Circuit Description

The fuel level sender changes resistance based on the fuel level. The powertrain control module (PCM) 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 PCM senses a high signal voltage. When the fuel tank is empty, the sender resistance is low and the PCM senses a low signal voltage. The PCM uses the signal circuit of the fuel level sender in order to calculate the total remaining fuel percent in the tank. The PCM sends the fuel level percent via the class 2 serial data circuit to the BCM. The IPC receives a class 2 message from the body control module (BCM) in order to display the fuel level percent on the fuel gage. The fuel level information is also used for misfire and evaporative emission (EVAP) diagnostics.

This diagnostic tests for a higher than normal fuel level sender signal.