DTC P0461: Fuel Level Sensor Circuit Performance: Description

The fuel level sensor is a variable resistor that varies resistance according to changes in the level of fuel in the fuel tank. The ECM supplies a 5-volt reference through a pull-up resistor to the sensor, which is connected to ground. When the level in the fuel tank is high, the sensor resistance is low (low voltage on signal line). As the fuel level decreases, the sensor resistance increases (voltage increases on the signal line). The ECM uses the signal voltage to determine fuel tank level. The ECM receives the fuel level signal from the fuel level sensor, then sends it over the Class 11 link to the BCM. The BCM averages the fuel level with respect to vehicle speed then sends out a message to the instrument panel cluster for the fuel gauge over the link. DTC P0461 sets when the signal voltage at the ECM does not change a calibrated amount after the vehicle has been driving a long distance.