Chevrolet Repair: chevy 1500 fuel gage, chilton manual, chevy 1500

Question
I have a 2001 Chevey 1500 crew cab short bed 6L,w/ 24gal tank.  The fuel gage works occaisonally, but keeps dropping to empty. It will not be working then all of a sudden it will jump back up and read for a few minutes then drop again. Is this a common proble?.  Where would you suggest I start (the sending unit in the tank or is there a relay or ground I can check).  Thanks for your assistance.  

Answer
Hi Jeff,
There is a ground near the fuel tank, but it is the same one for the fuel pump, so if that is running, that ground should be ok.
There is a ground under the dash for the instrument cluster, but if loose, it should also effect the other gauges.
I would find a Motors or Chilton manual, and follow the proceedure for testing the gauges.

Van