Fuel gauge 1999 Chevy astro van not working properly?

Answer 1

The 99 Chevy Astro fuel gage is driven by a sliding float style potentiometer. As fuel level decreases, the float descends down a helical strip, causing the strip to turn. As it turns, it varies the resistance in the potentiometer, resulting in a current change (and thus voltage change) in the circuit which is reflected on your fuel gauge meter. Several things could be wrong (since the question does not give specifics):.

1-The float has become detached or the helical strip and potentiometer have frozen up. Unfortunately, this requires the removal of the fuel tank (not an easy job) so that the fuel pump and level indicator assembly can be removed from the tank. Secondly, I have not seen a kit to repair just the level assembly...you typically have to purchase an entire fuel pump/level assembly (around $300 depending on where you get it). The plus side to this is that Astro vans are notorious for fuel pump failures, and thus by replacing your level indicator now, you will also be elongating the time before you find yourself sitting on the side of the road with no fuel reaching your engine. 2- You may have an electrical problem. If fuel gage appears to be jumping around (erratic level indication), the potentiometer may be dirty, thus causing an erratic current flow to the meter. See the resolution in statement #1. If the fuel meter is simply sitting on empty at all times, you may have a simple electrical problem (loose connection, bad fuse) or the meter itself may be faulty.