GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The engine control module (ECM) uses the signal from the fuel level sensor to calculate expected vapor pressure within the fuel system. Vapor pressure varies as the fuel level changes. The fuel level signal also used to determine if the fuel level is too high or too low to be able to detect evaporative emission (EVAP) system faults. This DTC detects a continuous short to low or open in either the signal circuit or the fuel level sensor.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The fuel level sensor output is greater than 98 percent of the sensor reading scale.
    • The ignition is ON.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will not illuminate.
    • The ECM will record operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information will be stored in Failure Records buffers.
    • A history DTC is stored.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a fault.
    • DTCs can be cleared by using the scan tool.
    • Disconnect the ECM battery feed for more than 10 seconds.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Inspect the harness connector for backed-out terminals, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and a poor terminal-to-wire connection.
    • Inspect the wiring harness for damage.
    • A stuck fuel level sensor may cause the DTC set.
    • If the DTC P0462 cannot be duplicated, the information included on the Failure Record data can be useful in determining vehicle conditions when the DTC was first set.
    • Resistance measurements for fuel level sensor:
       - Empty equals 280 ohms or over.
       - Half full equals about 90 ohms.
       - Full equals 38 ohms or less.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. The On-Board Diagnostic System Check prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the Freeze Frame and Failure Records data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the malfunction occurred. The information is then stored on the scan tool for later reference.

  2. Determine if a fault is present. Review the Freeze Frame data to determine when the DTC set. Always record this information.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Perform an On-Board Diagnostic System Check.

Was the check performed?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

  1. Install a scan tool to the data link connector (DLC).
  2. Start the engine and operate the vehicle within Failure Record conditions as noted.

Is DTC P0463 set?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic Aids

3

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect the fuel pump connector.
  3. Turn the ignition ON.
  4. Using a voltmeter, measure the fuel level signal voltage at the fuel level sensor connector terminal 1.

Is the voltage within the specified range?

0.4-4.5 V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 6

4

Inspect for a proper ground connection at the fuel tank and repair as needed.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Remove the fuel pump from the fuel tank.
  2. Reconnect the fuel pump connector.
  3. Turn the ignition ON.
  4. Monitor the fuel level sensor parameter on the scan tool while moving the fuel sensor float from the empty position to the full position.
  5. Repeat the procedure several times.

Does the fuel level sensor value on the scan tool increase and then decrease steadily when the float is moved?

--

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 8

6

Inspect for an open or short to ground in the fuel level sensor circuit and repair as needed.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 9

7

Repair the open or short to ground in the fuel level sensor circuit between the fuel level sensor harness connector and fuel level sensor.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 11

--

8

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Replace the fuel pump assembly.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 11

--

9

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Connect the fuel pump connector.
  3. Disconnect the engine control module (ECM) connector.
  4. Turn the ignition ON.
  5. Using a digital voltmeter, measure the voltage in the signal circuit at terminal B19.

Is the voltage within the specified range?

4-5 V

Go to Step 10

Go to Symptoms - Instrument Panel, Gages and Console in Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console

10

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Replace the ECM. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 11

--

11

  1. Using the scan tool, clear the DTCs.
  2. Start the engine and idle at normal operating temperature.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Setting the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the scan tool indicate that this diagnostic has run and passed?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 2

12

Are any DTCs displayed that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to applicable DTC table

System OK