Fuel gauge dead after replacing fuel pump

[gmac310]

So I decided to tackle replacing my fuel pump this weekend after smelling gas fumes for the last couple of months because of the top being corroded. Everything went well and I even replaced the filler neck too while I was under there seeing it was pretty corroded too. Took it out for a test drive and to fill the tank since I let it run down to lighten the tank. When I filled up the gas gauge still read empty and the light was still on for low fuel but the chime didn't ding. Now here's the weird part, my interior lights also don't work. I checked the fuse and it was blown so I replaced it and that one blew right away too so I know I have a dead short somewhere. I plan on dropping the tank again next weekend but my question is are the two somehow related or is it just a coincidence? The lights were working during the fuel pump replacement just not after when I drove it. Is there a harness under there for the lights that I could have pinched? I also need to figure out why my gage doesn't work, I assuming that maybe the arm is caught up on something in the tank.

 

[The_Roadie]

Which exact interior lights and fuse were the problem? Dimmable dash lights, or overhead door-open dome lights?

 

[gmac310]

Which exact interior lights and fuse were the problem? Dimmable dash lights, or overhead door-open dome lights?

It was the overhead door-open lights. The map light portion works fine just the dome lights don't work and a soon as I replace the fuse, pow it takes out the replacement so I know there's a short somewhere.

 

[DDonnie]

It was the overhead door-open lights. The map light portion works fine just the dome lights don't work and a soon as I replace the fuse, pow it takes out the replacement so I know there's a short somewhere.

Spoiler

I think the solution is to keep adding bigger fuses until they stop blowing

Of course, i'm kidding, that is a terrible idea.

On a serious note, about how long did the job take if you don't mind me asking?

 

[gmac310]

Well got the fuel pump situation straightened out. Had to drop the tank again to figure it out. Seems the Airtex pump module has a slight design flaw. Like all GM (and possibly others) fuel pump modules, when you install the pump in the tank it compresses springs on the pump to ensure the pump is tight to the bottom of the tank. When mine did that, the supply line from the pump would form a large loop and cause the float arm to hang up on it. Took awhile to notice it since removing the lock-down ring would cause the pump module to spring back up and the gauge would start to work. Anyway simply turning the tube and rerouting it has cured the problem. The dome lights are another story, needless to say they're working now too!