GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2006 🢒 Lucerne 🢒 Body 🢒 Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console 🢒 Fuel Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative

Diagnostic Fault Information

Important: Always 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)/powertrain control module (PCM) 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/PCM senses a low signal voltage. When the fuel tank is empty, the sensor resistance is high and the ECM/PCM senses a high signal voltage. The ECM/PCM uses the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor in order to calculate the percentage of remaining fuel in the tank. The ECM/PCM sends the fuel level percentage via the GMLAN serial data circuit to the body control module (BCM). The BCM sends the fuel level information to the instrument panel cluster via the GMLAN serial data circuit in order to control the fuel gage and display the fuel level. 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 4.6L engine
    •  Engine Controls Schematics for the 3.8L engine

Connector End View Reference

    •  Instrument Panel, Gages, and Console Connector End Views
    •  Engine Controls Connector End Views for the 4.6L engine
    •  Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views for the 3.8L engine

Electrical Information Reference

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

Scan Tool Reference

Scan Tool Data List

Circuit/System Testing
  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the fuel level sensor connector, 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 ohms - 250 ohms. With the scan tool verify that the Fuel Tank Level Remaining parameter displays the correct fuel level percent. Refer to Fuel Level Specifications .
    3. ⇒If the fuel level percent is incorrect, test the signal circuit and the low reference circuit for an open/high resistance. If all circuit tests normal, replace the ECM.
  3. Ignition ON, vary the resistance on the signal generator from 40 ohms - 250 ohms. Observe the fuel gage and verify that the fuel gage displays the correct fuel level. Refer to Fuel Level Specifications .
    4. ⇒If the fuel gage display is incorrect, test or replace the fuel gage.
  4. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the fuel level sensor.

Repair Instructions

Important: Always perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Fuel Level Sensor Replacement for the 4.6L engine
    •  Fuel Level Sensor Replacement for the 3.8L engine
    •  Control Module References for the ECM/PCM and IPC replacement, setup, and programming