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 the fuel level of the fuel tank. The powertrain control module (PCM) checks the change in the fuel level sensor output and then compares it to the calculated fuel consumption value. A malfunction is detected by the following checks.
If the absolute difference between the fuel consumption and fuel level sensor output change is a specified value for a specified duration when a certain fuel amount is consumed, the PCM detects a malfunction and stores a DTC.
If the absolute difference between the fuel level at the start of the sensor-stuck check and the filtered fuel level is a specified value, the PCM detects a malfunction and stores a DTC.

Repeatedly filling the tank with less than the specified amount may lead to a mismatch in the actual fuel amount versus the calculated amount.

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

Enable Conditions
Condition
Minimum
Maximum
12 volt battery voltage [Battery]
9 V
16 V
State of the engine
Running
[ ]: HDS Parameter

Malfunction Threshold
Either of the conditions occur:
The absolute difference between the fuel consumption and fuel level sensor output change is less than 14 L (3.6 US gal) for at least 5 seconds when a certain fuel amount is consumed.
The absolute difference between the fuel level at the start of the sensor-stuck check and the filtered fuel level is less than 0.5 L (0.13 US gal).

Possible Cause
NOTE:
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The causes shown may not be a complete list of all potential problems, and it is possible that there may be other causes.
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Refueling the tank with less than the specified amount of 5 L (1.32 US gal) four times, may lead to a mismatch in the actual fuel amount versus the calculated amount. To prevent this, make sure that the customer fills the tank with the minimum specified amount during refueling. Refer to the How to Refuel section of the owner's manual for details.
Fuel level sensor failure

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.