GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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.

Circuit/System Description

The fuel level sender changes resistance based on the fuel level. The engine control module (ECM) 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 low and the ECM senses a low signal voltage. When the fuel tank is empty, the sender resistance is high and the ECM senses a high signal voltage. The ECM uses the signal circuit of the fuel level sender in order to calculate the total remaining fuel percent in the tank. The ECM sends the fuel level message via the serial data circuit to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) display on the fuel gage.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

    •  Instrument Cluster Schematics
    •  Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console Connector End Views
    •  Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views

Description and Operation

    •  Instrument Cluster Description and Operation
    •  Fuel System Description
    •  Powertrain Control Module Description

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Output Controls
    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the fuel level sensors. Install a signal generator and instrument panel tester between the signal circuit and the low reference circuit.
  2. Ignition ON, vary the resistance on the signal generator from 40-250 ohms. Verify that the scan tool Fuel Tank Level Remaining parameter displays the correct fuel level percent.
  3. If the fuel level percent is incorrect, test the signal circuit and the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuits test normal, replace the ECM.
  4. Ignition ON, vary the resistance on the signal generator from 40-250 ohms and monitor the fuel gage.
  5. If the gage is incorrect, replace the IPC.
  6. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the fuel level sensors.

Component Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, remove the fuel level senders and verify that there are no obstructions interfering with the fuel level senders.
  2. If any interference is present, repair the fuel sender interference.
  3. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the fuel level sensors.
  4. While sweeping the primary fuel level sensor through its full range of motion, test for a minimum value less than 41 ohms and a maximum value greater than 119 ohms between the signal circuit and the low reference circuit.
  5. If not within the specified range, replace the primary fuel level sensor.
  6. While sweeping the secondary fuel level sensor through its full range of motion, test for a minimum value less than 41 ohms and a maximum value greater than 119 ohms between signal circuit and the low reference circuit.
  7. If not within the specified range, replace the secondary fuel level sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Primary Fuel Tank Module Replacement
    •  Secondary Fuel Tank Module Replacement
    •  Control Module References for ECM or IPC replacement, setup, and programming