2001 GMC Sierra: wrong fuel gauge reading

Filed Apr 1, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 86,000 miles · IA

When my issues started, I would fill my gas tank and the gas gauge would plummet to empty. While driving, it would go to full, back to empty or be anywhere in between. At that time, there no no mechanical issues, just the annoying fact that you had no idea how much fuel you actually had. This went on until this spring, when I had the first potentially dangerous incident. I was driving down a county highway at approximately the speed limit and the truck's engine just shut off. No power steering, nothing. It happened just as I was coming to a stop sign thankfully. I was about 50 miles from home and was able to call a friend that manages the collision center of a local car dealership to see about getting a tow or his opinion as to what was wrong. After about ten minutes and after numerous attempts, it restarted. I talked to several mechanics and got the same answer from all of them: the fuel pump and sending unit fail in gmc trucks around the mileage, 95,000 miles, that I currently have on the truck. The gas gauge is still erratic, I have had two episodes of the vehicle stalling and now the service engine soon light is coming on and when it is put on an analyzer it says emissions, but there is nothing wrong with the emissions system. I have also talked to owners who have had theirs replaced and everyone says to get a factory made pump because the cheap aftermarkets break down even quicker. I googled the information and the problem appears to be widespread.

Filed Feb 22, 2007 · Fuel system · 75,000 miles · IL

Fuel gauge has been malfunctioning for several months now - sometimes works properly, but other times reads empty when tank is full, reads more fuel than in tank, etc. I have several friends who have this generation of gm full-size truck (gmc sierra, chevy silverado, gmc yukon, chevy tahoe - gmt800 series), and most of them have the same problem. I am told that the issue is with the fuel sending unit.

Filed Aug 3, 2006 · Fuel system · 107,000 miles · AZ

Dt*: the contact stated while driving any speed, the gas gauge goes up and down, and the fuel light flashes. The dealership determined the fuel sending unit needs to be replaced.

Filed Feb 22, 2006 · Fuel system · TX

My gas gauge dances constantly or just stays on empty with gas gauge always on gmc sierra 2001. Sometimes it shows the gas level correctly for about 30 minutes after getting gas then it moves around or goes to empty even though it is not empty.

Filed Jan 11, 2005 · Fuel system · 44,500 miles · AZ

Vehicle stopped running while driving 20 MPH, with a quarter of tank of fuel registered on the fuel gauge. Dealer was notified, and dealer informed consumerthat the vehicle was not covered under a recall.

Filed Dec 18, 2004 · Fuel system · 69,148 miles · AR

I recently purchased a 2001 gmc sierra,the first tank of fuel that was put in the fuel gage jumps from full to empty, it has continued to do this until the current date, I have several people I have talked to in my area with same vehicle with different years 1999-2002, experiencing same problem, was told by mechanics that it is the fuel sending unit, have talked to people who's vehicle"s have shut down because of it, should be a recall on this problem,very unsafe!

Filed Dec 13, 2004 · Fuel system · NM

Fuel gauge has never worked properly( jumps from 1/2 tank to empty) today I was drive on ! 40 east at the posted speed of 75 MPH with 1/2 tank of fuel and the vehicle just shut down, I did get safley to the shoulder, to find I was out of fuel ...I t read 1/2 tank previously I had heard of this happening to other gmc owners in this area but it was their fuel pumps. The dealer says it is the local refinery's falt for additvies in the fuel .. And this is the only area where the fuel system is being affected. My employeer had 2 fuel pumps put in her new gmc yukon in 6 months, at her expense. I do not want to pay for defective parts or an vehicle that is unsafe for the intersate.

Filed Dec 4, 2003 · Engine, Fuel system · 40,000 miles · CA

When the air conditioner (A/C) is used it takes at least eight minutes for the cool air to flow. There is a foul odor coming from the vents that smells like rotten eggs. Also, consumer is concerned with the sound of the engine. Although the vehicle is equipped with a gas engine, it sounds like a diesel engine. There is a irritating noise that occurs intermittently at any speed. The dealer claims that the noise is normal. *ak engine burns 3 qts. Of oil every 3000 miles and the fuel gauge isn't accurate. *ph