P0461
DTC P0461
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
DTC Descriptor
DTC P0461
- Fuel Level Sensor 1 Performance
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit/System Description
The primary fuel level sender and the secondary fuel level sender changes resistance based on fuel level. . The engine control module (ECM) monitors the signal circuits of the primary fuel level sender and the secondary fuel level sender in order to determine the fuel level. When the fuel tank is full, the resistances of both fuel level senders are low and the ECM senses a low signal voltage on both the signal circuits of the primary fuel level sender and the secondary fuel level sender. When the fuel tanks are empty, the resistances of the fuel level senders are high and the ECM senses a high signal voltage. The ECM uses the signal circuits of the primary fuel level sender and the secondary fuel level sender in order to calculate the percentage of remaining fuel in the tank. The ECM sends the fuel level percentage via serial data circuit to the instrument cluster in order to control the fuel gage.
Conditions for Running the DTC
* The engine is running.
* No fuel level sensor signal failure present.
* The fuel level state is stable.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
* The ECM detects a difference between the engine consumed fuel and change of the fuel level signal of less than 1 L (0.26 gallon) over a range of 30 L (7.92 gallons) or 45.6 percent of the primary fuel tank.
* The above condition is present for about 300 seconds.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
* The fuel gage 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.
Diagnostic Aids
A partially filled fuel tank and filling the fuel tank with the ignition ON or engine RUNNING may cause an inaccurate or erratic fuel gage. This condition may cause a fuel system DTC to set and the fuel gage to default to empty. Refer to Fuel Gage Description and Operation (Description and Operation) .
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Instrument Cluster Schematics (Instrument Cluster Schematics)
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation
Fuel Gage Description and Operation (Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References (Programming and Relearning)
Circuit/System Testing
1. Ignition OFF, remove the fuel level sender and verify that there are no obstructions interfering with the fuel level sender.
• If any interference is present, remove the obstruction.
2. If no interference is present, perform the fuel level sensor component test before replacing the primary fuel level sensor.
Component Testing
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the primary fuel level sensor.
2. While sweeping the primary fuel level sensor through its full range of motion, test for a minimum value less than 41 ohms and a maximum value greater than 119 ohms of resistance between signal terminal A and the low reference terminal D.
• If not within the specified range, replace the primary fuel level sensor.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Primary Fuel Level Sensor Replacement (Service and Repair) for the 4.6L engine
* Primary Fuel Level Sensor Replacement (Service and Repair) for the 3.6L engine
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for the ECM replacement, setup, and programming