P0463

DTC P0463 (2.8L, 3.0L, 3.2L and 3.6L Engines)

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 P0463
- Fuel Level Sensor Circuit High Voltage




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 high and the ECM senses a high signal voltage. When the fuel tank is empty, the sensor resistance is low and the ECM senses a low 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 panel cluster (IPC). The ECM sends a serial data message to the IPC in order to display the fuel level percent on the fuel gage.


Conditions for Running the DTC

* The ignition is ON, with the engine running.
* The system voltage is between 10-18 volts.



Conditions for Setting the DTC

* The fuel level signal is above 2.5 volts.
* The above condition is present for about 60 seconds.



Action Taken When the DTC Sets

* The fuel gage defaults to empty.
* The low fuel indicator displays in the IPC.
* 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)
* Engine Controls Schematics (Electrical Diagrams)

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation

* Instrument Cluster Description and Operation (Description and Operation)
* Fuel System Description (Fuel System Description)

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


Circuit/System Verification

With the scan tool installed and the ignition ON, the Fuel Level parameter in the ECM EVAP Data List indicates a value at or greater than 4 percent.


Circuit/System Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the fuel level sensor.
2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1 ohm of resistance between the fuel level sensor low reference circuit terminal C and ground.

• If greater than the specified range, test the low reference circuit terminal C for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuits tests normal, replace the ECM.

3. Install a 3A fused jumper wire between the fuel level sensor signal circuit terminal B and the fuel level sensor low reference circuit terminal C. Verify the Fuel Level parameter is greater than 98 percent.

• If less than 98 percent, test the fuel level sensor signal circuit terminal B and low reference circuit terminal C for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.

4. If all circuits test normal, perform the fuel level sensor component test before replacing either the primary or secondary fuel level sensor.



Component Testing

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the fuel level sensor.
2. While sweeping the 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 of resistance between 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)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning)for the ECM replacement, setup, and programming