1997 GMC Sonoma Logo
Posted on Jul 06, 2012
Answered by a Fixya Expert

Trustworthy Expert Solutions

At Fixya.com, our trusted experts are meticulously vetted and possess extensive experience in their respective fields. Backed by a community of knowledgeable professionals, our platform ensures that the solutions provided are thoroughly researched and validated.

View Our Top Experts

My gas Gage does not work

Gage move's constantly while driving

2 Answers

Marvin

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Top Expert:

An expert who has finished #1 on the weekly Top 10 Fixya Experts Leaderboard.

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

  • GMC Master 85,242 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 06, 2012
Marvin
GMC Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Top Expert:

An expert who has finished #1 on the weekly Top 10 Fixya Experts Leaderboard.

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

Joined: Jun 20, 2008
Answers
85242
Questions
28
Helped
29034696
Points
266281

The most common cause of a gas gauge problem like this is that the fuel level sending unit inside the gas tank is defective and needs to be replaced which is part of the fuel pump "module". To replace the fuel level sensor you must remove the gas tank from the vehicle or lift the bed off the truck. Before you attempt this you will need a good hydraulic floor jack and safety jack stands to support the car while it is up in the air. You will also need a special tool to release the fuel lines from the gas tank outlet nipples.
Here are more complete instructions from a self help site I use.

Instructions

    • 1Remove the bed of the truck to gain access to the Sonoma's fuel pump module assembly. The fuel module pump flush mounts to the top of the truck's fuel tank. With the bed removed, the pump is available for service or replacement.
    • 2Unplug the tail light and license plate wiring harness. With the wiring harness connectors disconnected, remove the plastic harness supports along the bottom edge of the truck bed to prevent pulling them out when the truck box is taken off.

      • 3

    • Unscrew the hose clamp securing the fuel tank fill-up line to the fill spout on the truck bed. A standard flathead screwdriver will fit the clamp and provide a means to gently pry the fill line loose from the spout.
    • 4Unbolt the truck box by removing the carriage-bolt nuts from underneath the bed. The nuts are manageable with a 3/4-inch or 7/8-inch combination wrench. With all carriage bolts out of the way, get some help from a second person, and lift the bed from the truck.
    • 5Disconnect the fuel evaporation lines connected to the fuel sending unit on top of the fuel tank. With the lines removed, unplug the electrical connector, and move it out of the way.
    • 6Remove the snap-ring securing the fuel sending module into the gas tank. Use a standard pair of snap-ring pliers to take the ring out of its groove. Keep a second hand over the top of the snap ring to prevent it from flying out and getting lost.
    • 7Pull the fuel sending unit assembly up and out of the tank, and set it out of the way. Remove the old o-ring from the hole left by the sending unit.
    • 8Lightly coat the new o-ring with petroleum jelly, and insert it into the o-ring groove around the fuel sending unit port on the tank.
    • 9Set the new unit into the tank, using care not to pinch or reposition the o-ring. Push the assembly flush with the top of the tank until the snap-ring groove is visible.
    • 10Install the snap ring to secure the new fuel sending unit into the tank. Ensure the unit is oriented in the same manner as the old unit before removal.
    • 11Connect the electrical connector to the sending unit, followed by the fuel evaporation lines. The lines simply press onto the hose barbs protruding from the top of the sending unit.
    • 12Set the truck box onto the truck frame. Install the carriage bolts and wiring harnesses for the tail and license plate lights.
    • 13Set the fuel fill-up line into place on the fuel spout, and secure it into place with the fuel line clamp.

Stephen

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Top Expert:

An expert who has finished #1 on the weekly Top 10 Fixya Experts Leaderboard.

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

  • GMC Master 21,873 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 06, 2012
 Stephen
GMC Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

Top Expert:

An expert who has finished #1 on the weekly Top 10 Fixya Experts Leaderboard.

Superstar:

An expert that got 20 achievements.

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

Joined: Jun 22, 2012
Answers
21873
Questions
0
Helped
6202446
Points
67230

Could be the gauge on the dash or the sending unit in the tank.

Ad

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

Sputters after driving a few minutes, tries to stall out.

