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 provide an overview of each diagnostic category. |
DTC Descriptor
DTC P0461: Fuel Level Sensor 1 PerformanceDiagnostic Fault Information
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, P0464, 1 | P0463 | P0461 |
Fuel Level Sensor Low Reference Circuit | -- | P0463, P0464, 1 | P0463 | P0461 |
1. Fuel Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative | ||||
Circuit/System Description
The fuel level sender changes resistance based on the fuel level. The engine control module (ECM)/powertrain control module (PCM) 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 low and the ECM/PCM senses a low signal voltage. When the fuel tank is empty, the sender resistance is high and the ECM/PCM senses a high signal voltage. The ECM/PCM uses the signal circuit of the fuel level sender in order to calculate the total remaining fuel percent in the tank. The ECM/PCM sends the fuel level message via the CAN serial data circuit to the body control module (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 engine is ON. |
| • | DTCs P0462, P0463, P0501, P0502, P0641, and P0651 are not set - 3.5L engine only. |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The ECM/PCM detects a change is fuel level less than 10 liters (1.3 gallons) over a distance of 241.4 km (150 miles).
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The fuel gage defaults to empty. |
| • | The PCM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails - 3.5L engine only. |
| • | The low fuel indicator illuminates. |
| • | The ECM/PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The ECM/PCM displays the failure information in the Failure Records on the scan tool. |
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
| • | The PCM turns OFF the MIL after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail - 3.5L engine only. |
| • | 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, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic. |
| • | The ECM/PCM receives the clear code command from the scan tool. |
Diagnostic Aids
Using the Failure Records data may help locate an intermittent condition. If you cannot duplicate the DTC, the information in the Failure Records can help determine how many miles since the DTC set. The Fail Counter and Pass Counter can help determine how many ignition cycles that the diagnostic test reported a pass and/or a fail.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
| • | Engine Controls Schematics for the 2.2L engine |
| • | Engine Controls Schematics for the 2.4L engine |
| • | Engine Controls Schematics for the 3.5L engine |
Connector End View Reference
Electrical Information Reference
Scan Tool Reference
Circuit/System Testing
- Ignition OFF, remove the fuel level senders and verify that there is no obstructions interfering with the fuel level senders.
- If no interference is present, replace the appropriate fuel level sender.
| ⇒ | If interference is present, remove the obstruction. |
Component Testing
Measure the resistance of the float arm of the fuel level sender while moving the float arm between 40-250 ohms.
| ⇒ | If the resistance does not move smoothly across the specified range, replace the fuel level sensor. |
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.
| • | Fuel Level Sensor Replacement for the 2.2L engine |
| • | Fuel Level Sensor Replacement for the 2.4L engine |
| • | Primary Fuel Level Sensor Replacement for the 3.5L engine |
| • | Secondary Fuel Level Sensor Replacement for the 3.5L engine |
| • | Control Module References for ECM/PCM replacement, setup, and programming |
