Other Fuel System Fuel Gauge problems of the 2000 GMC Sierra

Incorrect fuel gauge readings when at a full tank.

The fuel level gauge in my 2000 GMC Sierra has been erratic and is now consistently reporting the tank is empty every time I fill it up and it will then keep flipping between full and empty for about the first 100 miles after fill up. I cannot trust the gauge any longer to tell me when the tank is getting low either, as it will show 1/8 to 1/4 even when it will take 26 or so gallons of gas. This seems to be a faulty level sensor that is affected when the tank is full, mostly, and I am concerned that the electrical system connecting to the sensor in the tank may be shorting out in the tank near or in the presence of gasoline! I understand this is a common problem with these vehicles and suggest that it should be recalled and fixed by the manufacturer.

Dear sirs, in January of 2000 I purchased a new GMC Sierra pick-up truck from a general motors dealership. In April of 2003 the gas gauge began to act erratically for a few seconds after a fill-up. It would go from full to empty, and then act normal until the next fill-up. The odometer reading was approximately 48,000 miles when this problem first occurred. In September 2003 the gauge would only register full. At this time I had the truck inspected by two independent garages. They stated that they had seen a number of GMC's with the same problem. It seemed that the 1999-2001 models had a defective part. When I took the truck to the dealership in September 2003 I was told that the fuel tank would have to be removed in order to replace the part. I was then told that the cost of this repair would be $650. 00, including parts (the part cost was $395. 83). I was informed that because the mileage on the truck was approximately 64,000 miles, the warranty did not cover the cost of this repair. I stated that the mileage should not be a factor for a fuel gauge. I did not expect gm to take full responsibility; however, I feel that some consideration should be given toward the cost of this part. I have contacted the gm consumer department however no relief has been offered toward this repair/part. I do not feel that I should be held fully responsible for a defective part.

No event leading up to failure. The fuel gauge quits reading full instead reads completely empty giving no indication of fuel level nothing has been currently done to fix the problem as it involves removal of pickup bed to replace sensor in fuel pump. 5 other vehicles in same area have same problem.

The fuel gauge would intermittently fluctuate while driving, this causes a problem for consumer not knowing the proper amount of fuel in the fuel tank. Consumer is afraid of running out of fuel while driving on the freeway. The dealer was notified. Updated 06/16/06.

Fuel gauge is erratic. Dealer found that fuel level sensor shorted/replaced/removed. .