e36 Fuel Gage & Range display "stuck"
 

I filled up the other day at about 1/4 tank, but gage and range indication kept indicating the 1/4 tank...progressing to warning light and 51 miles range. I was going to San Diego and back, and my gage then read empty and range____ . I pulled over twice during this time and shut down, removed the key and restarted. Still "Empty, Low fuel light and ____"
range. This is 3 days now. I have opened and closed the fuel cap several times, checked wires in the trunk for what ever. Please tell me a simpler solution than pulling the fuel pump and sending unit!!??!!?? thanks