Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
2002 Chrysler PT Cruiser Base, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Fuel Level Sensor Short
NOTE:
After making any repairs, perform BODY VERIFICATION TEST under VERIFICATION TESTS.
- With the DRBIII, erase DTCs. Turn the ignition on, wait for one minute. With the DRBIII, read DTCs. If the DRBIII does not display FUEL LEVEL SENSOR SHORT, the test is complete. DTC is intermittent. Road test the vehicle and recheck for DTCs. If the code returns, rerun this test. Refer to any Technical Service Bulletins (TSB) that may apply. Inspect related harness and connectors. If the DRBIII displays FUEL LEVEL SENSOR SHORT, go to the next step.
- Turn the ignition off. Disconnect the fuel pump module harness connector. Check connectors, clean/repair as necessary. Measure the resistance of the fuel level sensor between the sensor signal circuit pin and the sensor ground circuit pin (sensor side). If the resistance is below 50 ohms, replace the fuel level sensor. If the resistance is above 50 ohms, go to the next step.
- Turn the ignition off. Disconnect the instrument cluster C2 harness connector. See Figure. Disconnect the fuel pump module harness connector. Check connectors, clean/repair as necessary. Measure the resistance of the fuel level sensor signal circuit to ground. If the resistance is below 10,000 (10 K) ohms (it should be infinite), repair the fuel level sensor signal circuit for a short to the sensor ground circuit. If the resistance is above 10,000 (10 K/ohms) (it should be infinite), replace the instrument cluster. See INSTRUMENT CLUSTER under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION in appropriate ANALOG INSTRUMENT PANELS article.
Factory Service Tools
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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