DTC P0461 Fuel Level Sensor
Performance
The Fuel Level Sensor
changes resistance based on fuel level. The Fuel Level Sensor has a signal
circuit and a ground circuit. The PCM applies a voltage (about 5.0 volts) on
the signal circuit to the sensor. The PCM monitors the changes in this voltage
caused by changes in the resistance of the sensor in order to determine fuel
level.
When the fuel tank is
full, the sensor resistance is high, and the PCM's
signal voltage is only pulled down a small amount through the sensor to ground.
Therefore, the PCM will sense a high signal voltage (fuel tank full). When the
fuel tank is empty, the sensor resistance is low, and the signal voltage is
pulled down a greater amount. This causes the PCM to sense a low signal voltage
(fuel tank empty).
The PCM uses inputs from
the Fuel Level Sensor in order to calculate the total fuel remaining in the
fuel tank. This information is then sent to the fuel gauge.
This
diagnostic tests for a stuck fuel level sensor signal. The PCM sets this DTC
if the fuel level signal appears to be stuck based on a lack of signal
variation expected during normal operation.
Conditions
for Running the DTC
- The fuel level sender indicates a
fuel level greater than 58.7 liters.
- More than 150 miles have been
accumulated.
OR
- The fuel level sender indicates a
fuel level less than 58.7 liters.
- More than 125 miles have been
accumulated.
Conditions
for Setting the DTC
The fuel level in the
fuel tank does not decrease by at least 3.0 liters.
Action
Taken When the DTC Sets
- The PCM stores the DTC information
into memory when the diagnostic runs and fails.
- The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL)
will not illuminate.
- The PCM records the operating conditions
at the time the diagnostic fails. The PCM stores this information in the
Failure Records.
Conditions
for Clearing the DTC
- A last test failed, or current DTC,
clears when the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
- A history DTC will clear after
40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or
any other non-emission related diagnostic.
- Use a scan tool in order to clear
the DTC.
The vehicle fuel gauge
displays empty with this DTC set:
Using Freeze Frame
and/or Failure Records data may aid in locating an intermittent condition. If
you cannot duplicate the DTC, the information included in the Freeze Frame
and/or Failure Records data can aid in determining how many miles since the DTC
set. The Fail Counter and Pass Counter can also aid determining how many
ignition cycles the diagnostic reported a pass and/or a fail. Operate the
vehicle within the same freeze frame conditions (RPM, load, vehicle speed,
temperature etc.) that you observed. This will isolate when the DTC failed.
The numbers below refer
to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
|
Step |
Action |
Value(s) |
Yes |
No |
|
Did
you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic
(OBD) System Check? |
-- |
|||
Is
the Fuel Level sensor at the specified value? |
0.0V |
|||
Is
the Fuel Level sensor at the specified value? |
0.0V |
|||
Did
you find and correct the condition? |
-- |
|||
Did
you find and correct the condition? |
-- |
|||
Did
you find and correct the condition? |
-- |
|||
|
Replace
the Fuel Level sensor. Refer to Fuel
Sender Assembly Service . Is the action complete? |
-- |
-- |
||
Did
you find and correct the condition? |
-- |
|||
|
Important: Program the replacement
PCM. Refer to PCM
Replacement/Programming . Replace
the PCM. Is the action complete? |
-- |
-- |
||
Does
the scan tool indicate that this test ran and passed? |
-- |
|||
|
Select
the Capture Info option and the Review Info option using the scan tool. Does
the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed? |
-- |
Go to Applicable DTC |
System OK |