• | 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. |
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 |
The fuel level sender changes resistance based on fuel level. The powertrain 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 evaporative emission (EVAP) diagnostics.
• | The engine is running. |
• | The system voltage is between 10.5-18 volts. |
• | The fuel level signal is less than 0.25 volts. |
• | The above condition is present for at least 60 seconds. |
• | The fuel gage defaults to empty. |
• | The Check Gages indicator illuminates. |
• | The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The PCM displays the failure information in the Failure Records on the scan tool. |
• | 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. |
Use the Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data in order to locate an intermittent condition. If you cannot duplicate the DTC, the information included in the Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data may aid in determining the number of miles since the DTC set. The Fail Counter and Pass Counter can also aid in determining the number of ignition cycles that the diagnostic reported a pass and/or fail. Operate the vehicle within the same freeze frame conditions (RPM, engine load, vehicle speed, temperature, etc.). This will isolate when the DTC failed.
Ignition ON, observe the scan tool Fuel Level Sensor parameter. The reading should be between 1.0 and 2.5 volts.
⇒ | If less than 4.2 volts, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the PCM. |
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.
• | Control Module References for PCM or IPC replacement, setup, and programming |