P0461

DTC P0461

Diagnostic Instructions

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

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0461
- Fuel Level Sensor Performance

Diagnostic Fault Information






Circuit Description

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

This diagnostic tests for a stuck fuel level sender signal. The PCM sets this DTC if the fuel level sender signal appears to be stuck based on a lack of signal variation expected during normal operation.

Conditions for Running the DTC

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

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The PCM 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 PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The PCM 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 PCM 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
* Refer to Programing and Relearning for the PCM replacement, setup, and programming. Programming and Relearning