40 bucks. Rock auto has both available but the delco part #sk1208 is 100 bucks.

What I have seen fail on these sending units is the little fingers that sweep the resister card wear when the float moves. Those little fingers wear out and quit making contact. I have also seen the pivot point or hinge wear causing enough slack for the fingers to loose contact on the card.

4play · Dec 10, 2015

The easiest way to get to it is pulling the bed, or tilting the LH side up a few feet to slide underneath the bed over the tank. If you have a bunch of heavy stuff bolted in the bed or through the bed then maybe you need another option. I have used this method many times even with tool boxes in place. It is much easier to do this if you have a hoist of some sort to lift and hold the bed up.

Mike M · Dec 10, 2015

Didn't I warn you guys about those GM's ! Nothing but troubles.

Nick167 · Dec 11, 2015

I believe you lol I've been a ford guy thanks for all the tips guys

Hobo,NC · Dec 11, 2015

Yes they are and about the time you think its a pattern failure fuel sending unit are cluster and slap new parts in only to find out its a VCM (vehicle control module) failure.

The good... you can check all this out at the VCM its right there under the hood stand up lean on the fender pop it out play with it. On some GM put a storage tray for you tools and parts...

The bad... its a nightmare to figure out what wires in what connector to test it at...

fuel sending unit

Nick167

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rrlund

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mite-help

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Nick167

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DENNIS MIN

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Steve@Advance

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Dave Sherburne, NY

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RayP(MI)

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gab

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Tim in OR

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2x4

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4play

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4play

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Mike M

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Nick167

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Hobo,NC

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