DTC Descriptor
DTC P0461: Fuel Level Sensor PerformanceDiagnostic Fault Information
Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
Circuit | Short to Ground | Open/High Resistance | Short to Voltage | Signal Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Fuel Level Sensor Reference Voltage Circuit | P0462 | -- | -- | P0461 |
Fuel Level Sensor Signal Circuit | P0462 | P0463 1 P0464 | P0463 | P0461 |
Fuel Level Sensor Low Reference Circuit | -- | P0463 1 P0464 | P0463 | P0461 |
1. Fuel Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative | ||||
Circuit Description
The engine control module (ECM)/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 ECM/PCM monitors the voltage across the sender resistance in order to determine the fuel level. The ECM/PCM uses the signal circuit of the fuel level sender in order to calculate the total remaining fuel, in percent. The ECM/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 ECM/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.
Conditions for Running the DTC
| • | The ignition is ON. |
| • | The ECM/PCM has confirmed that the fuel tank is between 15-85 percent full. |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The ECM/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 ECM/PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The ECM/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 ECM/PCM receives the clear code command from the scan tool. |
Reference Information
Fuel Level Specifications
Schematic Reference
| • | Engine Controls Schematics for the 4.2L engine |
| • | Engine Controls Schematics for the 5.3L engine |
Connector End View Reference
Electrical Information Reference
Scan Tool Reference
Circuit/System Testing
- Ignition OFF, remove the fuel level sender and verify that there is no obstruction interfering with the fuel level sender.
- If no interference is present, replace the fuel level sender.
| ⇒ | If interference is present, remove the obstruction. |
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.
| • | Fuel Level Sensor Replacement for the 4.2L engine |
| • | Fuel Level Sensor Replacement for the 5.3L engine |
| • | Control Module References for the ECM/PCM replacement, setup, and programming |
