How to test a fuel gauge (tank sending unit) P0463 - GM
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- Опубліковано 15 лют 2012
- P0463 Fuel Level Sensor Circuit Signal High/Open trouble code. In this video I will show you how to test a fuel tank sending unit (float). Typically the spring loaded fingers that ride on the resistor in the tank will break off, ruining the sending unit. The only fix is to replace the float as an assembly or try to piece a new resistor assembly into the existing sending unit. The electrical design of the fuel tank sending unit that GM uses is identical in operation and testing as a temperature sensor. The difference is in what changes the resistance of the external resistor. On a temp sensor, it is temperature, on a fuel level sensor, it is the position of the float. For this reason, I have placed this video in my Section 6 "Thermistors" playlist.
Engine Performance Diagnostics chapter 6 pages 10-11
Symptoms
- in-op fuel gauge
- fuel gauge stuck on full or empty
- fuel gauge works some of the time
- trouble code P0463
Fix
- replace fuel tank sending unit
Tests shown
- description and operation of the electrical circuit
- fuel tank level signal and ground wire tests
- how to perform a circuit integrity test
Tools used
- scan tool
- digital multimeter
- back-probing tools
Playlist
- (Chapter 6) Temperature Sensor, Thermistor Circuit Tests
• (Chapter 6) Temperatur...
Related videos
- How to test a coolant temperature sensor (ECT sensor test)
• How to test a coolant ...
- How to test an Engine Coolant or Intake Air Temperature Sensor (any car) • How to test an Engine ...
- What's on ScannerDanner Premium? ("Chapter 6: Thermistors" Preview) • Chapter 6 (Thermistors...
For more information on this topic, I have written a “field manual” called Engine Performance Diagnostics which is available at www.scannerdanner.com as an eBook or paper book.
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On ScannerDanner Premium I will bring you right into my classroom at Rosedale Technical College. You will find page for page lectures taken right from my book as well as exclusive classroom type case studies. What is so special about these classroom case studies? I pull live problem vehicles directly into my classroom and we troubleshoot them in real time, using and applying the theory and testing procedures we learn during the classroom lectures. There is no better on-line training of how to troubleshoot automotive electrical and electronics systems anywhere!
Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of ScannerDanner LLC, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. ScannerDanner LLC assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. ScannerDanner LLC recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of ScannerDanner LLC, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not ScannerDanner LLC. - Авто та транспорт
I was a navy instructor and taught reactor operation and instrument control repair and calibration. Your instruction is on a par with naval training for the reactor controls. Kudos my friend. ET1(SS)
That's awesome! Thank you so much
Eric The Car Guy sent me here! You are DAMN good! Very impressed.
I never seen a great comprehensive Auto electronic guru like Mr Paul.His books and related videos are really making you a great auto tech.
I've had a lot of "HIGH END" training materials, and scanner danners training materials are "HIGH END" as well. He definately demonstraited simple fuel guage Diagnostics in this video, using paper clip at tank connector, jumpering 5 volt reference to harness ground and watching scantool voltage to go from 5v to 0 volts when grounded, proving problem to be towards tank sender unit.Glad that Mr. Danner has made this video and his book available to me and any person who may work on my car some day.
I like how you are thorough, and informational. Half of my auto teachers at school give half ass answers and just tell me what to do instead of teaching.
I appreciate the electrical diagnosis videos you have. I have been certified in a few different sub categories as a tech, including advanced electrical diagnosis, but none of my professors came anywhere NEAR as close as you have in making sense out of circuits & showing how the powers/ grounds are switched. I will make sure to tell all my followers about you. Keep it up for the sake of all the younger generation guys who are gonna need to tackle todays advanced vehicles.
Thank you, this information saved us a lot of trouble. Great Work!!!
Mr. scannerdanner you are absolutely amazing at how you simplify and explain how this things work. I have learned so much from your videos on here & am so thankful for you sharing this with us on here. Thanks again and I hope you are blessed for the work that you do to help people.
Thank you Josh!
