Circuit Description
The fuel level sender changes resistance based on the fuel level. The engine control module (ECM) L61 or powertrain control module (PCM) L66 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/PCM senses a high signal voltage. When the fuel tank is empty, the sender resistance is low and the ECM/PCM senses a low 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 controller area network (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 stuck fuel level sender signal.
DTC Descriptor
This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:
DTC P0461 Fuel Level Sensor Performance
Conditions for Running the DTC
The ignition is ON.
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 mi).
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The fuel gage defaults to empty. |
| • | 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 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.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schematic Reference: Instrument Cluster Schematics | ||||||||||
1 | Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information | ||||||
2 |
Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 3 | Go to Diagnostic Aids | ||||||
3 | Replace the malfunctioning fuel level sender. Refer to the following procedures:
Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 4 | -- | ||||||
4 |
Does the DTC reset? | -- | Go to Step 2 | System OK | ||||||
