DTC Advanced Diagnostics: P0461
DTC P0461:Fuel Level Sensor (Fuel Gauge Sending Unit) Circuit Range/Performance Problem

General Description

The fuel level sensor in the fuel tank measures a fuel level of the fuel tank. The powertrain control module (PCM) confirms the correlation between the fuel level sensor output and the fuel level converted from the fuel consumption. If the correlation is out of normal range, the PCM detects a malfunction and stores a DTC.

Monitor Execution, Sequence, Duration, DTC Type
Execution
Continuous
Sequence
None
Duration
0.1 second or more
DTC Type
Two drive cycles, MIL on

Enable Conditions
Condition
Minimum
Maximum
Elapsed time after the vehicle condition is turned to the ON mode
520 milliseconds
–
Total driving distance
31.1 miles (50.0 km)
–
Fuel consumption after refueling
8.422 L (2.2249 US gal)
–
12 volt battery voltage [BATTERY]
10.5 V
–
Other
Test-drive on a flat road to avoid misdetection
[ ]: HDS Parameter

Malfunction Threshold
Any of the condition occurs:
The fuel level sensor output change is 53 % or more when the fuel consumption is 32 %.
The fuel level sensor output change is 88 % or more when the fuel consumption is 64 %.
The fuel level sensor output change is 12.6 % or less.

Possible Cause
NOTE: The causes shown may not be a complete list of all potential problems, and it is possible that there may be other causes.
Fuel level sensor failure

Confirmation Procedure
Operating Condition
1.
Start the engine.
2.
Drive the vehicle at least 31.1 miles (50.0 km/h) without refueling.

Does not matter to turn the vehicle to the OFF (LOCK) during the test-drive.
Test-drive on a flat road to avoid misdetection.
Drive the vehicle in this manner only if the traffic regulations and ambient conditions allow.
With the HDS
None.

Diagnosis Details
Conditions for setting the DTC
When a malfunction is detected during the first drive cycle, a Pending DTC is stored in the PCM memory. If the malfunction returns in the next (second) drive cycle, the MIL comes on and a Confirmed DTC and the freeze data are stored.

Conditions for clearing the DTC
The MIL is cleared if the malfunction does not return in three consecutive trips in which the diagnostic runs. The MIL, the Pending DTC, the Confirmed DTC, and the freeze data can be cleared with the scan tool clear command or by disconnecting the 12 volt battery.