Low fuel light is on when tank is full

2000 CHEVROLET SILVERADO

120,000 MILES • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC

PEANUTRABBIT

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I just filled up my truck today, first time for about a year or so. Anyway, after ten miles or so my low fuel light comes on and my gas hand goes to E. Has not shut off yet.
When I shift through gears the hand will move, like for a min in showed a 1/4, when parked full.
Before today this has never happened, I thought it might be the fuel pressure regulator, or the gauge itself? This truck in the past has been really bad about starting sometimes, when did it would idle rough for a minute, or sometimes shuts off. I do not know if it is related.
Thanks

May 30, 2010 at 4:09 PM

DANNY L

CERTIFIED EXPERT
5,648 POSTS

Hello, I'm Danny.

It sounds like you are having an issue with the fuel sending unit which is a part of the fuel pump assembly. The fuel sending unit is a potentiometer and yours seems to be failing deeming your gas gauge incorrect. You will have to replace your in-tank fuel pump to replace the sending unit. You will have to drop the fuel tank to gain access to the fuel pump. here is a tutorial showing what is involved on how to replace an in-tank fuel pump:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-electric-fuel-pump

I've attached picture steps below on how to remove and replace both the fuel tank and the fuel pump on your truck. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Dec 24, 2020 at 5:53 PM