Circuit Description

The fuel level sender changes resistance based on the fuel level. The powertrain control module (PCM) monitors the signal circuit of the fuel level sender in order to determine fuel level. When the fuel tank is full, the sender resistance is low and the PCM senses a low signal voltage. When the fuel tank is empty, the sender resistance is high and the PCM senses a high signal voltage. The PCM uses the signal circuit of the fuel level sender in order to calculate the total remaining fuel percent in the tank. The PCM sends the fuel level message via the controller area network (CAN) serial data circuit to the body control module (BCM). The BCM sends the fuel level percent to the instrument panel cluster (IPC) via the class 2 data circuit to display on the fuel gage. The fuel level information is also used for misfire and evaporative emission (EVAP) diagnostics.

This diagnostic tests for an intermittent fuel level sender signal. If a change in fuel level is detected DTC P0442 is aborted due to a refueling event. A refueling event test is executed to confirm that a refueling event has occurred. If refueling is confirmed, the test is considered passing. Otherwise, the DTC will set indicating an intermittent signal problem.