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 Performance
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit Description
The fuel level sender changes resistance based on fuel level. The engine control module (ECM) monitors the signal circuit of the fuel level sender in order to determine fuel level. When the fuel tank is full, the sender resistance is low and the ECM senses a low signal voltage. When the fuel tank is empty, the sender resistance is high and the ECM senses a high signal voltage. The ECM uses the signal circuit of the fuel level sender in order to calculate the total remaining fuel percent in the tank. The ECM sends the fuel level percent via the class 2 serial data circuit to the instrument cluster in order to control the fuel gage. The fuel level information is also used for misfire and evaporative emission (EVAP) diagnostics.
This diagnostic tests for a stuck fuel level sender signal. The ECM sets this DTC if the fuel level sender signal appears to be stuck based on a lack of signal variation expected during normal operation.
Conditions for Running the DTC
* The ignition is ON.
* The ECM has confirmed that the fuel tank is between 15-85 percent full.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The ECM does not detect a change in fuel level of at least 3.0L (0.79 gal) over a distance of 320 km (200 mi).
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 the diagnostic fails. The ECM stores 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 Views)
Description and Operation
Instrument Cluster 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) 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. While sweeping the fuel level sensor through its full range of motion, test for a minimum resistance value of less than 41 ohms and a maximum value greater than 119 ohms between the signal terminal B and the low reference terminal C.
• 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 (Service and Repair) for the 2.9L engine
* Fuel Level Sensor Replacement (Service and Repair) for the 3.7L engine