P0461

DTC P0461

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0461
- Fuel Level Sensor Performance

Diagnostic Fault Information

Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure. Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview






Circuit Description

The fuel level sensor changes resistance based on fuel level. The engine control module (ECM) monitors the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor in order to determine fuel level. When the fuel tank is full, the sensor resistance is high and the ECM senses a high signal voltage. When the fuel tank is empty, the sensor resistance is low and the ECM senses a low signal voltage. The ECM uses the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor in order to calculate the total remaining fuel (percent) in the tank. The ECM sends the fuel level percent via the class 2 serial data circuit to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) in order to control the fuel gage. The fuel level information is also used for misfire and evaporative emission (EVAP) diagnostics.

Conditions for Running the DTC

* The ignition is ON.
* The ECM has confirmed that the fuel tank is between 15-85 percent full.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM does not detect a change in fuel level of at least 3.0L (0.79 gal) over a distance of 320 km (200 mi).

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

* The fuel gage defaults to empty.
* The low fuel indicator illuminates.
* The ECM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The ECM stores 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.

Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, remove the fuel level sender and verify that there is no obstructions interfering with the fuel level sender.

• If interference is present, remove the obstruction.

2. If no interference is present, replace the fuel level sender.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure. Verification Tests

* Fuel Level Sensor Replacement
* Programming and Relearning for the ECM setup, and programming. Programming and Relearning