DTC P0461: Fuel Gauge Sending Unit Circuit, Range/Performance Problem: Condition
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Mazda Protege5 and 2002 Mazda Protege. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
DTC is set when fuel gauge sending unit operation is 5 percent less than PCM calculated fuel consumption, when fuel consumption is more than 5.1 gallons. This is a continuous monitor. MIL is illuminated when PCM detects malfunction during 2 consecutive drive cycles. Possibly caused by fuel gauge sending unit malfunction.