GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Cadillac 🢒 2001 🢒 Catera 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Instrument Panel, Gauges, and Console 🢒 Fuel Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative

Diagnostic Aids
    • Ensure that the fuel level is in the same range as the customer concern.
    • For intermittent diagnosis, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
    • Refer to Fuel Level Specifications in order to verify the correct fuel level sensor readings. The Fuel Level (V) parameter is available on the scan tool in the IPC data list.

Test Description

The number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step tests for a high resistance in the signal circuit and the low reference circuit of the fuel level sensor.

    2.

  2. DTCs will be set in the ECM and IPC when you perform this diagnostic table.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Instrument Cluster Schematics

1

Did you perform the IPC Diagnostic System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Instrument Cluster

2
  1. Disconnect C400.
  2. Connect the J 33431-C Signal Generator and Instrument Panel Tester between the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor and the low reference circuit of the fuel level sensor (female terminal side).
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

    4. Important: Verify the J 33431-C resistance settings with a DMM.

  4. Vary the resistance on the J 33431-C from 50-280 ohms.
  5. Refer to Fuel Level Specifications in order to convert from resistance to fuel gage display.

Does the fuel gage display the correct fuel level?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3
  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

    3. Important: Verify the J 33431-C resistance settings with a DMM.

  3. Vary the resistance on the J 33431-C from 50-280  ohms. Refer to Fuel Level Specifications in order to convert from resistance to fuel level gage voltage.

    4. Important: Turn OFF the ignition momentarily between the resistance settings in order to quickly update the scan tool display.

  4. With the scan tool, observe the Fuel Level Gauge (voltage) parameter in the IPC data list.

Does the scan tool display the correct fuel level voltage?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 5

4

Inspect for the following items:

    • A poor connection at the harness connector of the fuel level sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.
    • A high resistance in the signal circuit or the low reference circuit between the fuel level sensor and C400.
    • A misaligned fuel level sender.
    • A deformed fuel tank.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 7

5

Test the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor for a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 6

6

Test the low reference circuit of the fuel level sensor for a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 9

7
  1. Remove the fuel level sender.
  2. Inspect for the following items:
    3. • A stuck fuel level sender (i.e. the fuel strainer interfering with the sender float arm).
    • Foreign material in the fuel tank (ice).

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 8

8
  1. With the J 39200 DMM, measure the resistance of the fuel level sensor while moving the float arm.
  2. Observe both the analog and digital displays on the DMM.

Does the resistance change smoothly across the specified range?

50-280 ohms

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 10

9

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the IPC. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

10

Replace the fuel level sensor. Refer to Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement in Engine Controls.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

--

11

Important: Program the replacement IPC.

Replace the IPC. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

--

12
  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the ECM and IPC DTCs.
  2. Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

--

System OK

Go to Step 2