P0461-FUEL LEVEL SENSOR 1 PERFORMANCE

For a complete wiring diagram Refer to Section 8W.

Theory of Operation

The fuel level rationality will set a fault for a fuel level reading that does not change over an accumulated mileage threshold to keep stuck high or stuck low fuel levels from disabling OBD monitors. If the vehicle is fitted with a saddle tank fuel system this feature includes diagnostics for both of the sending units and diagnostics for a siphon tube that has become disconnected or plugged. The power up test looks to see a large enough fuel level voltage change from the last key-off to the following engine run. The engine run test looks to see a fuel level voltage change over an accumulated mileage.

• When Monitored:

  TEST No.1: With the ignition on, the fuel level is compared to the previous key down after a 20 second delay. TEST No.2: The PCM monitors the fuel level at ignition on.

• Set Condition:

  TEST No.1: If the PCM does not see a difference in fuel level of greater than 0.1 volt the test will fail. TEST No.2: If the PCM does not see a change in the fuel level of .1765 over a set amount of miles the test will fail. Two trip fault. Three good trips to turn off the MIL.

Always perform the Pre-Diagnostic Troubleshooting procedure before proceeding. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).

Diagnostic Test

NOTE: Diagnose any CAN C Bus communication DTCs before continuing.

NOTE: Diagnose P0462 or P0463 first, if set along with P0461.

NOTE: It may be necessary to drive the vehicle to meet the conditions to set this DTC, try to repeat the conditions in which the fault originally set by reviewing the Freeze Frame data.

• Go To 2

• Refer to the INTERMITTENT CONDITION Diagnostic Procedure.
• Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)

• Go To 3

• Replace the Fuel Tank as necessary.
• Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)

• Repair the short to voltage in the (N4) Fuel Level Signal circuit.
• Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)

• Go To 4

• Go To 5

• Repair the open in the (N4) Fuel Level Signal circuit.
• Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)

• Repair the short to ground in the (N4) Fuel Level Signal circuit.
• Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)

• Go To 6

• Repair the short between the (G310) Sensor ground circuit and the (N4) Fuel Level Signal circuit.
• Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)

• Go To 7

• Go To 8

• Repair the open in the (G310) Sensor ground circuit.
• Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)

WARNING: The fuel system is under a constant pressure (even with the engine off). Before testing or servicing any fuel system hose, fitting or line, the fuel system pressure must be released. Failure to follow these instructions can result in personal injury or death.

• Repair or replace as necessary.
• Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)

• Go To 9

• Replace the Fuel Level Sensor.
• Perform the POWERTRAIN VERIFICATION TEST. (Refer to 9 - ENGINE - STANDARD PROCEDURE)