Fuel Gauge always reads "FULL"

[LeSabre215]

My fuel gauge always reads full. I was told that this was a common problems with Buick's. What is usually the main cause and what can I replace to resolve the issue? My grandfather says fuel pump, but I thought I'd ask on here for more answers before I decide to go out and buy parts.

 

[jerreich]

Re: Fuel Gauge always reads "FULL"

There is a float attached to the fuel pump that sends a message to the gage to tell how much fuel is in the tank. The contacts on that float wear out, and the only way to repair it is to replace it. On the 2000 and up Lesabres, there is an access port in the trunk on the right side near the front of the trunk for replacing the pump. On Lesabres before 2000, the gas tank must be removed. My 01 Lesabre was doing that for three years or more. When I fill up, I reset the trip odometer, and refill around 300 miles. There is a 16 gallon tank, and I average about 25 MPG, so 300 to 350 is safe, I have never run out of gas. Fuel pumps are expensive, and there is a kit to replace the sending unit for around $50. I am going with resetting the trip odometer until the pump fails. Do what you feel will solve your problem, and good luck.

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There is a float attached to the fuel pump that sends a message to the gage to tell how much fuel is in the tank. The contacts on that float wear out, and the only way to repair it is to replace it. On the 2000 and up Lesabres, there is an access port in the trunk on the right side near the front of the trunk for replacing the pump. On Lesabres before 2000, the gas tank must be removed. My 01 Lesabre was doing that for three years or more. When I fill up, I reset the trip odometer, and refill around 300 miles. There is a 16 gallon tank, and I average about 25 MPG, so 300 to 350 is safe, I have never run out of gas. Fuel pumps are expensive, and there is a kit to replace the sending unit for around $50. I am going with resetting the trip odometer until the pump fails. Do what you feel will solve your problem, and good luck.

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What is wrong with this web site? Took almost 3 minutes to post, and it double posted.

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What is wrong with this web site? Took almost 3 minutes to post, and it double posted.

 

[NFortin198]

Jerreich is correct about the fuel level sensor costing about 50.00, but since you have to pull the fuel pump out to replace the sensor, and considering that you probably still have the original pump in the vehicle, I would just replace the whole pump, as most people on here that had the same problem, did. A complete pump with sensor run about 120.00 give or take a few depending on brand. This is definitely a job you don't want to have to do twice if the pump decides to quit.

If you happen to have the access panel in the trunk to gain access to the fuel pump as I did, I found that even though it meant more work, I had an easier time working on removing and installing the pump by completely removing the back seat. In this way, I could work from the passenger compartment while leaving the trunk lid open, allowing more light in an fresh air circulating. If you work from within the trunk, then you must be very careful as gas fumes can build up quickly, particularly when the tank is open.

 

[gnhbodyguy]

I had the same problem. After a while with the odometer monitoring, I got a new sensor and fuel pump since the system was open. It takes a special tool to get off the tank access ring, or some can use a hammer and something else like a screwdriver ( I could not see what the mechanic was doing, I just heard it. I farmed the job out)

It helps to not have a full tank of gas, or anything near that level.

There may be crap on top of the fuel tank to clear out first so it doesn't fall in the tank.