DTC Descriptor
DTC P0464: Fuel Level Sensor 1 Circuit IntermittentDiagnostic 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, 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) 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 test for an intermittent fuel level sender signal. If a change in fuel level is detected DTC P0442 is aborted due to a refueling event. A refueling event test is executed to confirm that a refueling event has occurred. If refueling is confirmed, the test is considered passing. Otherwise, the DTC will set indicating an intermittent signal problem.
Conditions for Running the DTC
| • | The ignition is OFF. |
| • | DTC P0442 is running. |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
| • | The fuel level change is greater than 10 percent. |
| • | The above condition is present for greater than 30 seconds. |
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | DTC P0442 is aborted. |
| • | 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 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 3.6L engine |
Connector End View Reference
| • | Engine Control Module Connector End Views for the 3.6L engine |
Electrical Information Reference
Scan Tool Reference
Circuit/System Testing
- Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the fuel level sensors. Install a signal generator and instrument panel tester between the signal circuit and the low reference circuit.
- Ignition ON, vary the resistance on the signal generator from 40 to 250 ohms. Verify that the scan tool Fuel Tank Level Remaining parameter displays the correct fuel level percent.
- If all circuits test normal, test or replace the fuel level sensors.
| ⇒ | If the fuel level percent is incorrect, test the signal circuit and the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuits test normal, replace the ECM. |
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.
| • | Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming. |
