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Home >> Chevrolet >> 1999 >> Tracker 4D Utility, RWD, Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> System >> Engine Controls - Tests W/Codes >> Diagnostic Tests >> DTC P0461: Fuel Level Sensor Circuit Performance >> Diagnosis & Repair

Diagnosis & Repair

  1. If OBD system check has been performed, go to next step. If OBD system check has not been performed, go to ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEM CHECK  under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.
  2. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Using scan tool, perform clear information function. Operate vehicle within freeze frame conditions. Retrieve codes. If DTC P0461 is set, go to next step. If DTC P0461 is not set, go to DIAGNOSTIC AIDS .
  3. Disconnect fuel level sensor harness connector located at left rear of vehicle, behind tail light assembly. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Using DVOM, measure fuel level sensor signal voltage at fuel level sensor harness connector (PCM side). See ENGINE PERFORMANCE WIRING DIAGRAMS article. If voltage is 7-8 volts, go to next step. If voltage is not 7-8 volts, go to step  8.
  4. Turn ignition off. Reconnect fuel level sensor harness connector. Remove fuel tank from vehicle. Disconnect fuel level sensor harness connector at fuel tank. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Using DVOM connected to ground, measure fuel level sensor signal voltage at fuel level sensor harness connector (PCM side). See ENGINE PERFORMANCE WIRING DIAGRAMS article. If voltage is 7-8 volts, go to next step. If voltage is not 7-8 volts, go to step  9.
  5. Check for proper ground connection at fuel tank. Repair as necessary. After repairs, go to step  15. If ground connection is okay, go to next step.
    6. NOTE: To ensure proper fuel level reading is obtained on scan tool, clear any other fuel level DTCs before proceeding.
  6. Remove fuel level sensor from fuel tank. Reconnect fuel level sensor to harness connector. Using scan tool, perform clear information function. While observing fuel level sensor parameter on scan tool, move fuel level sensor float from empty position to full position. Repeat procedure several times. If fuel tank level value changes smoothly as float is swept from empty to full, go to DIAGNOSTIC AIDS . If fuel tank level value does not change smoothly as float is swept from empty to full, go to next step.
    7. NOTE: Fuel gauge responds slowly to changes in fuel level sensor.
  7. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Move fuel level sensor float while observing fuel gauge on instrument cluster. If fuel tank level value changes smoothly as float is swept from empty to full, go to step  13. If fuel gauge value does not change smoothly as float is swept from empty to full, go to step  10.
  8. Check for an open or short in fuel level sensor signal circuit between fuel level sensor and PCM. Repair as necessary. After repairs, go to step  15. If circuit is okay, go to step  11.
  9. Repair open or short in fuel level sensor signal circuit between fuel level sensor harness connector behind left tail light and fuel tank. After repairs, go to step  15.
  10. Replace fuel level sensor. After repairs, go to step  15.
  11. Turn ignition off. Disconnect fuel level sensor harness connector at fuel tank. Disconnect PCM harness connectors. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Using DVOM, measure voltage on fuel level sensor signal circuit at PCM harness connector. See ENGINE PERFORMANCE WIRING DIAGRAMS article. If voltage is 7-8 volts, go to step  14. If voltage is not 7-8 volts, go to next step.
  12. Check for an open or short in fuel level sensor signal circuit between PCM and instrument cluster. Repair as necessary. After repairs, go to step  15. If circuit is okay, repair instrument cluster (fuel gauge, voltage supply, etc.).
  13. Check for an open in fuel level sensor signal circuit between PCM and instrument cluster. Repair as necessary. After repairs, go to step  15. If circuit is okay, go to next step.
  14. Replace PCM. Program PCM using required equipment. After replacing PCM, go to next step.
  15. After repairs, using scan tool, clear DTC information. Road test vehicle within freeze frame conditions that set DTC. Check for DTCs. If no DTCs are stored, repair is complete. If any DTCs are stored, diagnose DTC(s).
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