P0461

DTC P0461

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure. Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0461
- Fuel Level Sensor Performance

Diagnostic Fault Information






Circuit/System Description

The fuel level sender changes resistance based on the fuel level. The engine control module (ECM) monitors the signal circuit of the fuel level sender in order to determine the 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 message via the serial data circuit to the body control module (BCM). The BCM sends the fuel level percent to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) via the serial data circuit to display on the fuel gage.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The engine is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM detects a change is fuel level less than 10 liters (1.3 gallons) over a distance of 241.4 km (150 miles).

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 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.

Special Tools

J 33431-C Instrument Panel Tester

Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, remove the fuel level senders and verify that there is no obstructions interfering with the fuel level senders.

^ If interference is present, remove the obstruction.

2. If no interference is present, replace the fuel level senders.

Component Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the primary and secondary fuel level sensors.
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 between signal terminal D and the low reference terminal B.

^ If not within the specified range, replace the primary fuel level sensor.

3. While sweeping the secondary 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 E and the low reference terminal B.

^ If not within the specified range, replace the secondary fuel level sensor.

Repair Instructions

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

* Primary Fuel Level Sensor Replacement for the 3.6L engine
* Fuel Level Sensor Replacement - Secondary for the 3.6L engine
* Primary Fuel Level Sensor Replacement for the 3.4L engine.
* Fuel Level Sensor Replacement - Secondary for the 3.4L engine.