P0461

DTC P0461 Fuel Level Sensor Performance




Circuit Description
The fuel level sensor is an important input to powertrain control module (PCM) for the enhanced evaporative system diagnostic. Fuel level information is needed for the PCM to know the volume of fuel in the tank. The fuel level affects the rate of change in air pressure in the evaporative system.

The sending unit is a float in the fuel tank which moves a wiper arm across a variable resistor. Low fuel level causes high resistance in the sending unit, and this is recognized by the PCM because the circuit operates at a corresponding low voltage. When the circuit is continuously open or has a high resistance connection, DTC P0461 is set.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
- Sensor output changing is more than 2 % within 200 km. Or Sensor movement position is less than 15 % within 200 km.
- IAT is more than 0 °C.
- MAP changing in 3 sec is less than 10 kPa.
- Engine speed changing in 3 sec is less than 50 rpm.

When there are 12 test failures within 80 test samples, it is stored.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
- The PCM will illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after the second consecutive trip in which the fault is detected.
- The PCM will store conditions which were present when the DTC was set as Freeze Frame and in the Failure Records data.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC
- DTC P0461 can be cleared by using the scan tool "Clear Info" function or by disconnecting the PCM battery feed.

Diagnostic Aids
- Damaged harness-Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness appears to be OK, observe the fuel level display on the scan tool while moving connectors and wiring harnesses related to the sensor. A change in the display will indicate the location of the fault.

Steps 1 - 4:

Test Description