GM minivans fuel gauge problem
#1
10-21-07, 07:07 AM
GM minivans fuel gauge problem
I have a 2002 Olds Silouhette. The fuel gauge is very erratic going from full to empty at any given time and not accurate at all. I'm pretty sure that the problem is with the sending unit being corroded or varnished over. (possiblt by bad gas from Shell) I know that the fuel pump and sending unit are a one peice unit sitting in the fuel tank.
Does anyone know if there is an access panel in the floor to get at the fuel pump without dropping the tank?
Does anyone know if there is an access panel in the floor to get at the fuel pump without dropping the tank?
#2
10-21-07, 10:04 AM
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Access panel?
Not sure about an access panel. GM sells a fuel system additive that cleans and in alot of cases can correct fuel gauge sender issues caused by some fuels with high sulfer content. You may want to give it a try first.
#3
10-21-07, 02:04 PM
no there is no acess panel but tanks are easy to drop on them also u should be able to get just the sender for it not the whole pump assy
most likey the metal contacts or gone on the sender
if you need the service info for it i can can post it for you
Brian
most likey the metal contacts or gone on the sender
if you need the service info for it i can can post it for you
Brian
#4
10-21-07, 02:46 PM
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Yeah, these level sensors are a known problem on pretty much all GM vehicles from 97 on up to about 2005. Once in a while, the connector in the floor (C201 I think) will corrode and cause erratic readings as well. As Br1an stated, pretty simple to do.
#5
10-21-07, 05:37 PM
Thanks!
Thanks for the replies.
I've heard that the problem with the sending unit could be caused by the sulfer in the gas especially Shell gasoline which is what my wife buys exclusively. I'm going to try some fuel injection cleaner for the next few tank fulls and see if that possilby helps clean the contacts. I had the same problem with my boat and I just pulled the sending unit out and cleaned the contacts and that did the trick. I was told that in the GM vans, the sending unit was part of the fuel pump assembly and was not available seperately. I've already checked the wiring harness connections and they seemed to be okay.
Brian: do you have a part number for the sending unit?
I've heard that the problem with the sending unit could be caused by the sulfer in the gas especially Shell gasoline which is what my wife buys exclusively. I'm going to try some fuel injection cleaner for the next few tank fulls and see if that possilby helps clean the contacts. I had the same problem with my boat and I just pulled the sending unit out and cleaned the contacts and that did the trick. I was told that in the GM vans, the sending unit was part of the fuel pump assembly and was not available seperately. I've already checked the wiring harness connections and they seemed to be okay.
Brian: do you have a part number for the sending unit?
#6
10-21-07, 06:11 PM
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Shell gas is actually one of the GM recommended Top Tier fuels that they want you to use to keep the fuel injectors clean, among other benefits. The fuel level sensor is attatched to the fuel sender, but not part of it. You have to remove the fuel sender and simply replace the level sensor. I've done over a hundred of them this year alone.
#7
10-21-07, 07:12 PM
I just mentioned Shell gas because of this article found on Shell.ca
Mr. Dummas.....what is the cost of the sending unit?
Shell Canada settles fuel additive class action
7 Jan 2004
Calgary, Alberta – Shell Canada Products today settled a class-action lawsuit that arose from a fuel additive Shell used in its gasoline between March 2001 and April 2002.
Some customers may have experienced fuel gauge or fuel pump problems as a result of using this gasoline. Shell regrets any inconvenience this problem may have caused customers.
“As soon as we understood the problem, we moved quickly to change the additive and address customer concerns,” said Terry Blaney, Shell’s Vice President of Marketing. “We’ve worked very hard since then to fully resolve the issues related to using this additive
Settlement terms include three classes of claims and compensation depending on vehicle make, model and year.
.”
Mr. Dummas.....what is the cost of the sending unit?
Shell Canada settles fuel additive class action
7 Jan 2004
Calgary, Alberta – Shell Canada Products today settled a class-action lawsuit that arose from a fuel additive Shell used in its gasoline between March 2001 and April 2002.
Some customers may have experienced fuel gauge or fuel pump problems as a result of using this gasoline. Shell regrets any inconvenience this problem may have caused customers.
“As soon as we understood the problem, we moved quickly to change the additive and address customer concerns,” said Terry Blaney, Shell’s Vice President of Marketing. “We’ve worked very hard since then to fully resolve the issues related to using this additive
Settlement terms include three classes of claims and compensation depending on vehicle make, model and year.
.”
#8
10-21-07, 08:06 PM
I do not think will get it to work with additive most the fingers on the sensor are gone
im not at work but off the top of my head the level sensor is about 140 150 for it
and yes over all the gm trucks i prob done hundreds this year too i should have saved them up lol to just count them all
brian
im not at work but off the top of my head the level sensor is about 140 150 for it
and yes over all the gm trucks i prob done hundreds this year too i should have saved them up lol to just count them all
brian
#9
10-24-07, 03:00 AM
Brian....
I found a new sending unit for $25 on ebay. Does it look like the right one? I know that it is for a Montana but Silhouette and Venture should be the same as long as mine has an "E" in the VIN?http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GM-FU...QQcmdZViewItem
#10
10-24-07, 04:17 PM
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