GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The fuel level sensor changes resistance based on fuel level. The IPC monitors the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor in order to determine fuel level. When the fuel tank is full, the sensor resistance is high and the IPC senses a high signal voltage. When the fuel tank is empty, the sensor resistance is low and the IPC senses a low signal voltage. The IPC uses the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor in order to determine fuel gage position. The IPC sends the fuel level percent via the class 2 serial data circuit to the PCM for misfire and EVAP diagnostics.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The fuel level signal is less than 3.5 percent.
    • The above condition is present for greater than 2.5 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The fuel gage defaults to (E) empty.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • The DTC becomes history when the conditions for setting the DTC are no longer present.
    • The IPC receives the clear code command from the scan tool.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. Tests for the proper operation of the circuit in the high voltage range.

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Instrument Cluster Schematics

1

Did you perform the Instrument Cluster Diagnostic System Check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Instrument Cluster

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF.
  3. With a scan tool, observe the Fuel Tank Level Remaining parameter in the PCM EVAP data list.

Does the scan tool indicate that the Fuel Tank Level Remaining parameter is less than the specified value?

4%

Go to Step 3

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems

3

  1. Turn the ignition. OFF
  2. Disconnect C420.
  3. Turn the ignition ON with the engine OFF.
  4. With a scan tool, observe the Fuel Tank Level Remaining parameter.

Does the scan tool indicate that the Fuel Tank Level Remaining parameter is greater than the specified value?

98%

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 7

5

Test the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor for a short to ground between C420 and the fuel level sensor. Refer to Circuit Testing and to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 6

6

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

7

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 9

8

Replace the fuel level sensor. Refer to Fuel Level Sensor Replacement in Engine Controls.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 10

--

9

Replace the IPC. Refer to Instrument Cluster Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 10

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10

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC.

Does the DTC reset?

--

Go to Step 2

System OK