jaysan

iTrader: (8)

Sometimes whenever I am driving in the message center it says low fuel and the needle is on E . After driving a while the needle goes back to normal . Thoughts ?
I did a search and apparently this is common . To fix it do I really have to drop the tank ? I had hope that it was a loose connection and I would start there except I don't know where the loose connection could be .

Edit :
2001 Silverado 165,XXX
4.8 V8

charcoal03silvy

iTrader: (1)

fuel level sending unit is likely the cause. Yep have to drop the tank and pull the fuel pump assembly out and look it over

robm-951

iTrader: (3)

Personally I find it easier to pull the bed off instead of dropping the tank. 6 or 8 bolts, a couple screws and unplug the wiring harness.

charcoal03silvy

iTrader: (1)

That's what I do as well. Some say its easier to pull the tank. Either way works.

jaysan

iTrader: (8)

It's all one unit right ? The pump / sending unit / etc

I am take off the bed because I have a full tank

FFDP

iTrader: (2)

The level sensor/sweeping arm can be replaced seperate but yes when you take the pump out it's all in one unit. The plastic canister holds everything.

terravast4

iTrader: (25)

could also be a bad stepper motor.....these gauges are notorious for that

jaysan

iTrader: (8)

Elaborate please

GMCtrk

iTrader: (27)

The problem is corrosion on the metal contacts of the fuel level sender in the tank. Pulling the fuel pump assembly is simple. Remove the 4 bed bolts on the driver side and loosen the bolts on the passenger side. Tilt the bed up and support the underside with a jackstand against the frame. That gives enough room to get the fuel pump module out. All in all, can be done in about 1 hour.

Gadgetized

iTrader: (9)

As most have said it is more than likely the sending unit. I will try and take a pic of the contacts this afternoon so you can see what they look like if you are interested.

It could be the stepper motor in the dash as Terravast4 mentioned. If you have a scan tool it could be identified with that. I actually use Torque Pro for my Android phone and love it. If you monitor your fuel level with the scan tool of choice and the level stays steady and it jumps around on the dash it is a good chance that the stepper motor is the problem. If you monitor with the scan tool and it jumps around on the tool it is good chances that the sender is acting up. I use the ELM327 bluetooth connector for Torque Pro. There are also good write ups on this site about Torque Pro.