Circuit/System Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 GMC Sierra, 2010 GMC Cab & Chassis Sierra, 2010 Chevrolet Silverado, and 2010 Chevrolet Cab & Chassis Silverado. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The fuel level sensor changes resistance in response to the fuel level. The engine control module (ECM) monitors the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor and the type of fuel in order to determine the fuel level. For regular unleaded fuel the ECM monitors a constant signal. When the vehicle has approximately 20% or greater ethanol for E85 fuel applications, the ECM controls a pulse cycle signal where it monitors the signal and calculates the fuel level percentage only during the on pulse of approximately 100 ms.

When the fuel tank is full, the sensor resistance is low and the ECM senses a low signal voltage. When the fuel tank is empty, the sensor resistance is high and the ECM senses a high signal voltage. The ECM uses the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor in order to calculate the percentage of remaining fuel in the tank. The ECM sends the fuel level percentage via the serial data circuit to the instrument cluster in order to control the fuel gauge.