GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Fault Information

Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.

Circuit/System Description

The fuel level sensor changes resistance in response to the fuel level. The engine control module (ECM) monitors the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor in order to determine the fuel level. When the fuel tank is full, the sensor resistance is low and the ECM senses a low signal voltage. When the fuel tank is empty, the sensor resistance is high and the ECM senses a high signal voltage. The ECM uses the signal circuit 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 serial data circuit to the instrument cluster in order to control the fuel gage. Then fuel information is also used for misfire and evaporative emission (EVAP) diagnostics.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

    •  Instrument Cluster Schematics
    •  Engine Controls Schematics for the 2.2L engine
    •  Engine Controls Schematics for the 2.4L engine

Connector End View Reference

    •  Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console Connector End Views
    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views for the 2.2L engine
    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views for the 2.4L engine

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Fuel Level Specifications
    •  Scan Tool Data List

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the fuel level sensor. Install a signal generator and instrument panel tester between the signal circuit and the low reference circuit.
  2. Ignition ON, vary the resistance on the signal generator from 40 to 250 ohms. Verify that the scan tool Fuel Tank Level Remaining parameter displays the correct fuel level percent.
  3. If the fuel level percent is incorrect, test the signal circuit and the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If the circuits test normal, replace the ECM.
  4. Ignition ON, vary the resistance on the signal generator from 40 to 250 ohms and monitor the fuel gage.
  5. If the gage is incorrect , replace the IPC.
  6. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the fuel level sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Fuel Level Sensor Replacement for the 2.2L engine
    •  Fuel Level Sensor Replacement for the 2.4L engine
    •  Control Module References for the ECM and IPC replacement, setup, and programming