DTC Advanced Diagnostics: P0460 (3.0L Engine)
DTC P0460: Fuel Level Sensor (Fuel Gauge Sending Unit) Out of Range
General Description
The fuel level sensors (fuel gauge sending unit and secondary fuel gauge sending unit) are incorporated into the fuel pump and installed in the fuel tank. Using a built-in potentiometer and float, it converts the movement of the float to electrical signals as an output that corresponds fuel level variations in the fuel tank. The fuel level, which is indicated by the gauge control module, is sent to the powertrain control module (PCM) via the controller area network (CAN). If the received voltage information from the gauge control module is out of the specified range for a set time, the PCM detects a malfunction and stores a DTC.
Monitor Execution, Sequence, Duration, DTC Type
| Execution | Continuous |
| Sequence | None |
| Duration | 6 seconds or more |
| DTC Type | Two drive cycles, MIL on |
Enable Conditions
| Condition | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Elapsed time after the recovery from low 12 volt battery voltage | 3 seconds | - |
| 12 volt battery voltage [Battery] | 10 V | - |
| Other | Vehicle ON mode or while fuel level signal continuous sending request to the gauge control module after the vehicle OFF (LOCK) mode. | |
| CAN communication is normally operating | ||
[ ]: HDS Parameter
Malfunction Threshold
The voltage information of the circuit between the fuel level sensors (fuel gauge sending unit and secondary fuel gauge sending unit) and the gauge control module which the PCM received from the gauge control module is out of specified range for at least 6 seconds.
Possible Cause
- Fuel level sensor (fuel gauge sending unit or secondary fuel gauge sending unit) failure
Diagnosis Details
Conditions for setting the DTC
When a malfunction is detected during the first drive cycle, a Pending DTC is stored in the PCM memory. If the malfunction returns in the next (second) drive cycle, the MIL comes on and a Confirmed DTC, the freeze data, and the on-board snapshot are stored.
Conditions for clearing the DTC
The MIL is cleared if the malfunction does not return in three consecutive trips in which the diagnostic runs. The MIL, the Pending DTC, the Confirmed DTC, the freeze data, and the on-board snapshot can be cleared with the scan tool clear command.