GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2008 🢒 Kodiak C-Series (Conventional) C4/C5 🢒 Safety and Security 🢒 Supplemental Inflatable Restraints 🢒 DTC P0461

Diagnostic Instructions
    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0461: Fuel Level Sensor 1 Performance

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

High Resistance

Open

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Fuel Level Sensor Signal

P0462

1

P0463, P0464

P0463

P0461

Fuel Level Sensor Low Reference

--

1

P0463, P0464

P0463

P0461

1. Fuel Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative

Circuit Description

The engine control module (ECM)/powertrain control module (PCM) monitors the signal circuit of the fuel level sender in order to determine fuel level. The sender consists of a variable resistor that changes resistance based on the fuel level in the tank. The ECM/PCM monitors the voltage across the sender resistance in order to determine the fuel level. The ECM/PCM uses the signal circuit of the fuel level sender in order to calculate the total remaining fuel, in percent. The ECM/PCM sends the fuel level percent via the serial data circuit to the instrument cluster in order to control the fuel gage.

This diagnostic tests for a stuck fuel level sensor signal for a single tank or for a stuck primary fuel level sensor signal for dual tanks. The ECM/PCM sets this DTC if the fuel level sensor signal appears to be stuck based on a lack of signal variation expected during normal operation.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The ECM/PCM does not detect a change in the fuel level or a change in the primary fuel level of at least 3 L (0.79 gal) over a distance of 320 km (200 miles).

Action Taken When the DTC Sets
    • The fuel gage defaults to empty.
    • The ECM/PCM records the operating conditions at the time that the diagnostic test fails. The ECM/PCM displays the failure information in the Failure Records on the scan tool.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC
    • The DTC becomes history when the conditions for setting the DTC are no longer present.
    • The history DTC clears after 40 malfunction-free warm-up cycles.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Instrument Cluster Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Instrument Cluster Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Component Testing
  1. Ignition OFF, remove the fuel level sender and verify there are no obstructions interfering with the fuel level sender.
    2. ⇒If any interference is present, repair the fuel sender interference.
  2. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the fuel level sensor.
  3. While sweeping the fuel level sensor through its full range of motion, test for a minimum resistance value of less than 41 ohms and a maximum value greater than 119 ohms between the signal terminal 4 and the low reference terminal 2.
    4. ⇒If not within the specified range, replace the fuel level sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Fuel Level Sensor Replacement for the 6.6L engine
    •  Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement for the 7.8L engine
    •  Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement for the 8.1L engine
    •  Control Module References for the ECM/PCM replacement, setup, and programming