Circuit Description
The fuel level sensor changes resistance in response to the fuel level. The PCM monitors the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor in order to determine the fuel level. When the fuel tank is full, the fuel level sensor resistance is high and the PCM senses a high fuel level sensor signal circuit voltage. When the fuel tank is empty, the fuel level sensor resistance is low and the PCM senses a low fuel level sensor signal circuit voltage. The PCM uses the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor in order to calculate the percentage of remaining fuel in the fuel tank. The PCM sends the fuel level percentage via the fuel level signal circuit to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) in order to control the fuel gage.
Conditions for Running the DTC
The ignition is ON.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
| • | The fuel level signal is less than 3.5%. |
| • | The above condition is present for greater than 20 seconds. |
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The fuel gage defaults to empty. |
| • | The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The PCM 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. |
| • | 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 help in determining the number of miles since the DTC set. The Fail Counter and Pass Counter can also help determine the number of ignition cycles that the diagnostic reported a pass and/or fail. Operate the vehicle within the same freeze frame conditions including those for RPM, for engine load, for vehicle speed, for temperature, and for others. This will isolate when the DTC failed.
Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
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 Instrument Cluster Diagnostic System Check? | -- | Go to Step 2 | |
2 |
Does the Fuel Tank Level Remaining parameter display less than the specified value? | 4% | Go to Step 3 | Go to Diagnostic Aids |
Does the Fuel Tank Level Remaining parameter display 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 C130 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 PCM. 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 - 8.1L. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 10 | -- |
9 |
Important: Program the replacement PCM. Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls - 8.1L. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 10 | -- |
10 |
Does the DTC reset? | -- | Go to Step 2 | System OK |
