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
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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 gauge.
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 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.
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 gauge. This condition may cause a fuel system DTC to set and the fuel gauge to default to empty. Refer to Fuel Gauge Description and Operation Fuel Gauge.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Instrument Cluster Schematics Instrument Cluster Schematics
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views A/C Compressor Clutch
Description and Operation
Fuel Gauge Description and Operation Fuel Gauge
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 primary 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 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 between signal terminal 1 and the low reference terminal 4.
• 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 - Right Side Fuel Level Sensor Replacement - Right Side for the 3.6L engine
* Fuel Level Sensor Replacement - Right Side Fuel Level Sensor Replacement - Right Side for the 4.8L, 5.3L, 6.0L, 6.2L or 7.0L engine
* Control Module References Control Module References for the ECM replacement, setup, and programming