1997 Park Avenue Fuel Gauge

My fuel gauge is intermitant depending on how much fuel is in the tank. Rather than pull the tank to get at the sending unit, I had heard there is an access door somewhere in the trunk or perhads near the rear wheel. Any further information or experience would be appreciated. Thx...Dave

On the '97 LeSabre/PA I think you have to drop the gas tank. The access cover in the trunk behind the rear passenger seat showed up in the 2000 and up models at least on the LeSabre.

But check out this old thread which claims there is an access cover on '97 PA. Also, info concerning replacing the level sending unit.

Click here (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=669598&highlight=fuel+pump)

Thanks for the speedy answer. I had seen that thread but the access cover wasn't apparent when I looked for it. I expect I'll also have trouble getting the pump/sending unit out of the tank too, but I'd prefer not to drop the tank.

You're welcome. Best way to tell is remove or set aside the trunk carpet liner and take a peek just to be sure.

I had to change my fuel pump in a 97 PA and I will tell you there is an access cover under the carpet.Up toward the the backseat a little to the right.(lost my photos)There will be 6 or 7 screws holding the cover down and you need to pry it up with a screw driver.It's sealed off with a soft seal gasket.
For safety.Remove the battery cable.
All you will need to remove the fuel lines is a pair of needle nose pliers to squeeze the clips.Unplug the electrical connector.
Then you will need a heavy punch and hammer to remove the retaining ring.
counterclockwise will remove it.You will have to put some strength behind it.
I used a 5 lb. short handle hammer and a brass punch to prevent sparks.
There is a tool you can buy,but expensive.

Goodluck:biggrin:

I had to change my fuel pump in a 97 PA and I will tell you there is an access cover under the carpet.Up toward the the backseat a little to the right.(lost my photos)There will be 6 or 7 screws holding the cover down and you need to pry it up with a screw driver.It's sealed off with a soft seal gasket.
For safety.Remove the battery cable.
All you will need to remove the fuel lines is a pair of needle nose pliers to squeeze the clips.Unplug the electrical connector.
Then you will need a heavy punch and hammer to remove the retaining ring.
counterclockwise will remove it.You will have to put some strength behind it.
I used a 5 lb. short handle hammer and a brass punch to prevent sparks.
There is a tool you can buy,but expensive.

Goodluck:biggrin:

Thanks so much for the experience and detailed answer.

Good luck on doing the job-I thought I had easy access to my Fuel pump on a 1996 Park Avenue.I cut the panel out in the trunk and found out it does not give you access to the pump so I had to drop my tank. I guess they just started putting the panels above the fuel pump in 1997 models.