Fuel Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative (Single Tank)
Fuel Gauge Inaccurate or Inoperative
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 provide an overview of each diagnostic category.
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 body control module (BCM). The BCM sends serial data messages to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) in order to control the fuel gauge and display the fuel level.
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 Description and Operation
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
Special Tools
J 33431-C Instrument Panel Tester
Circuit/System Verification
Ignition ON, observe the scan tool Fuel Tank Level Remaining parameter. The reading should be between 4-98 percent.
Circuit/System Testing
Note: If equipped, the following tests can be performed at an inline connector. See schematics for the corresponding terminals to test at.
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the fuel level sensor.
2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1 ohm between the low reference circuit terminal D and ground.
• If greater than the specified range, test the circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuits tests normal, replace the ECM.
3. Ignition OFF, install a Signal Generator and Instrument Panel Tester between the fuel level sensor signal circuit terminal A and the low reference circuit terminal D.
4. Ignition ON, vary the signal generator resistance between 40 and 250 ohm. Verify that the scan tool Fuel Tank Level Remaining parameter displays a range that varies between 5 and 95 percent as the signal generator resistance changes.
• If not within the specified range, test the signal circuit terminal for an open/high resistance. If the circuit test normal, replace the ECM.
5. Vary the signal generator resistance between 40 and 250 ohm. Verify that the fuel gauge displays a range that varies between empty and full as the signal generator resistance changes.
• If the gauge is incorrect, replace the IPC.
6. If all circuits test normal, perform the fuel level sensor component test before replacing the fuel level sensor.
Component Testing
1. Ignition OFF, remove the fuel level sender.
2. While sweeping the fuel level sensor through its full range of motion, test for a minimum value of less than 41 ohm and a maximum value greater than 119 ohm between signal terminal A and the low reference terminal D.
• 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 2.4L engine
* Fuel Level Sensor Replacement Service and Repair for the 3.5L engine
* Control Module References Programming and Relearning for the ECM replacement, setup and programming