DTC P0461: Fuel Level Sender Circuit Fault: Description

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Fuel level sender changes resistance based on fuel level. Powertrain Control Module (PCM) monitors the signal circuit of fuel level sender in order to determine fuel level. When fuel tank is full, fuel level sender resistance is high and PCM senses a high fuel level sender signal voltage. When fuel tank is empty, fuel level sender resistance is low and PCM senses a low fuel level sender signal voltage. PCM uses the signal circuit of the fuel level sender in order to calculate total remaining fuel percentage in the tank. PCM sends fuel level percentage via the fuel level signal circuit to instrument panel 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. PCM sets this DTC when fuel level sender signal appears to be stuck based on a lack of signal variation expected during normal operation.

DTC P0461 will set if PCM does not detect a change in fuel level of at least 0.79 gal (3.0 L) over a distance of 200 miles. When DTC P0461 sets, fuel gauge defaults to empty and PCM records operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. PCM stores failure information in Failure Records on scan tool. DTC P0461 becomes history when conditions for setting the DTC no longer exist. History DTC clears after 40 malfunction free warm-up cycles. Scan tool may be used to clear DTCs.