Circuit Description
The instrument cluster monitors the fuel level directly from the fuel level sender on a discrete input. The fuel level sender has a resistance range from 40 ohms (below E) to 250 ohms (above F). The instrument cluster filters the raw fuel level data in order to display the data on the gauge. The instrument cluster has two filter modes.
One filter mode is a slow (heavy) filter. The vehicle uses the slow filter when the vehicle is not in PARK . The slow filter prevents fuel slosh from affecting the fuel gauge display.
The second filter mode is a fast (light) filter. The vehicle uses the fast filter when the vehicle is in PARK. The fast filter allows the fuel gauge display to respond quickly whenever the vehicle is refueling.
The instrument cluster also sends raw fuel level data to the PCM through the class 2 serial data line.
Conditions for Running the DTC
The IPC must be active.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
DTC B0533 sets when the instrument cluster detects that the fuel input is greater than 299 ohms for more than 2.5 seconds. This condition indicates that an open or short to battery voltage exists.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
When the DTC B0533 sets, the following events occur:
| • | The instrument cluster sends a class 2 message to the PCM indicating the condition. |
| • | The instrument cluster does not illuminate the low fuel LED indicator. |
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
The IPC does not detect the failure during the diagnostic self-test.
Diagnostic Aids
The IPC will store the code as current only as long as the failure exists. An intermittent failure will be stored as a history DTC.
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you perform the Instrument Cluster Diagnostic System Check? | -- | Go to Step 2 | |
2 |
Does the fuel gauge display the estimated amount of fuel in the tank? | -- | Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems | Go to Step 3 |
3 |
Does the fuel gauge display E at 40 ohms and display F at 250 ohms? | 40 ohms Empty 250 ohms Full | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 4 |
4 | Test the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor for a short to voltage, a high resistance, or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 5 |
5 | Test the ground circuit of the fuel level sensor for a high resistance or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 6 |
6 | Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the fuel level sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 7 |
7 | Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the instrument panel cluster. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 9 |
8 | Replace the fuel level sensor. Refer to Fuel Level Sensor Replacement in Engine Controls-3.8L. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 10 | -- |
9 | Replace the instrument panel cluster. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 10 | -- |
10 |
Does the DTC reset? | -- | System OK | Go to Step 2 |
