Fuel Gauge Problem @ 93000 miles

Suddenly,my 2001 Chrysler Voyager's fuel gauge will not go lower than
half full. My corner mechanic said it could be the gauge or something
(sender?) in the tank. Tracking it down or fixing it sounds $$$? I
don't mind keep track of my mileage, but my wife wants a working gas
gauge. Any suggestions?
This is a great site. Thanks.

 

Cheap, backyard mechanic test would be to get another gauge (the part you
see) from a junkyard and connect it temporarily (don't bother yet trying to
install it into the dash). If it works properly, you have your answer -- and
your replacement part. If it still doesn't work right, you're looking at the
sending unit (which is *inside* the gas tank -- hence the labor cost for
draining the tank, dropping it along with anything else in the way,
replacing & resealing the new unit, and re-installing everything that was
removed). Good luck (my money's on your problem being the sending unit...)