Circuit Description
The right fuel level sensor measures fuel level changes within the right fuel tank.
When the fuel level is high the sensor signal voltage is high. When the fuel level is low the sensor signal voltage is low.
The PCM uses inputs from the left fuel level sensor and the right fuel level sensor in order to calculate the total fuel remaining in both fuel tanks. The system sends this information via the serial data to the IPC. This information displays on the fuel gage.
This diagnostic tests for a stuck right fuel level sensor signal. If the PCM determines that the fuel level (right tank) signal appears to be stuck based on a lack of signal variation expected during normal operation, this DTC sets.
An electric high pressure fuel pump is attached to the fuel sensor assembly inside the left fuel tank. The in-tank fuel pump supplies fuel through an in pipe fuel filter/pressure regulator assembly to the fuel rail. The fuel pressure supplied by the fuel pump exceeds the fuel injectors required pressure. The fuel pressure regulator, which is part of the fuel filter assembly, regulates the fuel pressure supplied to the fuel injectors. Excess fuel returns from the fuel filter/regulator, through a separate fuel return pipe, to the left fuel tank. The fuel pump delivers a constant flow of fuel to the engine even during low fuel conditions and aggressive vehicle maneuvers. The PCM controls the electric fuel pump operation through a fuel pump relay.
The left tank fuel pump also supplies a small amount of pressurized fuel to the right fuel tank siphon jet pump through the fuel feed rear crossover pipe. The pressurized fuel creates a venturi action inside the siphon jet pump. The venturi action causes the fuel to be drawn out of the right fuel tank. Fuel is then transferred from the right fuel tank to the left fuel tank through the fuel sensor fuel feed pipe. The fuel system is designed to maintain a greater level in the left fuel tank then the right fuel tank when the electric fuel pump is operating. The fuel transfer rate from the left fuel tank to the right fuel tank is less than the transfer rate from the right fuel tank to the left fuel tank. Therefore, with the electric fuel pump operating, the left fuel tank level should be higher than the right fuel tank level.
The fuel level in the fuel tanks equalize when the following occur:
| • | The electric fuel pump is not operating. |
| • | The fuel level is greater than 50 percent. |
Conditions for Running the DTC
The engine is operating.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
| • | The fuel level sensor 2 voltage is greater than 2.9 volts. |
| • | The above condition present for greater than 2.0 minutes. |
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
| • | The PCM stores the DTC information into memory when the diagnostic runs and fails. |
| • | The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will not illuminate. |
| • | The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The PCM stores this information in the Failure Records. |
| • | The vehicle fuel gage displays empty. |
| • | The check gages indicator illuminates. |
| • | The driver information center displays a message. |
Conditions for Clearing the MIL or DTC
| • | A history DTC will clear after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other non-emission related diagnostic. |
| • | A last test failed, ore current DTC, will clear when the diagnostic runs and does not fail. |
| • | Use a scan tool in order to clear the MIL or DTC. |
Diagnostic Aids
Important: Remove any debris from the PCM connector surfaces before servicing the PCM. Inspect the PCM connector gaskets when diagnosing/replacing the PCM. Ensure that the gaskets are installed correctly. The gaskets prevent contaminate intrusion into the PCM.
| • | Depending on the current fuel level, it may be difficult to locate a malfunctioning sending unit. The malfunction may only occur when the fuel level is full or near empty. The fuel sending unit may need to be removed for further diagnosis. A fuel level sensor that has an intermittent condition causes this DTC to set. Remove the fuel level sensor. Refer to Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement in Engine Controls in order to test the resistance of the sensor. The resistance of the sensor should change from 40 to 250 ohms. Replace the sensor if the resistance did not change or was out of range. |
| • | The following occurs with this DTC set: |
| - | The vehicle fuel gage displays empty. |
| - | The check gages indicator illuminates. |
| - | The driver information center displays a message. |
| • | For an intermittent condition, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems. |
The voltages in the Fuel Level Conversion Table are approximate values. Use this table to aid in diagnosis.
Approximate Values | ||
|---|---|---|
Fuel Level | Left Tank voltage | Right Tank Voltage |
100% | 2.5 V | 2.5 V |
75% | 2.5 V | 1.5 V |
50% | 2.5 V | Less than 1 V |
25% | 1.7 V | Less than 1 V |
0% | Less than 1 V | Less than 1 V |
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the Diagnostic Table.
-
This step determines if the fault is present.
-
The fuel level sensor may only fail at a certain range. If you determine the condition is intermittent, inquire with the customer when the concern occurred. The concern may only happen when the vehicle is re-fueled or when the fuel level is close to empty.
Using the Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data may aid in locating an intermittent condition. If you cannot duplicate the DTC, the information included in the Freeze Frame and/or Failure Records data can help determine how many miles since the DTC set. The Fail Counter and Pass Counter can also help determine how many ignition cycles the diagnostic reported a pass and/or a fail. Operate the vehicle within the same freeze frame conditions (RPM, load, vehicle speed, temperature etc.) that you observed. This will isolate when the DTC failed.
-
If the voltage goes low, this determines the circuits and the PCM are OK.
Step | Action | Values | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Schematic Reference: Instrument Cluster Schematics | ||||
1 | Did you perform the IPC Diagnostic System Check ? | -- | Go to Step 2 | |
Is the Fuel Level sensor right tank voltage above the specified value? | 2.9 V | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 3 | |
Does the scan tool indicate that this diagnostic failed this ignition? | -- | Go to Step 4 | Go to Diagnostic Aids | |
4 |
Is the fuel level sensor voltage above the specified value? | 5 V | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 5 |
Is the Fuel Level sensor voltage below the specified value? | 2.9 V | Go to Step 8 | Go to Step 6 | |
6 | Connect a jumper wire between the fuel level sensor signal circuit to a known good ground. Is the fuel level sensor voltage below the specified value? | 2.9 V | Go to Step 9 | Go to Step 7 |
7 |
Is the fuel level sensor signal circuit open? | -- | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 15 |
8 |
Does the DMM display a resistance within the specified range? | 0-2 ohms | Go to Step 14 | Go to Step 10 |
9 |
Is the Fuel Level sensor ground circuit open? | -- | Go to Step 13 | Go to Step 15 |
10 | Inspect for poor connections at the fuel level sensor harness connector. 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 17 | Go to Step 11 |
11 | Replace the fuel level sensor. Refer to Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement in Engine Controls. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 17 | -- |
12 | Repair the open fuel level sensor signal circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you complete the repair? | -- | Go to Step 17 | -- |
13 | Repair the open fuel level sensor ground circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you complete the repair? | -- | Go to Step 17 | -- |
14 | Repair the fuel level sensor signal circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems. Did you complete the repair? | -- | Go to Step 17 | -- |
15 | Inspect for poor connections at the PCM harness connector. 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 17 | Go to Step 16 |
16 |
Important: Program the replacement PCM. Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement in Engine Controls. Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 17 | -- |
17 |
Does the scan tool indicate that this test ran and passed? | -- | Go to Step 18 | Go to Step 2 |
18 | Select the Capture Info option and the Review Info option using the scan tool. Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed? | -- | Go to the applicable DTC | System OK |
