I have a 2000 Impala with the 3.4 in it and the fuel gauge is not reading correctly. It was at between 1/4 and 1/2 the other day and I went to put fuel in and could only get about 7.00 in it (I clicked the pump a few times and wound up getting 11.00). I know it should have held more....I am being told the fuel sensor on the fuel pump is bad. The car is running fine and I figured if you have to drop the tank to do the sensor you might as well do the pump too. My question is should I check anything else before spending the big bucks for the sensor and the pump and how big of job is this. I would appreciate any info on this.--Thanks!

 

You do not have to drop the tank, there is a access plate in the trunk floor to get at the fuel pump from the top side of the tank. The pump and fuel gauge sensor unit are one unit. I had the same problem when I had my 2001 Impala. I got a used one from a junk yard and it worked fine for the rest of the cars life.

 

I didn't know about the access plate.....I have heard of people cutting one to avoid dropping the tank. I will pull the carpet back and check it out. This would make it a lot easier. Is it screwed close or how does the panel close?

 

It is a metal plate, kind of oval in shape and held down with about a half a dozen screws. Its near the back of the trunk.