2004 Nissan-Datsun Sentra SE-RFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Fuel Level Sensor Signal Inspection

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2005 Infiniti FX45, 2005 Infiniti FX35, 2004 Infiniti FX45, 2004 Infiniti FX35, and 2003 Infiniti FX45. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Symptom:

  • Fuel gauge indication is malfunction.
  • Low-fuel warning lamp indication is irregular.
NOTE: The following symptoms are not malfunction.

Fuel level sensor unit

  • Depending on vehicle position or driving circumstance, the fuel level in the tank various, and the pointer may fluctuate.
  • If the vehicle is fueled with the ignition switch ON, the pointer will move slowly.

Low-fuel warning lamp

  • Depending on vehicle position or driving circumstance, the fuel in the tank flows and the warning lamp ON timing may change.
  1. CHECK UNIFIED METER AND A/C AMP. INPUT SIGNAL 
    1. Select "METER A/C AMP" on CONSULT-II.
    2. Using "FUEL METER" on "DATA MONITOR", compare the value of "DATA MONITOR" with fuel gauge pointer of combination meter.
    DIAGNOSIS PROCEDURE

    Fuel gauge pointer Reference value of data monitor [lit.]
    Full Approx. 86
    Three quarters Approx. 70
    Half Approx. 48
    A quarter Approx. 25
    Empty Approx. 9
    Fig 1: CONSULT-II Diagnosis Function Display (5 Of 5)
    G02359432Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

    OK or NG 

    1. OK: GO TO 2.
    2. NG: Replace combination meter.
  2. CHECK FUEL LEVEL SENSOR 

    Check components. Refer to "CHECK FUEL LEVEL SENSOR UNIT ".

    OK or NG 

    1. OK: GO TO 3.
    2. NG: Replace fuel level sensor unit.
  3. CHECK FUEL LEVEL SENSOR (SUB) CIRCUIT 
    1. Disconnect unified meter and A/C amp. connector and fuel level sensor unit (sub) connector.
    2. Check continuity between unified meter and A/C amp. harness connector M56 terminal 28 (W/B) and fuel level sensor unit (sub) harness connector B40 terminal 1 (LG).
      1. 28 (W/B) - 1 (LG): Continuity should exist. 
    3. Check continuity between unified meter and A/C amp. harness connector M56 terminal 28 (W/B) and ground.
      1. 28 (W/B) - Ground: Continuity should not exist. 

    OK or NG 

    1. OK: GO TO 4.
    2. NG: Repair harness or connector.
    Fig 2: Checking Continuity Between Terminal 28 And Ground
    G02359433Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  4. CHECK FUEL LEVEL SENSOR (MAIN.SUB) CIRCUIT 
    1. Disconnect fuel level sensor unit and fuel pump (main) connector.
    2. Check continuity between fuel level sensor unit (sub) harness connector B40 terminal 2 (Y) and fuel level sensor unit and fuel pump (main) harness connector B39 terminal 2 (Y).
      1. 2 (Y) - 2 (Y): Continuity should exist. 
    3. Check continuity between fuel level sensor unit (sub) harness connector B40 terminal 2 (Y) and ground.
      1. 2 (Y) - Ground: Continuity should not exist. 

    OK or NG 

    1. OK: GO TO 5.
    2. NG: Repair harness or connector.
    Fig 3: Checking Continuity Between Terminal 2 And Ground
    G02359434Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  5. CHECK FUEL LEVEL SENSOR (MAIN) CIRCUIT 
    1. Check continuity between fuel level sensor unit and fuel pump (main) harness connector B39 terminal 5 (B) and unified meter and A/C amp. harness connector M56 terminal 36 (B/W).
      1. 5 (B) - 36 (B/W): Continuity should exist. 
    2. Check continuity between fuel level sensor unit and fuel pump (main) harness connector B39 terminal 5 (B) and ground.
      1. 5 (B) - Ground: Continuity should not exist. 

    OK or NG 

    1. OK: GO TO 6.
    2. NG: Repair harness or connector.
    Fig 4: Checking Continuity Between Terminal 5 And Ground
    G02359435Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.
  6. CHECK INSTALLATION CONDITION 

    Check fuel level sensor unit installation, and check whether the float arm interferes or binds with any of the internal components in the fuel tank.

    OK or NG 

    1. OK: Replace unified meter and A/C amp. Refer to "REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION OF UNIFIED METER AND A/C AMP. "
    2. NG: Install the fuel level sensor unit properly.
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.