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.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0464: Fuel Level Sensor 1 Circuit Intermittent

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 serial data circuit to the body control module (BCM). The BCM sends the fuel level information via serial data messages to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) in order to control the fuel gage.

This diagnostic tests for an intermittent fuel level sensor signal. If a change in fuel level is detected, DTC P0442 is aborted due to a possible refueling event. If refueling is confirmed, the test for DTC P0464 is considered a pass. The refueling event test must pass 2 out of 3 times, otherwise, the DTC P0464 will set indicating an intermittent signal problem.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The ignition is OFF.
    • DTC P0442 is running.
    • DTC P0464 runs and fails 2 out of 3 test cycles.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The fuel level change is greater than 10 percent.
    • The above condition is present for less than 30 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • DTC P0442 is aborted.
    • The ECM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The ECM displays the failure information in the Failure Records on the scan tool.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The DTC becomes history when the conditions for setting the DTC are no longer present.
    • The history DTC clears after 40 malfunction-free warm-up cycles.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

    •  Instrument Cluster Schematics
    •  Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Displays and Gages Connector End Views
    •  Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views for the 3.8L engine
    •  Engine Controls Connector End Views for the 4.6L engine

Electrical Information Reference

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

Scan Tool Reference

Scan Tool Data List

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the fuel level sensor.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1 ohm of resistance between the fuel level sensor low reference circuit terminal C and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuits tests normal, replace the ECM.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. If not displaying the specified range, test the signal circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuit test normal, replace the ECM.
  7. If all circuits test normal, perform the fuel level sensor component test before replacing the fuel level sensor.

Component Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the fuel level sensor.
  2. 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.
  3. 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
    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming