P0461

DTC P0461 Fuel Level Sensor Circuit Range/Performance




Circuit Description
The Fuel Level sensor is an important input to the PCM for the Enhanced Evaporative System Diagnostic. The PCM needs the fuel level information in order to know the volume of fuel in the tank. The fuel level affects the rate of change in air pressure in the EVAP system. Several of the Enhanced Evaporative System Diagnostic sub-test are dependent upon correct fuel level information. The diagnostic will not run when the tank is greater than 85 % or less than 15 % full. (This sensor signal disables the misfire when the fuel levels are less than 15 %). DTC P0461 is a type D Code. Conditions for Setting the DTC
- The Fuel Tank Level Slosh Test is completed.
- The Tank Level Main Test is completed.
- The Fuel Tank Level Data is Valid.
- The Fuel Level signal changes by less than 7 counts (0.14 volts) over a distance of 240 km (146 miles).

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
- The PCM will not turn on the MIL.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC
- The PCM turns the MIL off after 3 consecutive driving trips without a fault condition present.
- A history DTC will clear if no fault conditions have been detected for 40 warm-up cycles (coolant temperature has risen 40 °F from the start-up coolant temperature and the engine coolant temperature exceeds 160 °F during that same ignition cycle) or the Tech 2 clearing feature has been used.

Steps 1 - 2:

Steps 3 - 6:

Step 7:

Test Description
Number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the Diagnostic Chart:
4. This step determines if the fuel gauge and fuel level sender module are operating correctly.