2binsons
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So much good information my head will explode !!. just doing some review before fixing a friends fuel gauge. thank you
Electrical 101...always a learning day when you have a s/d video to watch
You are a troubleshooting God! This is something that has boggled my mind about CTS/Fuel sending units for a long time. Thank you!
glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching and for your kind words.
ScannerDanner
How am going to test it on dashboard my nissan almera
What a perfect video for what I needed. Thank you for breaking this down!
I have a 2016 cadillac ats-v and the gas guage doesn't work. hasn't worked since I've owned the car. I thought a new fuel pump would fix the issue; since I wanted to upgrade the fuel system. However it didn't fix the problem. Because of this video, I know exactly what to look for now. High 5 to you and your team!
I actually love this lesson with a great case study. Thanks for enlightening my understanding
Thanks for this video I have had problems with my fuel gauge on my Integra type R but rather than showing full all the time it tends to go to empty rather quickly so I went on your channel to get the best way to go about it and I can now attack the problem with more confidence Thanks again
God has guide me to you.
I can't even speak or write a comment.
You are just amazing and I like your character.
Recently I bought a tester and a multimeter willing to learn so I'm just a beginner 😅
I'm glad The Almighty has my friend. I'll help you however I can.
Wow!!! Thanks ScannerDanner! Great lesson!
your good at explaining how the fuel gauge system works congrats.. and thank u for your help...
Naw man thank you!! If anyone, a diy or even season technician is passionate about there craft and want to have edge over the comp..the stuff u teach is sharp as a razor blade, really defined and simplified. I have no formal training in automotive computer diagnostic.. If I can comprehend anyone can..
you are the best! am from jamaica and i watch most of your videos, if not all, best teacher i learn so much, i have so much confidence in diagnosing my car! and i am giving you credit for crank sensor bypass test, wow amazing! circuit integrity test!
+romie smith thanks romie smith!
Thank you so much.It's very clear to me now.Please upload more we like you teaching methods.Thank you again.
Man your videos pump me up !! Awesome video and info Danner !!!
What do you call KNOWLEDGEABLE and SUBSTANTIAL the answer is Sir ScannerDanner
Brilliant video From the start to finish loved it. Thank you very much helpful information video. Take care and have a great day Sir ScannerDanner
From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧
Super video. Now I can attempt to diagnosis my sender on my motorhome that reads empty. Like you said, if I disconnect the wire plug at the sending unit, I should read 5v with my meter to ground. Thank you!
hehe. got it. thanks for the taking the time man. appreciate it. happy new years!
Enjoyed the video Paul.
ScanerDanner majstore pa ti si Bog! To translate it is :ScannerDanner master you are God :) your videos helped me so much in diagnosing bad wires or sensors etc.By the way i am mechanic working on Renault in Serbia for five years now.I've been so frustrated doing ohm testing that was leading nowhere.Than your voltage drop testing was like a light at the end of the tunnel.I actually solved a problem in 5 minutes that was driving my boss nuts for 2 hours.Thank you.Greetings from Serbia!!!
Thanks very much.for your teaching.
Great instructor!
Perfect, Thank You for all this info!
You are best teacher
Brilliant explanation. South Africa
Thank you for your answer. And you guessed it right. It's an Opel Vectra, so it is a GM product. ;)
Oh and congrats on your APSCU's educator of the year, runner up award!
I've visited Rosedale's sight yesterday. And 'was looking for information, how I could visit your school. But it seems I'll have to work for a good 5 to 7 years if I wan't to go there to be a student. You would be crying if you'd know how much I earn here in Hungary. But I'm not giving up the hope. I'd truly love to be there.
@DIYautotech Thank you! I really appreciate the comment and the word of mouth. Have a great day.
this video my be work for me again thanks dann.
that's a nice lecture..... Nice Video
Thank you very much!
Excelente explicación, realmente eres bueno en lo que haces.
SUBSTANTIAL Sir ScannerDanner
Thanks 👍
Sir ScannerDanner
From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧
@JohnzCarz Great point, thank you! I didn't check the gauge on this one, I should have.
