Three problems related to fuel delivery have been reported for the 1996 GMC Sierra. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Fuel tank sending unit at the point where the wires connect to fuel pump are shorted to ground possibly igniting fuel vapors inside tank.
Wiring harness melted and wires shorted inside fuel tank! explosion risk.
Hello, purchased vehicle new 7/96, in 9/96 in conversation with a fleet mechanic since fuel pump is located in gas tank I was advised to not go below 3/4 tank of fuel to prevent fuel pump failuer any thing lower than 3/4 will not keep pump cool and lead to failure I followed the advise. Failure #1 occured in 1997 "original pump" dont remember exact date but dealer repaired. Failure # 2 (of the pump that replaced the first one), occurd Mar. Or may 1999 dealer replaced. Both failures resulted in total shut down. #1 occured while parked and #2 occured while driving in the city. Related issue: in June 1999 fuel filter replaced after failure. In July 99 while driving in California at hi way speeds and heavy traffic truck would temporarily shut down (no fuel no power) 6 times in a 100 mile span, resembled fuel pump again however it no longer acted up after parking for 24hours. I am scheduled to take vehicle in for search of problem next week. Excellent dealer service for repairs , and good truck, but am concearned with the fuel delivery system seems to be typical problem (fuel pump failure) with other GMC and chevy truck owners I was fortunate not to get into an accident but the potential is there, ie congested traffic etc.