A Volvo 240 & a Chevy Silverado
A fuel level sensor float and a transmission shifting problem.
Aug 23, 2007
This weekly Q&A session answers your questions about cars and trucks. This week explores a 1988 Volvo 240 with a couple of problems and a 1991 Chevy Silverado with transmission problem.
Question: 1988 Volvo 240 DL
Hello,
My name is Paul Hylind and I have an old 1988 Volvo 240 DL with about 169,000 miles on it. Engine runs perfectly, but I'm starting to experience problems everywhere else.
I have a couple of questions I hope you can help me with.
First, I recently changed the fuel pump in my gas tank, but had trouble removing the entire 'stem' (with sending unit, pump, etc,) through the access hole in the top of the fuel tank accessible through the trunk. While removing the entire stem, I somehow, knocked off the float. It dropped back into the tank and I have not been able to find it in order to remove or reattach it. In any case, I plan to leave it in the tank and go to a junkyard to get another float. My question is, how do I attach the float to the sending unit float arm and get it back into the tank through the little access hole in the gas tank? Is there a trick to doing that? The stem components barely fit through the access hole that I am forced to apply a little pressure on the sending unit float arm just to get it through the hole. With the float on the arm, I'm guessing that I will not get the whole intact unit through the hole.
Second, I recently had my odometer and trip counter stop working. The speedometer continues to work without a problem. My first thought was that the cable may have broken, but if the speedometer works, then I assume the cable is working fine. My second thought was that I might need to replace the whole speedometer assembly. Is there a way to narrow down the problem that you could suggest? Is there a way to test the cable and/or the odometer in the speedometer assembly? Is there some other component I should consider or test?
I would appreciate your help, expertise, and any insight you might be able to give me.
Thank you,
Paul
Answer:
The fuel level sending unit float was never designed to be replaced, it is almost unheard of one ever going bad. It is a matter of seeing how it was attached and, if possible, reattach it in the same manner. Otherwise the whole fuel level sending unit will need to be replaced.
If the speedometer, trip counter and cruise control all work, then the odometer itself is bad. That odometer is not replaceable in itself; the whole speedometer assembly must be replaced. When replacing the odometer, an information sticker, p/n 9128766-4, must be completed. Fill in the appropriate date and mileage/kilometers on the sticker and apply the sticker to a clean area on the driver's door edge.
Information regarding the replacement of the odometer should also be entered in the Maintenance Records Booklet.
Question: 1991 Chevy Silverado
We have a 1991 Chevy Silverado that is showing signs of transmission problems. We are not sure if the transmission needs rebuilding or not. It started with not shifting smoothly from gear to gear. Now it does not want to go into high gear and won't go over 60 mph. Do you have any thoughts?
Thanks,
Tony Ross
Answer:
About all you can do at this point is to eliminate the possibility of a clogged transmission filter. Drop the transmission pan and remove the old filter. Install a new filter and refill the transmission. Do not get a transmission flush; just replace the fluid that came out with the filter. If that does not solve the problem the best thing to do is have your local Chevy Dealer drive the vehicle with you and try to determine if it is an internal transmission problem or an electrical problem.
That’s all for this week. Feel free to browse the archives for past topics. And, as always, if you are stuck and need an immediate answer you can always call Vince on the phone.
