2003 Chevy Monte Carlo The gas gage is not working properly

WHORTON

MEMBER
2003 CHEVROLET MONTE CARLO
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
38,000 MILES

When I first start the vehicle the gas gage reads full. It remains on full for about 2-3 minutes then immediately indicates an empty reading. I've filled the tank and driven about 300 miles with this condition so I think the fuel pump and sending unit are probably ok. However every garage including the dealer want to replace the sending unit at a cost of about $700 to $1000 dollars. If the fuel pump were defective I assume the vehicle would not run at all. I wish I could locate just one honest mechanic in my city.

1 Reply

ROWTIEAR

MEMBER
91 POSTS

The fuel pump and sending unit have been combined into a single module for a number of years now.
It is possible and in fact quite common for the sending unit to fail while the pump still works fine.
Unfortunately as I said they are combined into one module that has to be changed in it's entirety regardless of which part fails.
I do not believe your mechanic is trying to steer you wrong.
If you have a beef with someone it should be G.M. Not your local shop.
Hope this helps!