P0462
Fuel Gauge Malfunction - DTC P0461-P0464
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 Descriptors
DTC P0461
- Fuel Level Sensor Performance
DTC P0462
- Fuel Level Sensor Circuit Low Voltage
DTC P0463
- Fuel Level Sensor Circuit High Voltage
DTC P0464
- Fuel Level Sensor Circuit Intermittent
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit/System Description
The fuel level sensor changes resistance based on 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 resistances of the fuel level sensor is low and the ECM senses a low signal voltage on the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor. When the fuel tank is empty, the resistance of the fuel level sensor 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 to the body control module (BCM). The BCM then sends the fuel level percentage via serial data to the instrument cluster in order to control the fuel gauge.
Conditions for Running the DTC
* The engine is running
* The system voltage is between 11-16 V
Conditions for Setting the DTC
P0461
* The ECM detects a difference between the fuel consumed by the engine and change of the fuel level signal of less than 1 L (0.26 gal) over a range of 30 L (7.92 gal) or 45.6% of the primary fuel tank.
* The above condition is present for about 300 seconds.
P0462
* The signal voltage is less than 0.25 V.
* The above conditions must be met for 5 seconds.
P0463
* The signal voltage is greater than 4.7 V.
* The above conditions must be met for 5 seconds.
P0464
* The fuel level change is greater than 10%.
* The above conditions must be met for 30 seconds.
* DTC P0464 runs and fails 2 out of 3 test cycles.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
* P0461, P0462, P0463, and P0464 are Type B DTCs
* The fuel gauge defaults to empty
* The low fuel indicator illuminates
Conditions for Clearing the DTC
* P0461, P0462, P0463, and P0464 are Type B DTCs
* 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 Fuel Pump and Level Sensor Assembly
Description and Operation
Instrument Cluster Description and Operation Instrument Cluster
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
DTC Type Reference
Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References Control Module References for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
1. Ignition ON.
2. Verify the scan tool Fuel Level Sensor parameter is between 0.5-3.5 V and varies with fuel level.
• If not between 0.5-3.5 V or does not vary with fuel level
Refer to Circuit/System Testing
• If between 0.5-3.5 V and varies with fuel level
3. Verify that all fuel level gauge segments illuminate when performing the scan tool Driver Information Center Segments control function.
• If any fuel level gauge segments do not illuminate
Replace the P16 instrument cluster
• If all fuel level gauge segments illuminate
4. All OK.
Circuit/System Testing
1. Ignition OFF and all vehicle systems OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the B46 fuel level sensor. It may take up to 2 minutes for all vehicle systems to power down.
2. Test for less than 10 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal 3 and ground.
• If 10 ohms or greater
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K20 engine control module.
2. Test for less than 2 ohms in the low reference circuit end to end.
• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.
• If less than 2 ohms, replace the K20 engine control module.
• If less than 10 ohms
3. Ignition ON.
4. Verify the scan tool Remaining Fuel In Tank parameter is less than 5%.
• If 5% or greater
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K20 engine control module.
2. Test for infinite resistance between the signal circuit terminal 4 and ground.
• If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the circuit.
• If infinite resistance, replace the K20 engine control module.
• If less than 5%
5. Install a 3 A fused jumper wire between the signal circuit terminal 4 and the low reference circuit terminal 3.
6. Verify the scan tool Remaining Fuel In Tank is greater than 90%.
• If 90% or less
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K20 engine control module, ignition ON.
2. Test for less than 1 V between the signal circuit and ground.
• If 1 V or greater, repair the short to voltage on the circuit.
• If less than 1 V
3. Ignition OFF
4. Test for less than 2 ohms in the signal circuit end to end.
• If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.
• If less than 2 ohms, replace the K20 engine control module.
• If greater than 90%
7. Test or replace the B46 fuel level sensor.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification Verification Tests after completing the repair.
* Control Module References Control Module References for the ECM replacement, programming and setup