Fuel Level Sensors

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Two fuel level sensors are used to measure the amount of fuel remaining in the left and right sides of the fuel tank. The left passive fuel level sensor 'B' is attached to the tank internal bracket and the right active fuel level sensor 'A' is attached to the outside of the fuel pump swirl pot. Both sensors are connected to the vehicle wiring harness via the external electrical connector on the fuel pump module top flange assembly.

The electrical output signal varies to the amount of fuel remaining in each side of the fuel tank and the position of the float arms. The measured resistance is measured by the fuel level sensors and the information passed to the Body Control Module/Gateway Module (BCM/GWM) assembly which implements an anti-slosh function. This monitors the signal and updates the fuel level signal to the instrument cluster at regular intervals, preventing constant pointer movement caused by fuel movement in the tank due to cornering or braking. A low level fuel warning indicator is incorporated in the instrument cluster which illuminates when the fuel level in the tank falls below a predetermined level.

The fuel level sensor signals are converted into Controller Area Network (CAN) bus messages by the BCM/GWM and are used by the Instrument Cluster (IC) for fuel gauge and fuel warning indicator operation and are also monitored by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) to store On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) P codes for mis-fire detection when the fuel level is below a predetermined capacity.

Low Fuel Strategy

CAUTION: When 2.0 liters of useable fuel remain, the engine can be restarted and will run for 60 second intervals. Continuous attempts to re-start the vehicle after the useable fuel has been consumed will cause possible damage to the HP fuel pump.

The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) is programmed with a strategy which shuts the engine off before the fuel tank runs dry. This is to prevent fuel system damage by air being drawn into the High Pressure (HP) fuel pump.

A low fuel warning is displayed on the Instrument Cluster (IC), to alert the driver, when the fuel in the tank reaches approximately 4.0 liters of useable and 0.5 liters of un-useable fuel remain.

When a further 1.20 liters of fuel is consumed a misfire condition is induced, to again alert the driver to this condition. The misfire will continue until a further 0.8 liters of fuel has been consumed.

The engine will shut down when only 2.0 liters of useable and 0.5 liters of un-useable fuel remain in the tank.

To reset the fuel strategy after engine shutdown, it is required that a minimum of 5 liters of fuel is added to the fuel tank, when the vehicle is on level ground.