Mann... TOP NOTCH ASE A6 Material Here!!! I am definitely a fan!!!
Thank you so much!
You are the best man
@Bushougoma Great point. Thank you
Good work
Thank you
Great video. Thanks
Okay! Great class. I wish my mechanic/Auto mechanic teacher at the local community college can take some lesson from your class and fix my fuel gauge right the first time...after 3 tried and finally seal the leaky gas ring cap after the works being done my gauge now reads 3/4 full after filled up worst then before the fixed which shows 7/8 full when you filled up the tanks. He's now out of idea and don't want to reopen the fuel sending unit tank again because he had to done it 3 times already. Each time fuel still leaks.
My name is Claudionor and I am Brazilian and I have a mechanical workshop make electronic injection repair and'm imprecionado with his explanation. I am very excited about next video where else will perfect my knowledge with them thank you
+claudionor jose thanks for subscribing! you've found the right place to be my friend. enjoy
@foxholewilly It is like that for me! It also feels like that when my students "get it". Thats why I love teaching. Thank you so much for your comment.
good work, keep it up
You're awesome 👌
Truthfully you don't know for sure but I think what you said about the low fuel light makes me feel better about the gauge reading accurately at the lower tank levels. It is common for gauge sending units to have contact issues in only certain places on the resistor. That's what it sounds like to me.
Danner thank you very much, and look at the continuity of the ground wire, 5v reference. and signal cable from the sensor to PCM all have continuity and this worries me because everything looks OK but the light does not go out and do not want to erase the code it takes to return 30 seconds. or follow all of your videos and you're definitely a great teacher I would love be one of your students
Go to my website listed on my channel page. I cannot put the link here, but it is scannerdanner d o t c o m.
If you have any questions fill out your info on my website and I well get back to you. Also watch my video about my ebook on my channel page. Thank you !
awesome. "your done you need X" I love it.
thank you so much!
yes. a thermistor circuit will not be damaged by jumping the signal to ground.
and they very in resistance from car to car. 30kohms cold is just an example
Thanks for your time, I'll try that and let you know what i find. I should get the truck back first of this week but i remember when the conn. was plugged into the tank voltage was somewhere in the 3v range but the gauge read empty. Don't remember if i cleared codes and cycled key though. Looks like circuitry is working just not to the gauge. tank unit had already been replaced.
I've been trying to fix the gas gauge on an old 56 6cyl. Chevy truck since 1995, still workin on it!! Lol
I love you videos I have a 2005 GMC Astro van my fuel gauge works sometimes for like 2 minutes and then it drops down to empty usually when I accelerate or hit the brakes is it the sending unit or could it possibly be something else thank you keep up the good work you have helped me a lot in the past
sending unit, it is a GM and the fingers break off of the wiper that rides on the resistor in the tank
@MrMatthew1969 Thanks for the comment.
@fivefortyeye540i Thank you very much for the comment on my book! I owe you one for that.
Mr Danner so every thermistor can be jump it without damage the circuit, but thermistor on cars be always 30.000 ohms cold? or can be variable?.
Can I use this wiring diagram for a 2002 chevy blazer . 4.3 l engine ?
Most would have called it whit out verifying. That's putting the T in Technical / Technician
amazing!
awesome!
The P0452 code has to do with the fuel tank pressure sensor. It sits on top of the tank unit. These code are not related, but they do share a common ground.
It is a common GM fault to have a bad float resistor cause the P0463 DTC
In a pinch, can you use the vehicle’s own fuel gauge as the indicator of wiring integrity (instead of the scanner reading 5v/0v) when shorting the sensor signal and ground wires or does the diagnostic code cause the gauge to stop functioning until it’s cleared?
check it for a headgasket failure. common problem on this model. also make sure your coolant level is full (when the engine is cold of course).
