Low Fuel Indicator Malfunction

Low Fuel Indicator Malfunction

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle) prior to using the diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Strategy Based Diagnosis) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Diagnostic Procedure Instructions)provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Circuit Description

The engine control module (ECM)/powertrain control module (PCM) monitors the signal circuit of the fuel level sender in order to determine fuel level. The sender consists of a variable resistor that changes resistance based on the fuel level in the tank. The ECM/PCM monitors the voltage across the sender resistance in order to determine the fuel level. The ECM/PCM uses the signal circuit of the fuel level sender in order to calculate the total remaining fuel, in percent. The ECM/PCM sends the fuel level percent via the serial data circuit to the instrument cluster in order to control the fuel gage. When the fuel level percent reaches a predetermined low level, the IPC will illuminate the low fuel indicator.

Reference Information
Schematic Reference

Instrument Cluster Schematics (Instrument Cluster Schematics)
Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Component Connector End Views)
Description and Operation

Instrument Cluster Description and Operation (Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing (Circuit Testing)
* Connector Repairs (Connector Repairs)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections)
* Wiring Repairs (Wiring Repairs)

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References (Control Module References)for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

Ignition ON, perform the lamp test with the scan tool.

If the low fuel indicator does not illuminate, replace the IPC.

Repair Instructions

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

Control Module References (Control Module References)for the IPC replacement, setup, and programming