Savana 2500 2WD V6-4.3L VIN X (2004)
Fuel Tank Unit: Description and Operation
FUEL SENDER ASSEMBLY
The fuel sender assembly consists of the following major components:
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The fuel level sensor (6)
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The fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor (1)
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The fuel pump module (2)
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The fuel strainer (3)
FUEL LEVEL SENSOR
The fuel level sensor consists of a float, a wire float arm, and a ceramic resistor card. The position of the float arm indicates the fuel level. The fuel
level sensor contains a variable resistor which changes resistance in correspondence with the position of the float arm. The control module sends the
fuel level information via the Class 2 circuit to the instrument panel cluster (IPC). This information is used for the IPC fuel gage and the low fuel
warning indicator, if applicable. The control module also monitors the fuel level input for various diagnostics.
FUEL PUMP
The fuel pump is mounted in the fuel sender assembly reservoir. The fuel pump is an electric high-pressure pump. Fuel is pumped to the fuel injection
system at a specified flow and pressure. Excess fuel from the fuel injection system returns to the fuel tank through the fuel return pipe. The fuel pump
delivers a constant flow of fuel to the engine even during low fuel conditions and aggressive vehicle maneuvers. The control module controls the
electric fuel pump operation through a fuel pump relay. The fuel pump flex pipe acts to dampen the fuel pulses and noise generated by the fuel pump.
FUEL STRAINER
The fuel strainer attaches to the lower end of the fuel sender. The fuel strainer is made of woven plastic. The functions of the fuel strainer are to filter
contaminants and to wick fuel. The fuel strainer normally requires no maintenance. Fuel stoppage at this point indicates that the fuel tank contains an
abnormal amount of sediment or contamination.
