Circuit Description
The right fuel level sensor, mounted in the rear side of the right fuel tank, measures fuel level changes within the right fuel tank. The fuel level sensor 2 has a signal, a ground, and a circuit.
When the fuel level is high the sensor signal voltage is high. When the fuel level is low the sensor signal voltage is low.
The PCM uses inputs from the fuel level sensor 1 and the fuel level sensor 2 in order to calculate the total fuel remaining in both fuel tanks. The system sends this information via the serial data to the IPC. This information displays on the fuel gauge.
This diagnostic tests for a stuck fuel level sensor 2 signal. If the PCM determines that the fuel level (right tank) signal appears to be stuck based on a lack of signal variation expected during normal operation, this DTC sets.
The following is a description on how the fuel pump/system functions: An electric high pressure fuel pump attaches to the fuel sender assembly inside the left fuel tank. The in-tank fuel pump supplies fuel through an in pipe fuel filter/pressure regulator assembly to the fuel rail. The fuel pressure supplied by the fuel pump exceeds the fuel injectors required pressure. The fuel pressure regulator, which is part of the fuel filter assembly, regulates the fuel pressure supplied to the fuel injectors. Excess fuel returns from the fuel filter/regulator, through a separate fuel return pipe, to the left fuel tank. The fuel pump delivers a constant flow of fuel to the engine even during low fuel conditions and aggressive vehicle maneuvers. The PCM controls the electric fuel pump operation through a fuel pump relay.
The left tank fuel pump also supplies a small amount of pressurized fuel to the right fuel tank siphon jet pump through the auxiliary fuel feed rear pipe. The pressurized fuel creates a venturi action inside the siphon jet pump. The venturi action causes the fuel to be drawn out of the right fuel tank. Fuel is then transferred from the right fuel tank to the left fuel tank through the auxiliary fuel return rear pipe. The fuel system is designed to maintain a greater level in the left fuel tank then the right fuel tank when the electric fuel pump is operating. The fuel transfer rate from the left fuel tank to the right fuel tank is less than the transfer rate from the right fuel tank to the left fuel tank. Therefore, with the electric fuel pump operating, the left fuel tank level should be higher than the right fuel tank level.
The fuel level in the fuel tanks equalize when the following occur:
| • | The electric fuel pump is not operating. |
| • | The fuel level is greater than 50 percent. |
Conditions for Running the DTC
The engine is operating.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
| • | The fuel level sensor voltage is below 0.39 volts. |
| • | The above conditions present for greater than 2.0 minutes. |
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The PCM stores the DTC information into memory when the diagnostic runs and fails. |
| • | The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will not illuminate. |
| • | The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The PCM stores this information in the Failure Records. |
| • | The vehicle fuel gauge displays empty. |
| • | The Check Gauge lamp illuminates. |
| • | The Driver Information Center displays a message. |
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
| • | A last test failed, or current DTC, clears when the diagnostic runs and does not fail. |
| • | A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other non-emission related diagnostic. |
| • | Use a scan tool in order to clear the DTC. |
Diagnostic Aids
Important:
• Remove any debris from the PCM connector surfaces before servicing
the PCM. Inspect the PCM connector gaskets when diagnosing/replacing
the module. Ensure that the gaskets are installed correctly. The
gaskets prevent contaminate intrusion into the PCM. • For any test that requires probing the PCM or a component
harness connector, use the Connector Test Adapter Kit J 35616
. Using this kit prevents damage
to the harness/component terminals. Refer to
Using Connector Test Adapters
in Wiring Systems.
| • | Depending on the current fuel level, it may be difficult to locate a malfunctioning sending unit. The malfunction may only occur when the fuel level is full or near empty. The fuel sending unit may need to be removed for further diagnosis. A fuel level sensor that has an intermittent condition causes this DTC to set. Remove the fuel level sensor refer to Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement in order to test the resistance of the sensor. The resistance of the sensor should change from 40 to 250 ohms. Replace the sensor if the resistance did not change or was out of range. |
| Important: When inspecting for a deformed or warped fuel tank, measure the resistance of the suspect fuel level sensor at empty, with the sensor in the fuel tank, and again with the sensor removed from the fuel tank. The measured resistance values should be same empty. If the measured resistance values are not the same, refer to Fuel Tank Replacement in Engine Controls. |
| • | If the fuel level sensor is operating OK, test the operation of the Jet Pump. |
| • | The voltages in the Fuel Level Conversion Table are approximate values. Use this table to aid in diagnosis. |
Fuel Level Conversion Table | ||
|---|---|---|
Approximate Values | ||
Fuel Level | Left Tank voltage | Right Tank Voltage |
100% | 2.5V | 2.5 |
75% | 2.5V | 1.5V |
50% | 2.5V | Less than 1.0V |
25% | 1.7V | Less than 1.0V |
0% | Less than 1.0V | Less than 1.0V |
For an intermittent condition, refer to Symptoms .
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the Diagnostic Table.
Step | Action | Values | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check ? | -- | ||
Is the Fuel Level sensor voltage below the specified value? | 0.39V | |||
3 |
Does the scan tool indicate that this diagnostic failed this ignition? | -- | Go to Diagnostic Aids | |
4 |
Is the Fuel Level sensor voltage below the specified value? | 0.39V | ||
5 |
Is the Fuel Level sensor signal circuit grounded ? | -- | ||
6 | Repair the grounded Fuel Level signal circuit between the PCM connector and the Fuel Level sensor. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
7 | Replace the Fuel Level sensor. Refer to Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
8 |
Important: Program the replacement PCM. Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
9 |
Does the scan tool indicate that this test ran and passed? | -- | ||
10 | Select the Capture Info option and the Review Info option using the scan tool. Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed? | -- | Go to the applicable DTC | System OK |
