GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2006 🢒 Rainier 🢒 Vehicle Control Systems 🢒 Vehicle DTC Information 🢒 DTC P0461

Circuit Description

The powertrain control module (PCM) monitors the signal circuit of the fuel level sender in order to determine fuel level. The sender consists of a variable resistor that changes resistance based on the fuel level in the tank. The PCM monitors the voltage across the sender resistance in order to determine the fuel level. The PCM uses the signal circuit of the fuel level sender in order to calculate the total remaining fuel, in percent. The PCM sends the fuel level percent via the serial data circuit to the instrument cluster in order to control the fuel gage. The fuel level information is also used for misfire and evaporative emission (EVAP) diagnostics.

This diagnostic tests for a stuck fuel level sender signal. The PCM sets this DTC if the fuel level sender signal appears to be stuck based on a lack of signal variation expected during normal operation.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0461 Fuel Level Sensor Performance

Conditions for Running the DTC
    • The ignition is ON.
    • The PCM has confirmed that the fuel tank is between 15-85 percent full.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The PCM does not detect a change in fuel level of at least 3.0L (0.79 gal) over a distance of 320 km (200 mi).

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The fuel gage defaults to empty.
    • The low fuel indicator illuminates.
    • The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The PCM stores 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.
    • The PCM receives the clear code command from the scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids
    • Use the Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data in order to locate an intermittent condition. If you cannot duplicate the DTC, the information included in the Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data may aid in determining the number of miles since the DTC set. The Fail Counter and Pass Counter can also aid in determining the number of ignition cycles that the diagnostic reported a pass and/or fail. Operate the vehicle within the same Freeze Frame conditions (RPM, engine load, vehicle speed, temperature, etc.). This will isolate when the DTC failed.
    • Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .

Step

Action

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

2
  1. Remove the fuel level sender.
  2. Inspect for the following items:
    3. • A stuck fuel level sender (i.e. the fuel strainer interfering with the sender float arm)
    • Foreign material in the fuel tank (ice)

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

Replace the fuel level sender. Refer to the following:

    •  Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement for the 4.2L engine
    •  Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement for the 5.3L engine
    •  Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement for the 6.0L engine

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 4

--

4
  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

Go to Step 2

System OK