GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The fuel level sender changes resistance based on the 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 sensor resistance is low and the PCM senses a low signal voltage. When the fuel tank is empty, the sensor resistance is high and the PCM senses a high signal voltage. The PCM uses the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor in order to calculate the total remaining fuel percent in the tank. The PCM sends the fuel level message via the GMLAN serial data circuit to the body control module (BCM). The BCM sends the fuel level message via the GMLAN serial data circuit to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) in order to control the fuel gages. The fuel level information is also used for misfire and evaporative emission (EVAP) diagnostics.

This diagnostic tests for an intermittent fuel level sensor signal. If a change in fuel level is detected, the engine-off natural vacuum small leak test DTC P0442 is aborted due to a refueling event. Before aborting DTC P0442 a refueling event test is executed to confirm that a refueling event has occurred. If refueling is confirmed, the test is considered a pass. Otherwise, the DTC P0464 sets indicating an intermittent signal problem. Refer to Fuel Level Specifications in order to verify the correct fuel level sender readings.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0464 Fuel Level Sensor Circuit Intermittent

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is OFF.
    • DTC P0442 is running.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The fuel level change is greater than 10 percent during engine off test.
    • The above condition is present for greater than 30 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • DTC P0442 is aborted.
    • 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.

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 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, i.e. RPM, engine load, vehicle speed, temperature, etc. This will isolate when the DTC failed.
        Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .
    • If the DTC sets without a refueling event, refer to Fuel Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative .