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 Circuit 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 in order to determine the fuel level. 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 serial data circuit to the instrument cluster in order to control the fuel gauge.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The engine is running.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM does not detect a change in fuel level of at least 1.6 percent over a distance of 193 km (120 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 (Connector End Views By Name)
Description and Operation

* Instrument Cluster Description and Operation (Instrument Cluster)
* Fuel System Description (Fuel System Description) for the 3.5L engine
* Fuel System Description (Fuel System Description) for the 3.9L engine

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 (Programming and Relearning) 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. Sweep the sensor through the entire range while monitoring the resistance between the signal terminal B and the low reference terminal C. The resistance should vary between less than 45 ohm and greater than 119 ohm without any spikes or dropouts.

• If not within the specified range or is erratic, replace the fuel level sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.

* Fuel Level Sensor Replacement (Fuel Level Sensor Replacement) for the 3.5L engine
* Fuel Level Sensor Replacement (Fuel Level Sensor Replacement) for the 3.9L engine
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for the ECM replacement, setup, and programming