1st move is to ck the fuel PSI & emissions. Possible cooling system cause.Scan computer & check sensor readings & the emissions readings are the first moves. Check spark plugs, ignition spark etc. Good luck
0helpful
1answer

2002 Buick Rendezvous over heating randomly

Don't worry about the fan. I think you have a bad temp sender unit. Replace that and see if it helps the stalling also. If not, go for an engine analysis. They will check for trouble codes and check engine sensor functions.
0helpful
1answer

My1986 nissan 300zx turbo digital dash does not work. The RPM gage works and the battery charge indicator work. Everything thing else is lit with zero's and gas gauge blinks E. If I recall this ca

my guess is that since you hit a bump in the road that its possible that a plug has come loose from the back of the dash.. remove instrument cluster and inspect for loose or broken wiring and connectors..
2helpful
1answer

Fuel gage stuck on full

Either there is a short in the fuel sender wiring or the sender in the tank is bad.The actual gauge is rarely bad.Good luck.


Else
The float affixed to your fuel pump in your gas tank is stuck.

It tells the dash you ALWAYS have a full tank.
You have to drop the tank, PB Blast/WD40 the float, get it to drop down.
Finally
Your unit in the tank is bad. Pull it out and move it up and down while someone looks at the gauge. If doesn't work, buy a new one. They are not that expensive.
0helpful
1answer

My gas gage isnt working properly what to do to fix this it constantly moves up and down so i dont know how much gas i really have.

The Rheostat in the fuel tank must be checked, it must be taken out and see if there is problem in the float or the readings. if so this must be changed. Also the fuel guage in the dash can eb checked by connecction of the rheostat on the outside and checking the meter show the defection of reading when the float is raised or lowered.
0helpful
1answer

Dash Cluster, gas gage doesn't work when fuse keeps blowing 10amp

costs like $100 an hour for automotive electrician. use a curcit breaker (looks like a fuse) its silver put it in wher the blown fuse is. buy a compass. and runn the compass over the wiring . when the compas moves in the direction of wiring its in that area. a short curcit creats a magnetic feild.
1helpful
2answers

I have a 94 chevy s10 and my gas reads empty while i drive.but when i shut off the truck the gauge moves to different readings.

Is......the problem--"the gas gage reads empty when there is fuel in the tank. OR, The gage moves when the key to turned off ?

If it's the first,
You will need to test the gage and through process of elimination, determin if the Sending unit inside the fuel tank has gone Bad.

If its the second ? - Electrical gauges will move when powered down. Normal

Testing the gauge may not be easy - just depends on your ability.
It is a simple 2-wire gauge circuit, when disconnect (usually need the fuel tank) the gage reads in one direction (either full or empty)
then when shorted-the gage reads in oppisite direction.

Of course you must select the correct wires or you may short out the wrong circuits!! Most GM vehicles use a purple wire & black wire.

A quick method I have used to check the in-take part of the gauge is this.
1st. know there is gas - 1/2 tank works best.
2nd driver's door open, key in run position, engine not running.
3rd gently lift up on the door then let if come back down, gently.
just enough to cause the gas to slosh around.
4th - keep an eye on the gas gage, a bad sending unit in the take will show up as a "twitchy" needle.

Of course, if the gage never leaves empty - sloshing won't work.
I have a known good sending unit I can plug into the vehicle and simulate different levels of fuel - if the gas gage works, I know the problem is in the tank.

Let us know.

Dave
0helpful
1answer

I need help resetting my 94 GMC seirra's gas gage

the gas gauge is on the fuel pump assembly with in the fuel tank, you must have bumped it during reassembly. the only solution is removal. pull it out check for alignment and binding, reassemble being very careful. hope this helps.
0helpful
1answer

Fuel level sensor in tank bad????

Yes it is all one unit, and yes that is what the problem is. don't use aftermarket parts, use OEM, (Delco Remy) they are much better quality.
Not finding what you are looking for?

247 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top GMC Experts

ZJ Limited
ZJ Limited

Level 3 Expert

17989 Answers

Ronny Bennett Sr.
Ronny Bennett Sr.

Level 3 Expert

6988 Answers

john h

Level 3 Expert

29494 Answers

Are you a GMC Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...