Circuit Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Buick LaCrosse and 2006 Buick Allure. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The fuel level sender changes resistance based on fuel level. The engine control module (ECM) monitors the signal circuit of the fuel level sender in order to determine fuel level. When the fuel tank is full, the sender resistance is high and the ECM senses a high signal voltage. When the fuel tank is empty, the sender resistance is low and the ECM senses a low signal voltage. The ECM uses the signal circuit of the fuel level sender in order to calculate the total remaining fuel percent in the tank. The ECM sends the fuel level percent via the class 2 serial data circuit to the instrument cluster in order to control the fuel gage. The fuel level information is also used for misfire and evaporative emission (EVAP) diagnostics.

This diagnostic tests for the fuel level sensor signal movement. The ECM sets this DTC when it detects a difference between engine consumed fuel and change of the fuel level signal of the primary fuel level sensor.