Diagnostic Instructions
| • | Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure. |
| • | Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach. |
| • | Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category. |
DTC Descriptor
DTC P0461: Fuel Level Sensor PerformanceDiagnostic Fault Information
Circuit | Short to Ground | Open/High Resistance | Short to Voltage | Signal Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fuel Level Sensor Reference Voltage Circuit | P0462 | -- | -- | P0461 |
Fuel Level Sensor Signal Circuit | P0462 | P0463 P0464 1 | P0463 | P0461 |
Fuel Level Sensor Low Reference Circuit | -- | P0463 P0464 1 | P0463 | P0461 |
1. Fuel Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative | ||||
Circuit Description
The fuel level sender changes resistance based on fuel level. The engine control module (PCM) monitors the signal circuit of the fuel level sender in order to determine fuel level. When the fuel tank is full, the sender resistance is high and the PCM senses a high signal voltage. When the fuel tank is empty, the sender resistance is low and the PCM senses a low signal voltage. The PCM uses the signal circuit of the fuel level sender in order to calculate the total remaining fuel percent in the tank. The PCM sends the fuel level percent via the class 2 serial data circuit to the instrument cluster in order to control the fuel gage. The fuel level information is also used for misfire and EVAP diagnostics.
This diagnostic tests for a stuck primary fuel level sensor signal. The PCM sets this DTC if the primary fuel level sensor signal appears to be stuck based on a lack of signal variation expected during normal operation.
Conditions for Running the DTC
| • | The engine is running. |
| • | No other fuel level sensor signal failure is present. |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
| • | The PCM does not detect a change in fuel level in the primary fuel tank of at least 1.0L (0.246 gal). |
| • | The difference between fuel consumed by the engine and a change in fuel level signal exceeds 46 percent. |
| • | The above condition is present for at least 300 seconds. |
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The fuel gage defaults to empty. |
| • | The driver information center (DIC) displays the FUEL LEVEL LOW message. |
| • | The PCM records the operating conditions at the time that the diagnostic test fails. The PCM displays the failure information in the Failure Records on the scan tool. |
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
| • | The DTC becomes history when the conditions for setting the DTC are no longer present. |
| • | The history DTC clears after 40 malfunction-free warm-up cycles. |
| • | The PCM receives the clear code command from the scan tool. |
Diagnostic Aids
Use the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data in order to locate an intermittent condition. If you cannot duplicate the DTC, the information included in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data may help in determining the number of miles since the DTC set. The Fail Counter and Pass Counter can also help in determining the number of ignition cycles that the diagnostic test reported a pass and/or fail. Operate the vehicle within the same freeze frame conditions, including those for RPM, for engine load, for vehicle speed, for temperature, and for others. This will isolate at what point the DTC failed.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Connector End View Reference
Electrical Information Reference
Scan Tool Reference
Circuit/System Testing
- Ignition OFF, remove the fuel level sender and verify that there is no obstructions interfering with the fuel level sender.
- If no interference is present, replace the fuel level sender.
| ⇒ | If interference is present, remove the obstruction. |
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.
| • | Control Module References for PCM or IPC replacement, setup, and programming |
