Fuel Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative

Fuel Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative

Diagnostic Fault Information

Important: Always perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview

Circuit/System Description

The fuel level sensor changes resistance in response to the fuel level. The engine control module (ECM)/powertrain control module (PCM) monitors the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor in order to determine the fuel level. When the fuel tank is full, the sensor resistance is high and the ECM/PCM senses a high signal voltage. When the fuel tank is empty, the sensor resistance is low and the ECM/PCM senses a low signal voltage. The ECM/PCM uses the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor in order to calculate the percentage of remaining fuel in the tank. The ECM/PCM sends the fuel information to the instrument panel cluster via the serial data circuit in order to control the fuel gage and display the fuel level. The fuel information is also used for misfire and evaporative emission (EVAP) diagnostics.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the fuel level sensor. Install a signal generator and instrument panel tester between the signal circuit and the low reference circuit.
2. Ignition ON, vary the resistance on the signal generator from 40 ohms - 250 ohms. With the scan tool verify that the Fuel Tank Level Remaining parameter displays the correct fuel level percent. Refer to Fuel Level Specifications.

• If the fuel level percent is incorrect, test the signal circuit and the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If all circuit tests normal, replace the ECM/PCM.

3. Ignition ON, vary the resistance on the signal generator from 40 ohms - 250 ohms. Observe the fuel gage and verify that the fuel gage displays the correct fuel level. Refer to Fuel Level Specifications.

• If the fuel gage display is incorrect, test or replace the instrument panel cluster (IPC).

4. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the fuel level sensor.

Repair Instructions

Important: Always perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification Verification Tests

* Fuel Level Sensor Replacement
* Fuel Level Sensor Replacement
* Refer to Programming and Relearning for the ECM/PCM and IPC replacement, setup and programming. Programming and Relearning