Cruze

DTC P0461-P0463

The fuel level sensor changes resistance based on fuel level. The engine control module (ECM) monitors the signal circuits of the fuel level sensor in order to determine the fuel level. When the fuel tank is full, the resistances of the fuel level sensor is low and the ECM senses a low signal voltage on the signal circuits of the fuel level sensor. When the fuel tank is empty, the resistances of the fuel level sensors are high and the ECM senses a high signal voltage. The ECM uses the signal circuits of the fuel level sensor in order to calculate the percentage of remaining fuel in the tank. The ECM sends the fuel level percentage via High Speed CAN-Bus to the body control module (BCM). The BCM then sends the fuel level percentage via Low Speed CAN-Bus to the instrument cluster in order to control the fuel gauge.

P0461

P0462

P0463

Schematic Reference

Instrument Cluster Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Instrument Cluster Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

1. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool ECM - Fuel Level Sensor parameter. The reading should be between 0.5-3.5 V and vary with fuel level.
2. Ignition ON, perform the Instrument Cluster Gauge Sweep test with the scan tool. Verify that the fuel level gauge sweeps from its low to high position.

⇒	If the fuel level gauge does not sweep, replace the P16 Instrument Cluster.

3. Command the All Indicators test ON and OFF with the scan tool. Verify that the low fuel level indicator turns ON and OFF.

⇒	If the low fuel level indicator always stays on or always off, replace the P16 Instrument Cluster.

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector X2 at the K20 Engine Control Module.
2. Ignition ON, test for less than 0.3 V between either the low reference circuit or signal circuit terminals listed below and ground:

•	LXV or 2H0 - low reference circuit terminal 7 or signal circuit terminal 84

•	LLW - low reference circuit terminal 14 or signal circuit terminal 15

•	LXT - low reference circuit terminal 37 or signal circuit terminal 49

⇒	If greater than the specified range, test both the low reference circuit and the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuits test normal, test or replace the G12 Fuel Pump.

3. Ignition OFF, test for infinite resistance between either the low reference circuit or signal circuit terminals listed below and ground:

•	LXV or 2H0 - low reference circuit terminal 7 or signal circuit terminal 84

•	LLW - low reference circuit terminal 14 or signal circuit terminal 15

•	LXT - low reference circuit terminal 37 or signal circuit terminal 49

⇒	If less than the specified range, test both the low reference circuit and the signal circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuits test normal, test or replace the G12 Fuel Pump.

4. Ignition OFF, test for 20-300 Ω between the signal circuit terminal listed below and the low reference circuit terminal listed below:

•	LXV or 2H0 - low reference circuit terminal 7 or signal circuit terminal 84

•	LLW - low reference circuit terminal 14 and signal circuit terminal 15

•	LXT - low reference circuit terminal 37 and signal circuit terminal 49

⇒	If not within the specified range, test both the signal circuit and the low reference circuit or an open/high resistance. If the circuits test normal, test or replace the G12 Fuel Pump.

5. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the K20 Engine Control Module.

Static Test

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the G12 Fuel Pump.
2. Test for 40-250 Ω between the signal terminal 4 and the low reference terminal 3.

⇒	If not within the specified range, replace the G12 Fuel Pump.

Dynamic Test

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the G12 Fuel Pump.
2. Remove the fuel level sensor from the fuel tank.
3. Sweep the sensor through the entire range while monitoring the resistance between the signal terminal 4 and the low reference terminal 3. The resistance should vary between less than 45 Ω and greater than 250 Ω without any spikes or dropouts.

⇒	If not within the specified range or is erratic, replace the G12 Fuel Pump.

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.