Thread: Full tank of fuel gauge floats between full and empty.

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  1. #1 Full tank of fuel gauge floats between full and empty. 
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    Like the title says this just happened 20 minutes ago. We filled the tank with fuel and drove away and within 3 miles the fuel needle was floating between a half tank and full. The message center is doing the same thing it goes to 498 miles to empty to 187 miles to empty to 367 miles to empty. I called our mechanic who answered his phone and told me the fuel level sensor is bad. I read somewhere that there is a sensor in the fuel pump and the whole pump needs to be replaced but our mechanic said its the fuel level sensor and said the part is $130 and he grand total with part and labor he is charging us $195. I just want to get your opinions before I have him replace the wrong part. Thanks guys!
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  2. #2 Re: Full tank of fuel gauge floats between full and empty. 
    Turbo is the way to go. Fivefingerdeathpunch's Avatar
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    he is right, its called the fuel level sensor, but its not really the sensor that goes bad, its the fingers the drag across the sensor as the float moves up and down. The finger wear off over time and thats the issue you now have. The part is only like 18 bucks off ebay and you can do it yourself if your a little handy.

    there are a few threads on this topic and some video's on youtube of a guy doing one in his bonneville, which is almost exactly the same as the grand prix, maybe 1-2 differences.

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  3. #3 Re: Full tank of fuel gauge floats between full and empty. 
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    Great! thanks alot. I forgot to mention he said he will take the gas tank out which is why im not going to mess with it.

    P.S fivefingerdeathpunch Her car is missing that front license plate cover that says pontiac so there is just a big hole there and it looks tacky so where can I get one in silver?
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  4. #4 Re: Full tank of fuel gauge floats between full and empty. 
    Turbo is the way to go. Fivefingerdeathpunch's Avatar
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    There is no need to have him drop the fuel tank, if you open the middle pass-through door in the back seat, lift the carpet up and you will see the access door to the fuel pump, its a little tight if you got really big hands, but its fairly simple to do.


    As for the plate filler, I bought it off of another member here on this site. You can see if a dealership sells them but they will charge alot for one. Your best bet is to try and find one for sale on here or even ebay.

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  5. #5 Re: Full tank of fuel gauge floats between full and empty. 
    GXP Level Member txslow6's Avatar
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    Click the link in my sig. I have some pictures of when I replaced my fuel pump. You will see the access panel and float etc.
    85 Corvette
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    03 Z06
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  6. #6 Re: Full tank of fuel gauge floats between full and empty. 
    GT Level Member AdamBall's Avatar
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    PONTIAC Front License Plate Cover - GPEXT - PFYC.comor the plate filler if you wanna spend 60 bucks and still have to get it painted.
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  7. #7 Re: Full tank of fuel gauge floats between full and empty. 
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    Thank God for this forum, I was fixing to go buy an instrument cluster and change it out. thanks to u dudes i'll do this!
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  8. #8 Re: Full tank of fuel gauge floats between full and empty. 
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    where is this diy link i am having the same issue with my fuel gauge... thanks
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  9. #9 Re: Full tank of fuel gauge floats between full and empty. 
    It's Slow LS1GTP's Avatar
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