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.
DTC P0461: Fuel Level Sensor #1 Performance: Testing
2003 Chrysler 300M BaseSECTION Testing
- Diagnose DTC P0462: FUEL LEVEL SENSOR #1 LOW or DTC P0463: FUEL LEVEL SENSOR #1 HIGH first, if set along with P0461. Inspect the fuel pump module harness connector for any corrosion or damage. Ignition on, engine not running. With the DRBIII® scan tool, read DTCs and record the related freeze frame data. Is the Good Trip Counter displayed and equal to zero? If yes, go to next step. If no, see INTERMITTENT CONDITION under SELF-DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM.
- Visually inspect the fuel tank for damage that may restrict the fuel sending unit float from moving. Is the fuel tank OK? If yes, go to next step. If no, replace the fuel tank as necessary.
- Turn the ignition off. Disconnect the fuel pump module harness connector. Measure the resistance between ground and the (G4) fuel level signal circuit at the fuel pump module harness connector. Is the resistance below 100 ohms? If yes, repair the short to ground in the (G4) fuel level signal circuit. If no, go to next step.
- Turn the ignition off. Disconnect the fuel pump module harness connector. Disconnect the instrument cluster harness connector. Measure the resistance of the (G4) fuel level signal circuit from the fuel pump module harness connector to the BCM harness connector. Is the resistance below 5.0 ohms? If yes, go to next step. If no, repair the open in the (G4) fuel level signal circuit.
- Turn the ignition off. Disconnect the fuel pump module harness connector. Measure the resistance of the (Z2) ground circuit from the fuel pump module harness connector to ground. Is the resistance below 5.0 ohms? If yes, go to next step. If no, repair the open in the (Z2) ground circuit.
- Remove the fuel tank. Remove the fuel pump module. Visually inspect the inside of the fuel tank for any obstructions or deformities. Inspect the fuel pump module float arm for damage. Were any problems found? If yes, repair or replace as necessary. If no, go to next step.
- If there are no possible causes remaining, replace the fuel level sensor.
WARNING:
The fuel system is under a constant pressure (even with the engine off). Before testing or servicing any fuel system hose, fitting or line, the fuel system pressure must be released. Release fuel pressure. See FUEL SYSTEM PRESSURE RELEASE .
RENDER: 1.0x
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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.