Circuit Description
The fuel level sensor changes resistance based on fuel level. The PCM monitors the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor in order to determine fuel level. When the fuel tank is full, the sensor resistance is high and the PCM senses a high signal voltage. When the fuel tank is empty, the sensor resistance is low and the PCM senses a low signal voltage. The PCM uses the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor in order to calculate the total remaining fuel in the tank. The PCM sends the fuel level percent via the class 2 serial data circuit to the IPC in order to control the fuel gage. The fuel level information is also used for misfire and EVAP diagnostics.
Conditions for Running the DTC
| • | DTC P0601 is not set. |
| • | The ignition is ON. |
Conditions for Setting the DTC
| • | The fuel level signal is less than 1.0 percent. |
| • | 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
| • | There is an access panel to the fuel level sensor in the trunk. |
| • | 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, i.e. RPM, engine 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.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Schematic Reference: Instrument Cluster Schematics | ||||
1 | Did you perform the Instrument Cluster Diagnostic System Check? | -- | Go to Step 2 | |
2 |
Does the scan tool indicate that the Fuel Level parameter is less than the specified value? | 1% | Go to Step 3 | Go to Diagnostic Aids |
Does the scan tool indicate that the Fuel Tank Level Remaining parameter is greater than the specified value? | 98% | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 4 | |
4 | Test the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor for a short to ground. Refer to Circuit Testing and to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 6 |
5 | Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the fuel level sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 7 |
6 | Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the PCM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and to Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you find and correct the condition? | -- | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 8 |
7 | Replace the fuel level sensor. Refer to Fuel Level Sensor Replacement in Engine Controls. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 9 | -- |
8 |
Important: Program the replacement PCM. Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 9 | -- |
9 |
Does the DTC reset? | -- | Go to Step 2 | System OK |
