Diagnostic Instructions
| • | Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure. |
| • | Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach. |
| • | Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category. |
DTC Descriptor
DTC P0461: Fuel Level Sensor Circuit PerformanceDiagnostic Fault Information
Circuit | Short to Ground | High Resistance | Open | Short to Voltage | Signal Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fuel Level Sensor Signal | P0462 | 1 | P0463 P0464 | P0463 | P0461 |
Fuel Level Sensor Low Reference | -- | 1 | P0463 P0464 | P0463 | P0461 |
1. Fuel Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative | |||||
Circuit/System Description
The fuel level sensor changes resistance in response to the fuel level. The engine control module (ECM)/powertrain control module (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 low and the ECM/PCM senses a low signal voltage. When the fuel tank is empty, the fuel level sensor resistance is high and the ECM/PCM senses a high signal voltage. The ECM/PCM uses the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor in order to calculate the percentage of fuel remaining in the tank. The ECM/PCM sends the fuel level information via the serial data circuit to the body control module (BCM). The BCM sends the fuel information to the instrument panel cluster via the serial data circuit in order to control the fuel gage and display the fuel level.
Conditions for Running the DTC
The engine is running.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The ECM/PCM does not detect a change in fuel level of at least 1.6 percent over a distance of 193 km (120 miles).
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The fuel gage defaults to empty. |
| • | The low fuel indicator illuminates. |
| • | The ECM/PCM records the operating conditions at the time that the diagnostic test fails. The ECM/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. |
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Connector End View Reference
Description and Operation
Instrument Cluster Description and Operation
Electrical Information Reference
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References for scan tool information
Component Testing
- Ignition OFF, remove the fuel level sender and verify there are no obstructions interfering with the fuel level sender.
- Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the fuel level sensor.
- While sweeping the fuel level sensor through its full range of motion, test for a minimum resistance value of less than 41 ohms and a maximum value greater than 119 ohms between the signal terminal C and the low reference terminal D.
| ⇒ | If any interference is present, repair the fuel sender interference. |
| ⇒ | If not within the specified range, replace the fuel level sensor. |
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.
| • | Fuel Level Sensor Replacementfor the 2.2L or 2.4L engine |
| • | Fuel Level Sensor Replacement for the 2.0L engine |
