1989 Sending unit question
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 333
Likes: 86
From: Hope Mills, NC
1989 Sending unit question
OK so I have a quick question. I replaced the sending unit in my 89 awhile ago with a used unit that I got from a forum member. It has now failed just like my original unit did Ah my fuel gauge shows a full tank at all time. When looking at new sending units online my question is, can anybody tell me the difference between a sending unit for a 1988 versus a 1989? When looking at photos they appear to be the same. Some places list the sending unit as fitting from 1984 through 1996 while others list a 1988 separately from a 1989. I've noticed that the 1988 sending units appear to be a little cheaper then ones listed for 1989 although they look identical. I was just wondering if anybody here can tell me if there is actually a difference between a 1988 versus a 1989 fuel sending unit.
Advanced
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 61
Likes: 15
Hi There,
I have a 1988 and I replaced the sending unit too. From initial research I did when I replaced mine it looks like some years had a different number of pins in the connector or different type connectors. On the 88 there was a 3 pin connector. How many on your 89 ? I think I remember seeing that before 88, sending units had 4 pins connectors, but I can't tell for sure about a 89.
So probably the reason when you see different fitment and application is because the connector is different. If that's the case you would need to splice the wires from your old unit into the new one for proper fitment if you get a mismatched year. Hope it helps
I have a 1988 and I replaced the sending unit too. From initial research I did when I replaced mine it looks like some years had a different number of pins in the connector or different type connectors. On the 88 there was a 3 pin connector. How many on your 89 ? I think I remember seeing that before 88, sending units had 4 pins connectors, but I can't tell for sure about a 89.
So probably the reason when you see different fitment and application is because the connector is different. If that's the case you would need to splice the wires from your old unit into the new one for proper fitment if you get a mismatched year. Hope it helps
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 333
Likes: 86
From: Hope Mills, NC
Mine has a 4 pin connector but only 3 pin locations are used. I figured if the 88 model is the same, I could save a few bucks. Maybe I should just stop being cheap and order the one for an 89 anyway 
Team Owner
Joined: May 2000
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From: Plantation Florida USAF(Retired) 1966-1990
U.S. Air Force
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I can tell you this, when I had my 89, and needed a new sending unit, I ordered and returned three units till I received one that didn't have rust on the unit.
I don't know why they came in looking worst then the one I was replacing.
Also make sure you order gasket, they don't come with one, and when do it right the first time.
I never payed attentions to the pins, but installed a new pump and screen while I had it apart.
I don't know why they came in looking worst then the one I was replacing.
Also make sure you order gasket, they don't come with one, and when do it right the first time.
I never payed attentions to the pins, but installed a new pump and screen while I had it apart.