GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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 P0656 Fuel Level Output Circuit.

Circuit Description

The engine control module (ECM) creates the fuel gage output signal by pulsing the circuit to ground. The ECM monitors the voltage on the fuel gage output circuit. If the ECM determines that the voltage is out of the normal operating range, a DTC sets.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The engine is running.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects an open, short to ground, or a short to voltage on fuel gage output circuit.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0656 is a Type C DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTC P0656 is a Type C DTC.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

    •  Engine Controls Schematics for the 0.8L engine
    •  Engine Controls Schematics for the 1.0L engine

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Special Tools

J 33431-C Signal Generator and Instrument Panel Tester

Circuit/System Verification

With the engine idling for 1 minute, observe the DTC information with a scan tool. DTC P0656 should not set.

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition ON, observe the DTC info with a scan tool. Verify that DTC P1668 is not also set.
  2. If DTC P1668 is also set, test the ignition 1 voltage circuit and the ground circuit of the instrument panel cluster (IPC) for an open, short to ground, or high resistance.
    If the circuits/connections test normal, replace the IPC.
  3. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector of the ECM.
  4. Install the J 33431-C between the output circuit of the fuel gage and the negative terminal of the battery.
  5. Ignition ON, set the J 33431-C to generate a speedometer signal. Verify the fuel gage operation.
  6. If the fuel gage does not operate, test the output circuit of the fuel gage for an open, short to ground, short to voltage, or a high resistance. If the circuit/connections test normal, replace the fuel gage.
  7. If all circuits/connections test normal, replace the ECM.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Instrument Cluster Replacement
    •  Control Module References for engine control module replacement, setup, and programming