Odd behavior of gas gauge
 

Guys,

My gas gauge is acting up. When the tank is low (which it mostly is, who wants to fill it up if you don't have to?), upon start up, the gauge will swing way past where the gas actually is, then waver up and down a fair bit before settling in on what is approximately the correct reading.

And the "check gauges" light did flash on the other day.

1) Does everyone agree that this is the sender?

2) Anyone want to give me advice on dropping the tank? Besides to not smoke and to get someone else to do it?

I would suggest to spend the money on the proper replacement and do it once. Dont waste your money on ebay parts or used stuff. You'll be redoing it sooner than you expect. Good luck!

It depends on what year it is. The newer ones have the sender as part of the fuel pump, and gauge issues sometimes mean the need for a new fuel pump.

Mine is a 2000. So what sort of aggravation am I into?

You could try a fuel sender cleaner first.
GM Fuel System Cleaner Plus is supposed to do this.
Jim

2000 is one that is both pump and sender in one. Get the part online. It's much cheaper. I like GMPartsDirect and Rock Auto. But it's not an easy job. The tank must come out. You could try the cleaner route. Either that GM one, or I suggest BG's 44K. But my guess is that if a cleaner does anything, it'll only buy you months. And when the pump fails, your van won't start, and you may smell gas.