GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The fuel level sender changes resistance based on fuel level. The powertrain control module (PCM) monitors the signal circuit of the fuel level sender in order to determine fuel level. When the fuel tank is full, the sender resistance is high and the PCM senses a high signal voltage. When the fuel tank is empty, the sender resistance is low and the PCM senses a low signal voltage. The PCM uses the signal circuit of the fuel level sender in order to calculate the total remaining fuel, percent, in the tank. The PCM sends the fuel level percent via the class 2 serial data circuit to the instrument cluster in order to control the fuel gage. The fuel level information is also used for misfire and evaporative emission (EVAP) diagnostics.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is ON, with the engine ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The fuel level signal is greater than 5 volts.
    • The above condition is present for greater than 20 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The fuel gage defaults to empty.
    • The low fuel indicator illuminates.
    • The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The 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.
    • The PCM receives the clear code command from the scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

    • Use the Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data in order to locate an intermittent condition. If you cannot duplicate the DTC, the information included in the Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data may aid in determining the number of miles since the DTC set. The Fail Counter and Pass Counter can also aid in determining the number of ignition cycles that the diagnostic reported a pass and/or fail. Operate the vehicle within the same freeze frame conditions (RPM, load, vehicle speed, temperature, etc.). This will isolate when the DTC failed.
    • Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. Tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the low voltage range.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Instrument Cluster Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Master Electrical Component List

1

Did you perform the Instrument Cluster Diagnostic System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Instrument Cluster

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn the ignition ON, with engine OFF.
  3. With the scan tool, observe one of the following fuel level parameters:
  4. • Fuel Level Sensor parameter in the PCM Enhanced EVAP data list.
    • Fuel Level Sensor parameter in the PCM EVAP data list - 4.2L only.

Does the scan tool indicate that the Fuel Level Sensor parameter is less than the specified value?

4.5 V

98% - 4.2L only

Go to Step 3

Go to Diagnostic Aids

3

  1. Turn the ignition OFF.
  2. Disconnect C101.
  3. Connect a 3-amp fused jumper wire between the signal circuit of the fuel level sender and the low reference circuit of the fuel level sender on the female terminal side of the connector.
  4. Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF.
  5. With a scan tool, observe the Fuel Level Sensor parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate that the Fuel Level Sensor parameter is less than the specified value?

0.5 V

4% - 4.2L only

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

Test the signal circuit of the fuel level sender for an open, a high resistance, or a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 5

5

Test the low reference circuit of the fuel level sender for an open, a high resistance, or a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 9

6

Test the signal circuit of the fuel level sender for an open, a high resistance, or a short to voltage between C101 and the fuel level sender. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 7

7

Test the low reference circuit of the fuel level sender for an open, a high resistance, or a short to voltage between C101 and the fuel level sender. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 8

8

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the fuel level sender. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 10

9

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the powertrain control module (PCM). Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

10

Replace the fuel level sender. Refer to Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.2L or to Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.8L, 5.3L, or 6.0L.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

--

11

Important: Program the replacement PCM.

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.2L or to Powertrain Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls - 4.8L, 5.3L, or 6.0L.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

--

12

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK