Gas Gauge Acts Crazy

Gas Gauge Not Performing right

Jeep Grand Cherokee, Nut'zy Gas Gauge

Q: The gas gauge on 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee will drop to empty then return to 3/4 to 1/2 tank every so often or until I fill it up or the gauge goes below half tank. The dealer said I need a new pump but there isn't anything else going on. Any suggestions?

- Salvatore T.

A: Your vehicle is notorious for gas gauge problems. In fact, there was a safety recall that affected about 400,000 Jeeps including the Jeep Grand Cherokee built in ‘97. The problem was the gas gauge would report that there was enough fuel when, in reality, there was not enough fuel and the vehicle would be dead on the side of the road. I’m not sure that your Jeep qualifies for this recall but it is worth checking into. Also, you’re not being told the whole story. If your Jeep dealer checks his/her Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) they will find TSB# 08-19-97 that provides the part number for a replacement fuel sending unit that is sold separately. The TSB goes on to identify which of the 3 possible replacement part numbers that would fit your Jeep. The gas tank still has to be removed to service this part, but it is at a considerable savings to the vehicle owner compared to buying the complete fuel pump module. The fuel pump module is a new fuel pump and sending unit all together and is a bit on the pricey side. One last note, if your fuel pump has 100k and has not be replaced I would suggest installing the complete module. About any fuel pump with that kind of mileage is living on borrowed time.