Hello;

My fuel gauge will fluctuate to empty while I am driving. Mostly, it will read empty when I start the truck in the morning. I have read that the most common problem with these trucks is the fuel sending unit. However, here is my question: if I shift to neutral, the gauge goes back to the proper location...why does this happen? Is there a wiring problem that I need to trace?

I would think that if it was the sender exclusively, shifting into neutral shouldn't "fix" the problem...

Help is appreciated.

Thanks, Kyle

 

my dad has a 2000 and uncle a 99 and the both had similair problems with weird fluctuating gauge, they both put new sending units in.that fixed the problem.pretty easy fix,if you do it yourself take the bed off,its only a few bolts and wires to unplug from lights.get about 4 or 5 freinds and a case of beer.

 

sounds like a fuel level sensor. I had the same problem but had to do the whole pump

 

I'd bet the gauge reading correct when you sift to neutral is just coincidence.

 

Hi;

With respect to the neutral shift; it is more than a coincidence. It is tied in directly somehow. The neutral shift to 'fix' the gauge works without fail on a daily basis (or whenever the gauge screws up). Most of the time, I will only have to do this when I start the truck, gauge will usually not flip to 'empty' while driving; problem is worse when tank is 1/2 full or less...

 

i do believe that chevy came out with a recall for this problem..check it out...im not 100% sure

trevor

 

If you find a recall, let me know. My gauge is jacked up too. I have the same proble, but mine doesn't go back to normal if I shift to neutral.

 

Do you guys with the fuel gauge problems happen to use Shell gas? I heard Shell gas has an additive that messes up chevy sending units.

 

I don't use shell. I used a lot of Exxon and Sunoco when I live in southeast PA, now I use Sunoco, and whatever they sell at GetGo...

 

I heard that shell gas does that also,they said its the additive they add to limit the build up on valves.next time your at shell look for the little valve display that shows valves from others fuel and a valve that uses shell fuel,it says what the additive is called.live next to a shell but dont use it(iraqis own and run it)