P0461

DTC P0461 Fuel Level Sensor Circuit Performance (1 Of 2):

DTC P0461 Fuel Level Sensor Circuit Performance (2 Of 2):

Fuel Level Sensor:

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION

The Engine Control Module (ECM) uses the fuel level input from the fuel level sensor to calculate expected vapor pressures within the fuel system. These vapor pressures vary as the fuel level changes. The vapor pressure importance is critical to determining if the Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) system is operating properly. Fuel level is also used to determine if the fuel level is too high or too low to be able to accurately detect EVAP system failures.


CONDITIONS FOR SETTING THE DTC


- Fuel level change check: maximum to minimum is less than 2 gallons.

- Condition present once per drive cycle.


ACTION TAKEN WHEN THE DTC SETS

- The Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) will illuminate after two consecutive ignition cycles in which the diagnostic runs with the fault active.

- The ECM will record operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information will be stored in the Freeze Frame buffer.


CONDITIONS FOR CLEARING THE MIL/DTC

- The MIL will turn "OFF" after three consecutive drive cycles without a fault present.

- A DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a fault.

- DTC(s) can be cleared by using a scan tool or by disconnecting the ECM battery feed.


DIAGNOSTIC AIDS


Check the following conditions:

- If DTC P0463 is also displayed, go to that DTC first.

- Poor connection at ECM. Inspect harness connectors for backed out terminal, improper mating, broken locks, improperly formed or damaged terminals, and poor terminal to wire connection.

- Damaged harness. Inspect the wiring harness for damage.

- A stuck fuel level sensor may cause DTC to set. If DTC P0461 cannot be duplicated, the information included in the Freeze Frame data can be useful in determining vehicle operating conditions since the DTC was last set. This may assist in determining how often the DTC sets.

If any wiring repairs need to be made, Refer to Repair Procedures in Diagrams.

TEST DESCRIPTION

Number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the Diagnostic Table.


1. The Powertrain OBD System Check prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the freeze frame data on the scan tool it applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the fault occurred. The information is then stored in the scan tool for later reference.

2. Determine if fault is present. Reviews Freeze Frame data to determine when the DTC set. Always record this information.

7. If the fuel level gauge (in I/P cluster assembly) is stuck at empty it may be caused by a short to ground in the fuel level sensor signal wire.