"Nodule" Gas Gauge: Scam?

[serious II.5]

The fuel gauge in my 2001 LeSabre has been on the fritz for months. Our mechanic said that he would have to replace a "nodule" ( yup, not MODULE but nodule) to the tune of $700. I always thought that "nodules" were growths that are surgically removed.

(In the meantime I am simply watching my trip odometer and, when I get to 300 miles, filling up again. )

Should I get a second opinion about my "nodule problem"?

 

[UncleS2]

Yup, a 2nd or even 3rd opinion- at least I sure would!

 

[T-Keith]

If the gauge is reading bad it can be one of two things, the sending unit or the gauge itself. The sending unit is often not available seperate from the whole in-tank unit from the dealer, and yes it can be expensive. However, the aftermarket usually makes them seperately. Get one from them or used, it should be a lot cheaper.

 

[michaelc80]

I had the gauge on my 94 Dakota do the same thing. It was the sending unit in the tank that was also mounted to the fuel pump. I figured it was easier to replace the entire unit rather than do it again when the fuel pump failed. If I remember correctly it was $400 or so back in 1998 or 1999.

 

[Kestas]

"Nodule"??.... he talks like a guy I knew who went to the hospital because he caught "Ammonia"!

 

[Matt_S]

He's probably talking about the sending unit (which is not an uncommon problem) and he probably thinks he needs to drop the gas tank to get to it. If this is true, you definitely need a second opinion. In your car, according to the factory service manual, there's an access panel under the trunk carpeting to get to the fuel sender and the part is not THAT expensive. I'm thinking about $150 - $200 from a dealer, $75 - $100 used for the part. I doubt there are aftermarket units available for this car (there aren't for my '00 Monte Carlo, either).

I did my own sending unit due to fuel gauge problems and was able to use an access hatch as well. The job is not that hard. I ordered a used one online off an '01 Impala from a site I found through usedpartsfinder.com. junkyarddog.com is another similar site.

Good luck.

 

[kcryan]

Check the blinker fluid

 

[JTK]

He's prolly changed out a few of them cadillac converters in his day too.

Joel

 

[Gary Allan]

Hmm ..wonder if he's done the hind lick manuver.

Hey, so he don't necessarily know proper pronounciation (which oddly enough is properly pronounced - proNUN-C8).

HEY LOL -I was about to say he was frum NuWingland - HEHE.

I'm from Attahborah (Nautahn actually)...we never said anything right. Osteopathic was "ostahpadic". Someone named Howduwalski (spl?) was "Whodousekey". Some have been know to read Diuretics, by Ron L. Hubbard

It's kinda a 'target' thingie. You come close enough to communicate. The butchering of the King's English is okay up theyah ..it's not a sacred act

My mother at the local Kmart: Weighah do yah keep thah yahn?

Salesperson: Jan (as in Jan Hammer)?
Mom: Yah, yahn.
Salesperson: I beg your pardon?
Mom: Yahn.
Salesperon: I'm sorry. I don't understand. Can you spell it please?
Mom: Why A AH EN
Salesperson: Oh!! YARN!!!
Mom: Yah ..yahn
Salesperson: Isle 3 about halfway down.


He's probably figured on taking the tank down and buying the entire in tank assembly. He might not know what's involved with the individual components. He may also not want to disturb anything that he's not replacing. He doesn't need the fuel pump to go bad in 2 weeks and have you blame him for it.

Still, $700 is kind of expensive. I would have leaned more to the $400 side of it (as was mentioned) for all the components being changed out. I don't know the availability of your vehicle though.

[ March 26, 2006, 04:14 AM: Message edited by: Gary Allan ]

 

[Gary Allan]

Oh ..and spelling wasn't high on our list of needs either (for those who noticed)