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 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 remaining fuel level percent in the tank. The ECM sends the fuel level message via the serial data circuit to the body control module (BCM). The BCM sends the fuel level percent to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) via the serial data circuit for display on the fuel gage.

Schematic Reference

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Instrument Cluster Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Special Tools

J 33431-C Instrument Panel Tester

Ignition ON, observe the scan tool Fuel Tank Level Remaining parameter. The reading should be between 4 percent and 98 percent.

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the fuel level sensor.
2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1 ohm between the low reference circuit terminal C and ground.

⇒	If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuits tests normal, replace the ECM.

3. Install a Signal Generator and Instrument Panel Tester between the signal circuit terminal D and the low reference circuit terminal C.
4. Ignition ON, vary the signal generator resistance between 40 and 250 ohms. Verify that the scan tool Fuel Tank Level Remaining parameter displays a range that varies between 5 and 95 percent as the signal generator resistance changes.

⇒	If not within the specified range, test the signal circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit test normal, replace the ECM.

5. Vary the signal generator resistance between 40 and 250 ohms. Verify that the fuel gage displays a range that varies between empty and full as the signal generator resistance changes.

⇒	If the gage is incorrect, replace the IPC.

6. If all circuits test normal, perform the fuel level sensor component test before replacing the fuel level sensor.

1. Ignition OFF, remove the fuel level sender.
2. While sweeping the fuel level sensor through its full range of motion, test for a minimum resistance value of less than 41 ohms and a maximum value greater than 119 ohms between the signal terminal D and the low reference terminal C.

⇒	If not within the specified range, replace the fuel level sensor.

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.