Hi scanner that makes sense I was thinking when the gas sloshes around why doesn't the gauge bounce up and down the voltage detction between resisters answers that I imagine it just goes through a logic circuit or something this tells me why the Guage doesn't bounce like a cork on the water it kinda slowly moves to the level in tank
Paul, to do the bypass test u said we need to disconnect the sender and jump the two wires. But to check the ground you said we need to leave the sender plugged in. The problem is i didnt see you unplug the connector for the bypass test. Was it unplugged for the bypass test and then plugged back in for the ground test?
Last days a did my first fix to a problem like this on a 2006 dodge grand caravan, after sending unit was replaced I notice the gauge went up to a full position fast, but when a I move the floater to a empty position it respond very slow, my concern is if is that normal or not, thank you
I have a very odd issue with my express van currently. ive gone through every diag in the book (that im aware of)
Send wire has 5v, ground is good. multiple brand new sending units, same error.
if i operate the float outside of the tank, all gauges work properly. as i am lowering the pump into the tank, all is good. shows correct level and voltage. as soon as the pump is fully seated in the ring, the gauge defaults to empty almost like the float is being held down. i have had my arm in the tank, no obstructions. any idea what i might be missing? when the sending unit is mounted in the tank the voltage says around 2.5v but operates from .7 to 2.5 when sitting outside the tank not submerged. grounds are good, ive had this same issue with 4 diff ecms, 3 pumps, 3 clusters, 2 different wiring harnesses. only thing that has never been swapped out is the tank itself. i even tried running my own ground straight to the tank.
i posted a video of the freeze frame data from my scan tool, after checking my grounds i found a missed ground wire & i also added two extra body to engine ground wires. still had the same results. i was wondering if this would help any.
Is this standard for most GM products in the same year range? If you have a cobalt that had this exact fuel gauge problem, then 2 days later the fuel pump starts getting weak and the car wont stay running; would this be considered a separate issue from the p0463?
The gauge on this is computer controlled and there may be a default position with the signal fixed at 0 or 5. Try using a resistor between the terminals to drop the signal voltage somewhere between 1 and 4 volts. This should result in gauge movement. Remember you may need to cycle the key and clear the code for the gauge to move.
hmm, 3v should have shown you something on the gauge. Did you search iATN knowledge base yet? To see if the cluster was a common issue?
no need to watch again, i think i got it now. the voltage was fixed at 5 volts. then you jumped the signal wire to ground (with connector still plugged in) and it dropped to 0 volts. so you pretty much provided a different path to ground thereby bypassing the resistor in the sending unit (since current will flow through the path of least resistance). is that right? also what do you mean by pans when you said "jumping the 2 pans". thanks
Hello, ScannerDanner, great video, I am getting a P0462 error code in my Lincoln Navigator 2006. my fuel gauge seems accurate with the gasoline in the tank. no gas gauge issues but my check engine light stays on and I cannot pass the state emission test.. when I check with a OBD2 scanner, I have got the Fuel Level Input (PLI) value to 0, I was not able to read the voltage of the Fuel Level. Also the P0462 states Fuel level sensor A circuit low imput, What is the sensor A mean here? is there a sensor B somewhere there? thanks!
Would this be the same procedure for an 09? The gauge reads empty all the time. I checked at the connector and with a scanner, they both were reading normal i don't recall the exact #'s right now but the scanner was showing a level and my dvom had a voltage reading around 3 volts but Alldata in the description and operation says the ecm sends info to the bcm and on to the cluster but there is no bcm in the wiring diagram. at least the Alldata i have which goes to 07.
Hey paul. Why is the the fuel gague sending unit only 2 wire instead of 3 wire like every other sensor?
2004 Cadillac thank you I thought so
Got an issue with ethanol about fuel floater reading, any idea ?
