I have a 1999 GMC Sierra 5.3l Ext. Cab. Yesterday it ran out of Gas(it's got the Fuel Sending Unit problem where the level isn't accurate). I thought I had more in it than I did but **** happens.

Well I put gas in it and it's won't start. I turn the Key over a few times to prime the system..I couldn't hear the Fuel Pump come on..where I was cause it was loud, but it's not starting. I go under the Hood and hit the Shrader Valve and alot of air comes out, then Gas comes squirting out under pressure. I did this several times and each time air came out before gas. From what I figure here the Security System is active and the Injectors aren't opening cause there is that much Air still in the System. If the Fuel Pump wasn't building pressure it wouldn't be pushing anything out when I hit the Shrader Valve.

My next step is to disconnect the Feed Line from the Rails and then turn the Key on to ensure that the Pump is priming up.

Anyone have any ideas..this is my main vehicle and the weather is going to get nasty so I kinda need it..

 

Fuel pump died. Time to put in a new one and your gauge will be accurate again also. Only way to accurately tell is with a pressure gauge, seen them do this many times at work.

 

Ya that's why I'm going to pop the Line off and check. If so then that's going to be saturday's plan..

 

Yup Fuel Pump is dead..just checked it.

What's the easiest way to change it? I have about 4 gallons in it so if dropping the Tank is possible then that will be easy..

 

drop the tank

 

pull the bed if there is gas in the tank

 

x2

Same thing happend to me. Pull the bed, its much easier. Swap out the fuel filter while your at it.

 

Ya I'm pulling the Bed tomorrow with some friends. I was thinking about the Filter aswell..might aswell when the System is depressurized.

I have like 4 gallons in it, but from the looks of the the Bed is the easiest route.

Hopefully this will get rid of my Dancing Fuel Gauge..

Thanks for the help guys.

 

Got rid of mine. I had the 180* version of half a tank and when I installed the new pump the gauge worked and still works till this day.

 

Same happened to me, I did it the hard way. Siphoned gas out of the tank and dropped it. I learned never to do that again. I would change the fuel filter at the same time. In hind sight, I would clean out the tank some too if u can drain it with a transfer pump or something. I didn't clean out my tank and in 6 months the fuel sending unit messed up. Now I am back to watching mileage.