I have been having a problem lately with my fuel gauge. All other gauges work fine. The gauge will fluctuate greatly, to the point where it will show full even when i know it is almost empty. Also, my traction seems to be coming on for no reason, usually from a stop and even on absolutely dry pavement. Could these issues be linked? I was reading through here about stepper motor replacement, and i think i could handle that, but is there any way to be sure that is my problem?

 

If it's just reading wrong, it's probably the fuel level sender. Which on these cars there's an easy access door for it.

Traction control is usually a wheel hub assembly sending bad signals.

 

Thanks Chibi. Is the access for the fuel sender through the trunk?

 

yes the access door is through the trunk right behind the rear seat

 

Thanks turbomonte. Now I have another question/problem I need help figuring out. Lately, my 3.8 has been acting strange. At lower speeds/rpms, it will try and stall out, then rev high and act normal. It happens whether the a/c is on or off, no check engine light, and when you get it to about 70mph or above 2200 rpms, runs great. I have had a few ideas thrown at me (IAC motor, MAf sensor, possible ignition coil going bad). The fuel gauge also shows erratic behavior. This morning when I pulled into work, it was raining so I let it idle for a couple mimutes. It did the stall/rev thing, and the fuel gauge was all over the place. After the second time of the rev problem, the fuel gauge reset to what should have been in the tank, and the car idled fine before i shut it off. It almost feels like the electrical system is trying to shut down, but then resets before it stalls, although it did stall out at idle, in gear with a/c on yesterday in traffic. Turned the key and it started right up both times. Is my Monte possessed? Could this be a BCM problem like the ones i have heard about, but not with these exact symptoms? Do I need an excorcism on my car?

 

OK, finally threw a check engine light for the MAF sensor. Replaced it, and she is as good as new. Going to work on the fuel gauge soon. Thanks for all the useful input.