GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2005 🢒 Grand Prix 🢒 Vehicle Control Systems 🢒 Vehicle DTC Information 🢒 Fuel Gage Inaccurate or Inoperative

Diagnostic Aids
    • Ensure that the fuel level is in the same range as the customer concern.
    • For intermittent diagnosis, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.
    • Refer to Fuel Level Specifications in order to verify the correct fuel level sensor readings. The Fuel Tank Level Remaining (%) parameter is available on the scan tool in the powertrain control module (PCM) or the engine control module (ECM) evaporative emission (EVAP) Data list.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step tests for a high resistance in the signal circuit and the low reference circuit of the fuel level sensor.

    2.

  2. DTCs will be set in the PCM/ECM when you perform this diagnostic table.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Instrument Cluster Schematics

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2
  1. Disconnect the fuel level sensor.
  2. Connect the J 33431-C Signal Generator and Instrument Panel Tester between the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor and the low reference circuit of the fuel level sensor on the male terminal side.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

    4. Important: Verify the J 33431-C resistance settings with a DMM.

  4. Vary the resistance on the J 33431-C from 40-250 ohms.
  5. Refer to Fuel Level Specifications in order to convert from resistance to fuel gage display.

Does the fuel gage display the correct fuel level?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

    3. Important: Verify the J 33431-C resistance settings with a DMM.

  3. Vary the resistance on the J 33431-C from 40-250 ohms.
  4. Refer to Fuel Level Specifications in order to convert from resistance to fuel level percent.

    5. Important: Turn the ignition OFF momentarily between the resistance settings in order to quickly update the scan tool display.

  5. With the scan tool, observe the Fuel Tank Level Remaining parameter in the powertrain control module (PCM) or the engine control module (ECM) evaporative emission (EVAP) Data list.

Does the Fuel Level Remaining parameter display the correct fuel level percentage?

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Go to Step 11

Go to Step 5

4

Inspect for the following items:

    • A poor connection at the harness connector of the fuel level sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.
    • A misaligned fuel level sensor
    • A deformed fuel tank

Did you find and correct the condition?

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Go to Step 13

Go to Step 7

5

Test the signal circuit of the fuel level sensor for a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 6

6

Test the low reference circuit of the fuel level sensor for a high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 9

7
  1. Remove the fuel level sensor.
  2. Inspect for the following items:
    3. • A stuck fuel level sensor, i.e. the fuel strainer interfering with the sender float arm.
    • Foreign material in the fuel tank, i.e. ice.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 8

8
  1. With the J 39200 DMM, measure the resistance of the fuel level sensor while moving the float arm.
  2. Observe both the analog and digital displays on the DMM.

Does the resistance change smoothly across the specified range?

40-250 ohms

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 10

9

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the PCM/ECM. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

10

Replace the fuel level sensor. Refer to Fuel Level Sensor Replacement in Engine Controls - 3.8L or Fuel Level Sensor Replacement in Engine Controls - 5.3L.

Did you complete the replacement?

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Go to Step 13

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11

Replace the instrument panel cluster (IPC). Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

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Go to Step 13

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12

Replace the PCM/ECM. Refer to Control Module References in Computer/Integrating Systems for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 13

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13

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the PCM/ECM DTCs.
  2. Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

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System OK

Go to Step 2