DTC P0461: Fuel Level Sensor (Gauge) CKT Performance Problem

NOTE: If DTC P0463 is also set, diagnose and repair DTC P0463 first.

Turn ignition on. Using a voltmeter, backprobe between PCM 22-pin harness connector. Measure and record voltage between ground and terminal No. 11 (Yellow/Red wire). Add one gallon (3.7 L) of fuel to tank. Recheck voltage reading. If voltage decreases by 0.3 volt (0.2 volt on models without tachometer) within a 1-4 volt range (.9-3.4 volt range on models without tachometer), check for an intermittent problem. See TESTS W/O CODES article. If voltage does not change as specified, go to next step.
Turn ignition off. Disconnect fuel level sensor harness connector located under rear seat cushion. Turn ignition on. If fuel gauge reads empty, go to next step. If fuel gauge reading does not read empty, check Yellow/Red wire between fuel gauge, fuel sensor harness connector and PCM for short. Repair as necessary. If wire is okay, replace fuel gauge. Retest system.
Using a fused jumper wire, short Yellow/Red wire to ground. If fuel gauge reads full, go to next step. If fuel gauge does not read full, check Yellow/Red wire between fuel gauge and fuel level sensor harness connector for open. Repair as necessary. If wire is okay, replace fuel gauge.
Turn ignition off. Using an ohmmeter, measure resistance of fuel level sensor as one gallon (3.7 L) of fuel is added to tank. If resistance decreases within a 5-103 ohm range, replace PCM. If resistance does not decrease, or resistance is out of range, replace fuel level sensor. Retest system.