P0461

Wiring Diagram:

P0461 - FUEL LEVEL SENSOR PERFORMANCE
The fuel level sensor is a variable resistor that varies resistance according to changes in the level of fuel in the fuel tank. The ECM supplies a 5 volt reference through a pull-up resistor to the sensor, which is connected to ground. When the level in the fuel tank is high, the sensor resistance is low (low voltage on signal line). As the fuel level decreases, the sensor resistance increases (voltage increases on the signal line). The ECM uses the signal voltage to determine fuel tank level. The ECM will send this fuel level information over the controller area network (CAN) link to the BCM. The BCM in turn will average this information with respect to vehicle speed, then send it over the Class II link to the I/P cluster who will position the fuel gauge. DTC P0461 will Set if the fuel tank level sensor signal voltage at the ECM does not change a calibrated amount after the vehicle has been driving a long distance.

DTC PARAMETERS
DTC P0461 will set if fuel level does not change more than 3.95 gallons (15 liters) when the ECM calculates 5.26 gallons (20 liters) of fuel consumption.

DTC P0461 diagnostic runs once per ignition cycle. P0461 is a type D DTC

DIAGNOSTIC AIDS
DTC P0461 sets due to a fuel level that does not change by an expected amount the ECM calculates over a period of driving time.

Use Scan tool to monitor FUEL LEVEL VOLTAGE while raising the vehicle from the back. Percentage should change indicating a moving float.

Possible causes of static fuel level:
^ Fuel sender float stuck or perforated
^ Fuel sender sweep arm stuck

Fuel level sensor resistance: 19 ohms with float at top position (full tank) through 251 ohms with float at bottom position (empty tank).