P0461
DTC P0461
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this 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.
DTC Descriptor
DTC P0461
-
Fuel Level Sensor 1 Performance
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit/System Description
The fuel level sensor changes resistance in response to the fuel level. The engine control module (ECM) monitors the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor and the type of fuel in order to determine the fuel level. For regular unleaded fuel the ECM monitors a constant signal. When the vehicle has approximately 20% or greater ethanol for E85 applications, the ECM controls a pulse cycle signal where it monitors the signal and calculates the fuel level percentage only during the on pulse of approximately 100 ms.
When the fuel tank is full, the sensor resistance is low and the ECM senses a low signal voltage. When the fuel tank is empty, the sensor resistance is high and the ECM senses a high signal voltage. The ECM uses the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor in order to calculate the percentage of remaining fuel in the tank. The ECM sends the fuel level percentage via the serial data circuit to the instrument cluster in order to control the fuel gauge.
This diagnostic tests for a stuck fuel level sensor signal. The ECM sets this DTC if the fuel level sensor signal appears to be stuck based on a lack of signal variation expected during normal operation.
Conditions for Running the DTC
The engine is running.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The ECM detects a change in fuel level less than 10 liters (1.3 gallons) over a distance of 241.4 km (150 miles).
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
* The fuel gauge defaults to empty.
* The low fuel indicator illuminates.
* The ECM records the operating conditions at the time that the diagnostic test 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.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Instrument Cluster Schematics Instrument Cluster Schematics
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views 1-2 Shift Solenoid (SS) Valve (M30)
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
Component Testing
1. Ignition OFF, remove the fuel level sender and verify there are no obstructions interfering with the fuel level sender.
• If any interference is present, repair the fuel sender interference.
2. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the fuel level sensor.
3. While sweeping the fuel level sensor through its full range of motion, test for a minimum resistance value of less than 41 ohms and a maximum value greater than 119 ohms between the signal terminal and low reference terminal listed below:
* Signal Terminal C (5.3L)
* Low Reference Terminal B (5.3L)
* Signal terminal B (4.3L, 4.8L or 6.0L)
* Low Reference Terminal C (4.3L, 4.8L or 6.0L)
* Signal Terminal B (6.6L Diesel)
* Low Reference Terminal C (6.6L Diesel)
• If not within the specified range, replace the fuel level sensor.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification Verification Tests after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Fuel Level Sensor Replacement Service and Repair for the 4.3L engine
* Fuel Level Sensor Replacement Service and Repair for the 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, 6.2L, or 7.0L engine
* Fuel Level Sensor Replacement Service and Repair for the 6.6L engine
* Control Module References Control Module References for ECM replacement, programming and setup