DTC P0461: Fuel Level Sensor Performance: Description

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

This diagnostic tests for a stuck fuel level sender signal. PCM sets this DTC if fuel level sender signal appears to be stuck based on a lack of signal variation expected during normal operation.