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, P0464, 1 | P0463 | P0461 |
Fuel Level Sensor Low Reference Circuit | -- | P0463, P0464, 1 | P0463 | P0461 |
1. Fuel Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative |
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 low and the ECM senses a low signal voltage. When the fuel tank is empty, the sender resistance is high and the ECM senses a high 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 sends the fuel level message via the serial data circuit to the body control module (BCM). The BCM sends the fuel level percent to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) via the serial 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.
The ignition is ON, with the engine ON.
• | The fuel level signal is greater than 98 percent. |
• | The above condition is present for greater than 20 seconds. |
• | 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. |
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.
• | Engine Controls Schematics for the 3.6L engine |
• | Engine Control Module Connector End Views for the 3.6L engine |
⇒ | If greater than 4 percent, test the signal circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM. |
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. |
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.
• | Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming. |