Circuit Description
The fuel level sender changes resistance based on the fuel level. The engine control module (ECM) monitors the signal circuit of the fuel level sender in order to determine fuel level. When the fuel tank is full, the sender resistance is high and the ECM senses a high signal voltage. When the fuel tank is empty, the sender resistance is low and the ECM senses a low signal voltage. The ECM uses the signal circuit of the fuel level sender in order to calculate the total remaining fuel percent in the tank. The ECM (L81) sends the fuel level message via the CAN serial data circuit to the body control module (BCM) or the ECM (L61) sends the fuel level message via the class 2 serial data circuit to the BCM. The BCM sends the fuel level percent to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) via the class 2 data circuit to display on the fuel gage. The fuel level information is also used for misfire and evaporative emission (EVAP) diagnostics.
This diagnostic tests for a lower than normal fuel level sender signal.
Conditions for Running the DTC
The ignition is ON, with the engine ON.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
| • | The fuel level signal is greater than 98 percent. |
| • | The above condition is present for greater than 20 seconds. |
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The fuel gage defaults to empty. |
| • | The ECM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The ECM 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 ECM/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 aid in determining the number of miles since the DTC set. The Fail Counter and Pass Counter can also aid in determining the number of ignition cycles that the diagnostic reported a pass and/or fail. Operate the vehicle within the same freeze frame conditions, i.e. RPM, engine load, vehicle speed, temperature, etc. 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 | Values | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Schematic Reference: Instrument Cluster Schematics | ||||
1 | Did you perform the Instrument Cluster Diagnostic System Check? | -- | Go to Step 2 | |
2 |
Does the scan tool indicate that the Fuel Level parameter is greater than the specified value? | 12 Gallons | Go to Step 3 | Go to Diagnostic Aids |
Does the scan tool indicate that the Fuel Level parameter is less than the specified value? | 2 Gallons | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 4 | |
4 | Test the signal circuit of the fuel level sender for an open, for a high resistance, or 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 sender for an open, for a high resistance, or for a short to ground between C406 and the fuel level senders. 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 senders. 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 engine control module (ECM). 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 malfunctioning fuel level sender that has an internal open, abnormally high resistance, or a short to voltage. Refer to Fuel Level Sensor Replacement in Engine Controls. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 10 | -- |
9 |
Important: Program the replacement ECM. Replace the ECM. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.0L or to Engine Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls - 2.2L. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 10 | -- |
10 |
Does the DTC reset? | -- | Go to Step 2 | System OK |
