For 1990-2009 cars
Engine Controls Components
Cell 23: Power, Ground, MIL, and DLC
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

### Circuit Description

The PCM uses a fuel level input from the Body Control Module (BCM) in order to determine if the fuel level is too high or too low in order to be able to accurately detect any EVAP system failures. The fuel level is used to calculate any expected vapor pressures within the fuel system. These pressures vary as the fuel level changes, so the importance of the pressures is critical in order to determine if the Evaporative Emissions System is operating properly. If a DTC P0460 is set along with an EVAP System DTC, the EVAP DTC cannot be considered valid until you repair and clear DTC P0460.

### Conditions for Setting the DTC

The fuel level has not changed more than 1.6% in 120 miles

OR

A DTC U1000 or U1064 is set and the vehicle has been driven more than 120 miles.

### Action Taken When the DTC Sets

• | The PCM will record the operating conditions during the time which the diagnostic fails. This information will store in the Failure Records buffer.

• | A history DTC stores.

• | The PCM fuel level value on the scan tool will default to 40 percent.

### Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

• | The MIL will turn OFF after three consecutive ignition cycles in which the diagnostic runs without a fault.

• | A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a fault.

• | The MIL/DTCs can be cleared by using the scan tool.

### Diagnostic Aids

If a DTC P0460 is set along with an EVAP System DTC, the EVAP DTC cannot be considered valid until you repair and clear DTC P0460. A DTC U1000 or U1064 set along with a DTC P0460, indicates that the PCM was unable to obtain updated fuel level information due to a serial data communication problem with the Body Control Module (BCM). You must diagnose DTC U1000 or U1064 before DTC P0460, as the only problem may have been the serial communication problem and the vehicle was driven more than 120 miles before the vehicle was brought in for service.

### Test Description

The number(s) below refer(s) to the step number(s) on the Diagnostic Table.

1. The Powertrain OBD System Check prompts you to complete some of the basic checks and to store the freeze frame and failure records data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data captured when the malfunction occurred. The scan tool stores this data for later reference.

2. DTC U1000 or U1064 must be diagnosed before DTC P0461 as the only problem may have been the serial communication problem and the vehicle was driven more than 120 miles before the vehicle was brought in for service.

3. The fuel level sensor and the BCM are diagnosed in the Computer System Diagnosis portion of the service manual.

4. Repair verification is an important step in any diagnostic procedure. Comparing the fuel level readings before and after the repairs is a good way to determine if a repair has been successful.

#### DTC P0461-Fuel Level Sensor Circuit

Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
1 | Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | Go to Step 2 | Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check
2 | Was a DTC U1000 or U1064 also set? | -- | Go to applicable DTC table | Go to Step 3
3 | Refer to the Body Control Module System Check in Body Control System. Is the action complete? | -- | Go to Step 4 | --
4 | Verify the repairs by viewing the scan tool fuel level data. Does the fuel level data reflect the correct amount of fuel in the tank? | -- | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 2
5 |

1. Using the scan tool, clear the DTCs.
2. Start the engine.
3. Idle the engine at the normal operating temperature.
4. Operate the vehicle within the conditions for setting this DTC as specified in the supporting text.

Does the scan tool indicate that this diagnostic has ran and passed?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 2

6 | Check to see if any additional DTCs are set. Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed? | -- | Go to applicable DTC table | System OK