Fuel sender valve replacement

INGIE2000

MEMBER
2004 SATURN VUE
3.5L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
245,000 MILES

Two weeks ago it was running rough and had issues taking off from an exit ramp onto the highway. It slowly built up speed then it drove okay. I got it home, parked it then the next next day it wouldn't start. It wouldn't turn over like it wasn't getting gas. Took it to a dealer they said it's a fuel sender valve. Is the valve part of the fuel pump system or is it a separate piece I can replace or do I have to buy the whole pump system? I know it is electronic system but to buy the whole set up is almost $500.00 and I'm wondering if it is worth it plus of course another $400.00 or $500.00 just to put it in.

1 Reply

STEVE W.

MECHANIC
13,567 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros. I can say I've never heard of a fuel sender valve. However the Vue uses a two module system. The tank and both modules are show in the pictures. The primary module is the pump assembly, with a level sending unit and most of the lines. The secondary module is a level sending unit and a tube that connects to the primary pump to allow it to draw fuel from both sides of the tank. Nothing other than the level sender that can really fail, and if your fuel gauge works the sender is OK. If the pump is the problem, which your description sounds like, the primary module is the one to replace. It has most of the fuel system parts with it so it should repair the problem. As for the price it might be worth it, however if it's getting long in the tooth and with the high mileage it would depend a lot on the engine and transmissions condition and what the body is like. For that it's a judgement call.

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