Gas guage too active

**jpalms** · 01-05-2011

MY 1997 has the problem that anything under a quarter tank (only a needle's width away from the 1/4 mark) the "low gas warning system" kicks in. I see on the "differences list" on the 1998 section is says "fixed the problem with the fuel level sending unit" Is this the same problem and can I just put in a 1998 or later sending unit to solve this?

**Blackbird87** · 01-05-2011

Filling the tank would fix the issue and maybe make your fuel pump last longer

**EJOUIE** · 01-05-2011

these cars seem to scream bloody murder for gas when the tank is 2/3 empty.not just the 97. I just fill it up when I've used about 13.5 gallons.

**cerick08GP** · 01-05-2011

I’d wait until the light comes on again, and then go fill it up right way. Then compare the gallons filled with the usable gas tank volume from your owner’s manual. This is just a hunch, but I’d bet the light is coming on when it is supposed to. I say this because my 03GP gas gauge was less than linear.

Oh, and 3x on keeping the gas tank on the high side. Keeping the tank fuller will protect the fuel pump from over heating, and it will minimize fuel tank rusting.

**Red Devil** · 01-05-2011

I'd put money on it being the sending unit which is also part of the fuel pump. I use to work for g.m and this is a pretty common issue with all there car's on the road today. Wait for the fuel pump to fail or if it bug's you that much, just replace it and be done with it.

**BillBoost37** · 01-05-2011

Bonnevilles had a similar issue in 97. GM did a change and to my knowledge that made the sender have a larger resistance value swing. Say 97 is 0-90 ohms and 98 would be something like 0-255 ohms. This means you probably can't use the sender. Checking the info in the FSM would tell you for sure though.

Also .. afterthought here.. 97 didn't have the pressure sensor on the pump did it?