How do I troublshoot a fuel gauge problem?

My '99 Bonneville's fuel gauge goes crazy after I fill up the tank. Reads Full, then dances around to empty and all places in between. Until now, it would read full after letting it sit for a night.

Someone suggested that might "clean" the gauge sensor/mechanism by running some injector cleaner, but after 5 or 6 treatments I gave up as it didn't seem to work.

I filled-up a week ago, and the car sat for 6 days. Drove it today and it only read 1/2 after starting and then fell to empty. Repeated the same later in the day.

Any troubleshooting advice?

I've considered just putting in a new fuel pump (since I assume the gauge and pump are in the same unit)... Or should I just add it to my list of things for the dealer to investigate?

If I take it to a dealer, what troubleshooting should I expect them to do?

Thanks in advance- Dave

Reply to
DaveM
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Fuel gauges are fairly simple the tank unit is an potentia meter attached to an float. the float moves the arm from an low ohms to an high ohms output. If the reading is erratic this usually indicates an bad fuel sender, just replace. Gauges are seldom the problem.

Rey

Reply to
Reynaud

Is the Fuel Sender Unit part of the fuel pump, or can it be replaced separately from the pump?

Thanks Dave

Reply to
DaveM

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