Refer to Engine Controls Schematics .
Circuit Description
The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) uses the fuel level input in order to calculate the expected vapor pressures within the fuel system. These vapor pressures vary as the fuel level changes. The vapor pressure is critical in determining if the Evaporative Emissions System is operating properly. The PCM also uses the fuel level in order to determine if the fuel level is too high or too low to be able to accurately detect EVAP system malfunction.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The fuel level sensor should be less than 3.5 percent for more than 25 seconds.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The Failure Records buffers will store this information. |
| • | A history DTC is stored. |
| • | The fuel tank level defaults to 40 percent. |
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
| • | A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm up cycles without a fault. |
| • | The scan tool can clear the DTC. |
Diagnostic Aids
| • | An intermittent problem may be caused by the following conditions: |
| - | Poor electrical connection |
| - | Rubbed through wire insulation |
| - | A wire that is broken inside the wire insulation |
| • | Any circuitry, that is suspected as causing the intermittent complaint, should be thoroughly checked for the following conditions: |
| - | Backed out terminals |
| - | Improper mating |
| - | Broken locks |
| - | Improperly formed or damaged terminals |
| - | Poor terminal to wire connection |
Many situations may lead to an intermittent condition. Perform each inspection or test as directed.
Important: : Remove any debris from the connector surfaces before servicing a component. Inspect the connector gaskets when diagnosing or replacing a component. Ensure that the gaskets are installed correctly. The gaskets prevent contaminate intrusion.
| • | Loose terminal connection |
| - | Use a corresponding mating terminal to test for proper tension. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections , and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems for diagnosis and repair. |
| - | Inspect the harness connectors for backed out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and faulty terminal to wire connection. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections , and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems for diagnosis and repair. |
| • | Damaged harness--Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness inspection does not reveal a problem, observe the display on the scan tool while moving connectors and wiring harnesses related to the sensor. A change in the scan tool display may indicate the location of the fault. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems for diagnosis and repair. |
| • | Inspect the powertrain control module (PCM) and the engine grounds for clean and secure connections. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems for diagnosis and repair. |
If the condition is determined to be intermittent, reviewing the Snapshot or Freeze Frame/Failure Records may be useful in determining when the DTC or condition was identified.
Test Description
Numbers below refer to the step numbers on the Diagnostic Table.
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The Powertrain OBD System Check prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the Freeze Frame and Failure Records data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the malfunction occurred. The information is then stored in the scan tool for later reference.
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Tests for the proper operation of the fuel level circuit in the low voltage range.
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Tests for the proper operation of the fuel level circuit in the high voltage range. If the fuse in the jumper opens when you preform this test, the signal circuit is shorted to ground.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Did you preform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | |||
2 |
Does the scan tool indicate the Fuel Level parameter is within the specified range? | 3.5 %-98 % | Go to Diagnostic Aids | |
Does the scan tool indicate that the fuel level parameter is less than the specified value? | 3.5 % | |||
Does the scan tool indicate the fuel level parameter is greater than the specified value? | 98 % | -- | ||
5 | Test the Fuel level signal circuit for a short to ground. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Wiring Repairs in wiring systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | ||
6 | Replace the Fuel Level sensor. Refer to Fuel Level Sensor Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | -- | |
7 |
Important: : The replacement PCM must be programmed. Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | -- | |
8 |
Does the scan tool indicate that this diagnostic has ran and passed? | -- | System OK |
