New guy from Illinois

**kdm42089** · 09-21-2015

Hey everyone, Obviously new here and of course, I have a question.

Just got a 1999 Grand Prix SE last night from my dad. As with any car that's 16 years old it has it's problems. the only one that really concerns me is that the fuel gauge doesn't work. I commute 70 miles one way for work and it would be nice if it worked for me. Anyone have any input on whether it would be the sending unit vs the pump causing this? Thanks for your help everyone!

**JamesIvey24** · 09-21-2015

Hey, your not that far from me. I'm over near Greenville.

Anyway, on to your issue, it's extremely common and while a sending unit would fix it, there are also a couple ways to fix it wihout completel replacement. This link is for a bonneville, but it's no different for the issue. If your trunk doesn't have an access panel, dropping the tank will be required. http://www.pontiacbonnevilleclub.com...php?f=18&t=456

**kdm42089** · 09-21-2015

Thanks! and Greenville is where I commute to for work every day!

**JamesIvey24** · 09-21-2015

I commute to Barnes in St. Louis

**kdm42089** · 09-21-2015

nice. I work at the prison there in Greenville.

**freestyler659** · 09-21-2015

Fellow new guy here. I'm pretty sure he has an access panel in the trunk. The 98 gtp has it and my 99 gt has it aswell. If you're unable to get your sending unit fixed, I'm going to be swapping my fuel pump for a gtp. My sending unit works but the pump is loud sometimes. An old gm mechanic told me never run them lower than half a tank. The design let's a lot and I mean a lot of air through the pump when you get below half a tank. Depending on how full you keep your tank, I've seen them go out before 100k and I've seen them work past 300k

**kdm42089** · 09-21-2015

Good to know. I had never heard that before

**nos4blood70** · 09-21-2015

Welcome from Chicago.

**Fivefingerdeathpunch** · 09-21-2015

You can run them past a half a tank without a single issue. If the pumps were really sucking in air all the time, the car would be starving for fuel and cutting out when it does.

Aslong as you have 2-4 gallons left to cool the fuel pump, you are just fine. The pump pick up is on the very bottom of the canister/tank anyway.

**freestyler659** · 09-21-2015

I've seen it with my own eyes. On my 98 c1500, it had a full tank and expired tags. I tried everything to get the gas out besides dropping the tank. I hooked up clear pvc to the inlet on the fuel filter and cycled the key to empty the tank. Right around a half tank I seen a lot of aerated fuel coming out. Opinions are like well..... And this was mine. Just letting some out there know what I've experienced first hand. I never said it was running dry or going to burn up a pump but if you run your tank empty and are constantly on empty then of course that thing is going to have a short life.