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. |
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit | Short to Ground | Open/High Resistance | Short to Voltage | Signal Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fuel Level Sensor Reference Voltage Circuit | P0462 | -- | -- | P0461 |
Fuel Level Sensor Signal Circuit | P0462 | P0463 P0464 | P0463 | P0461 |
Fuel Level Sensor Low Reference Circuit | -- | P0463 P0464 | P0463 | P0461 |
Circuit/System Description
The fuel level sensor changes resistance in response to the fuel level. The engine control module (ECM)/powertrain control module (PCM) monitors the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor in order to determine the fuel level. When the fuel tank is full, the sensor resistance is low and the ECM/PCM senses a low signal voltage. When the fuel tank is empty, the sensor resistance is high and the ECM/PCM senses a high signal voltage. The ECM/PCM uses the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor in order to calculate the percentage of remaining fuel in the tank. The ECM/PCM sends the fuel level percentage via the serial data circuit to the body control module (BCM). The BCM sends the fuel level information to the instrument panel cluster via the serial data circuit in order to control the fuel gage and display the fuel level.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
| • | Engine Controls Schematics for the 4.6L engine |
| • | Engine Controls Schematics for the 3.8L engine |
Connector End View Reference
| • | Engine Controls Connector End Views for the 4.6L engine |
| • | Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views for the 3.8L engine |
Electrical Information Reference
Scan Tool Reference
Circuit/System Testing
- Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the fuel level sensor.
- Ignition OFF, test for less than 1 ohm of resistance between the fuel level sensor low reference circuit terminal C and ground.
- Install a Signal Generator and Instrument Panel Tester between the fuel level sensor signal circuit terminal B and the fuel level sensor low reference circuit terminal C.
- 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.
- 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 all circuits test normal, perform the fuel level sensor component test before replacing the fuel level sensor.
| ⇒ | If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuits tests normal, replace the ECM. |
| ⇒ | If not displaying the specified range, test the signal circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit test normal, replace the ECM. |
| ⇒ | If the fuel gage is incorrect, replace the fuel gage. |
Component Testing
- Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the fuel level sensor.
- While sweeping the fuel level sensor through its full range of motion, test for a minimum value of less than 41 ohms and a maximum value greater than 119 ohms of resistance between signal terminal B and the low reference terminal C.
| ⇒ | If not within the specified range, replace the fuel level sensor. |
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.
| • | Fuel Level Sensor Replacement for the 4.6L engine |
| • | Fuel Level Sensor Replacement for the 3.8L engine |
| • | Control Module References for the ECM/PCM and IPC replacement, setup, and programming |
