Circuit Description
The fuel level sensor changes resistance based on fuel level. The instrument panel cluster (IPC) monitors the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor in order to determine fuel level. When the fuel tank is full, the sensor resistance is high and the IPC senses a high signal voltage. When the fuel tank is empty, the sensor resistance is low and the IPC senses a low signal voltage. The IPC uses the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor in order to determine fuel gage position. The IPC sends the fuel level percent via the class 2 serial data circuit to the powertrain control module (PCM) for misfire and evaporative emission (EVAP) diagnostics.
DTC Descriptor
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:
DTC B0532 Fuel Level Sensor Signal Circuit Short to Ground
Conditions for Running the DTC
The ignition is ON.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
| • | The fuel level signal is less than 3.5 percent. |
| • | The above condition is present for greater than 2.5 seconds. |
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
The fuel gage defaults to empty (E).
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
| • | The DTC becomes history when the conditions for setting the DTC are no longer present. |
| • | The IPC receives the clear code command from the scan tool. |
Test Description
The number below refers to the step number on the diagnostic table.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Schematic Reference: Instrument Cluster Schematics | ||||
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information |
2 |
Does the scan tool indicate that the Fuel Tank Level Remaining parameter is less than the specified value? | 4% | Go to Step 3 | Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems |
Does the scan tool indicate that the Fuel Tank Level Remaining parameter is greater than the specified value? | 98% | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 4 | |
4 | Test the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 7 |
5 | Test the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor for a short to ground between C420 and the fuel level sensor. Refer to Circuit Testing and to 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 to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 10 | Go to Step 8 |
7 | Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the instrument panel cluster (IPC). Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and to 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. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 10 | -- |
9 | Replace the IPC. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 10 | -- |
10 |
Does the DTC reset? | -- | Go to Step 2 | System OK |