When my tank is full, the gauge shows ~80%. But as the tank empties it shows the fuel level more accurately. So my guess is that when the tank is full, than the sender has a low resistance and when it's almost empty the sender has high resistance. And my faulty full reading is beacause the connector at the tank is probably corroded, hence resisted somewhat. Causing the full readout to be unprecise, but the low level reading almost perfect. Am I right or wrong? (Tank needs to be dropped to check)
Is it applies to the potentiometer sensor that method Sir
i have a question , on a 2001 dakota 2.5 lt is the FUEL LEV SENS SIG 5v or 12v?
wiht te conector plug i have 6v , wiht the plug deconected i have 11.97 sometinhg
is that right?
help please,, my amigoooooo
thx man u helped me a lot with many things...im studying to became a technician i have a year left to go..thx again man..simple and acurate..btw could it be easy to check if u have 5v on the wires ..for the wires integrity check...
getting truck back tomorrow, will update. No issue with cluster on 09's as far as i'm aware.
ok, using the freeze frame data on my scantool its giving me normal ect temp at 73deg, but it did say fuel sys 1: OL-Fault and fuel sys 2 N/A...does that mean that i have a problem at the fuel sending units end???
Hi Paul. Fantastic channel here. Very talented. Very jealous of your equipment! I am in the UK but lucky to own a 97 Lincoln Mark 8 with an erratic fuel gage. Tank sender been changed but is still erratic. Ford NGS shows 0.32V in Pids but at connector under the car is 2.1V? Supposedly sender transmits to message center, then goes to the instrument cluster via the network. Gage is driven fine from the scanner, although at 80% on scan tool, gage is reading full. No codes. Any advice?
I'm a second year auto student. I've got a 1998 chevy s10 with no dtc's, fuel gauge reads empty. All tests on sending unit are good. All tests on pcm circuit are good. I can't find a diagram for pcm to gauge in cluster. How do I test the circuit from pcm to the actual gauge? Is it on data bus? This vehicle has multiple gauges that do not work and some that do work. the cluster has been replaced. Any help would be appreciated.
What is that software and equipment (projector) are you using to project the computer screen and sense where you are writing. You seem to be using a special pen that allows the computer to sense what you are writing. What is all that?
I have an P0460 fault code on my Ford Focus Flexifuel and the wires going in to the tank is GN/OG(Volt) BK(Ground) WH/RD and BN/RD wich i think is the signal wire and signal ground.... Has Ford the same procedure with constant +5V to the signal wire?? really need your advise ;)
If i have the correct info it seems that the Instrument cluster in my Ford Focus controls the fuel level sensor...i am beginning to suspect that my Instrument Cluster is the culprit ?? i had 0 Volts in both the WH/RD and the BN/RD cales...and the display in the IC says Fuel computer data error ??
Yes Paul I like your content absolutely but a quick one can't we have a problem between the computer and the guage? in this scenario
before condemning the computer you must check the 5 volt reference circuit for shorts to ground. watch my 3 part video on a Jeep with a no start where I am doing just that. if the car still runs and it is only the coolant sensor circuit that is being affected then you must check this circuit for a short to ground before condemning the computer
hello Danner I have the p0452 code on 99 blazer I found with my own scanner. I put the new sensor and take my blazer to a mechanic who has a scanner like yours and find the code p0463 but not on my scanner the mechanic says that NEED TO assambly unit to resolve the p0452 to pass the test are actually related these two codes? even if the fuel gauge is fine?
Well tried to scope wires in connector to ipc and got no definitive results on the 09 silverado. getting another ecm will post back.
Hey i have a 2000 model s10, my fuel and engine temp have quit working at the same time, mileage counter and battery light only come on in acc position tested the cluster & its fine, replaced the body harness its good, idk what it could be...any suggestions to this commen problem with no answer?
Scanner Danner Hope you can help! Have a 2.2 echotech 2005 Pontiac.Tempguage doesn't always park at the bottom when cold. But seems to go up to 90 degrees no matter where it decides to park at when cold. ex. If parks at 50 degrees will go up 90 degrees from there and sit at 100. If parks at 90 degrees will go up to what looks like180 degrees. Changed ect sensor twice, Not overheating. Thermostate opens. Coolant level normal, Fan works. Car appears to run normal. Only code is a Genric P0001 fuel volume regualator control circuit/open, Can't find in code book. Any ideas. headgasket, stepper motor, vac leak, guage (not digital), bad computer. Hellllp!