Stan, Ronnie, or anyone......

The fuel guage needle on my '98 Tahoe has oddly begun to bounce around a bit and also appears to be vibrating at all times, though it still functions and reads quantity of available fuel in the tank just fine.

Is there a simple R&R fix for this, or do I need to replace the entire $400 instrument cluster?

Thanks in advance for your insight and direction!!

Sounds like your fuel sending unit is going bad. Seen those also on the 99's.

Fuel sending unit and pump replaced just last year.

fishmagnet
you may have to pull the tank back down and check the terminal tension on the plug for the pump,a loose connection will cause that problem and are an instrument cluster starting to go bad.

FYI

Bulletin No.: 04-06-04-088C

Date: August 24, 2006

INFORMATION
Subject:
Replacement of Connector When Replacing Fuel Tank Module/Fuel Pump Module

Models:
1999-2003 Cadillac Escalade
1996-2001 Chevrolet Suburban
1996-2003 Chevrolet Silverado, Tahoe
1996-2001 GMC Suburban, Yukon XL
1996-2003 GMC Sierra, Yukon

1500 Series Vehicles Only

Excludes E85 Flexible Fuel Vehicles (VIN Z - RPO L59) and Diesel Vehicles (VINs F, S, Y, 1 - RPOs L65, L56, L57, LB7)

Supercede:

This bulletin is being revised to provide a technician tip for installing new connector. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 04-06-04-088B (Section 06 - Engine/Propulsion System).

Analysis of returned parts has determined that any residual damage to the connector may result in a voltage drop across the module and can lead to repeat failures. Therefore, GM Engineering is advising technicians to replace the connector anytime the Fuel Tank Module/Fuel Pump Module is replaced.



Not all vehicles were built with the Metri-Pack 150 Connector. Refer to the diagrams for identification of the connectors. This bulletin ONLY applies to vehicles equipped with the Metri-Pack 150 Connector. If the vehicle is equipped with the GT 280 Connector, disregard this bulletin.

Tip

The connector service part number used in this bulletin comes with all white wires. In addition, the connector that comes with the fuel pump assembly has different color wires than the connector currently on the vehicle. Therefore, use the old connector as a wiring map for splicing in new connector.

Do not insert test equipment probes into the connector. The diameter of the test probes will deform most terminals. A deformed terminal will cause a poor connection, which will result in a system failure. To check the integrity of the new splice, the appropriate test probe for this terminal is a Gray J 35616-2A. Do not use paper clips or other substitutes to probe terminals. Using a larger terminal test adapter will damage the terminal.

It is important to use the splice sleeves provided with the connector due to the exposure to moisture. Refer to Splicing Copper Wire Using Splice Sleeves in SI for proper splicing procedures.

Fish, I have the exact same problem after replacing my fuel pump one year ago. When I turn the vehicle on, the needle swings wildly, one side to the other and then settles in to this vibrating mode. I have a '99 Suburban. My replacement pump did come with a new connector which I used. I contacted the pump company and as I suspected, they think it is the instrument cluster (what else were they going to say!). Said something about smoothing out the signal the pump and sending unit send to it. At this point, since the gauge is still reading accurate levels, I'm leaving well enough alone. If you find something else out on yours, please PM me.

I have the same problem on my 99 burban