Nissan Xterra. Manual - part 305

EC-346

< DTC/CIRCUIT DIAGNOSIS >

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P0461 FUEL LEVEL SENSOR

P0461 FUEL LEVEL SENSOR

Component Description

INFOID:0000000009484048

The fuel level sensor is mounted in the fuel level sensor unit. The

sensor detects a fuel level in the fuel tank and transmits a signal to

the combination meter. The combination meter sends the fuel level

sensor signal to the ECM through CAN communication line.

It consists of two parts, one is mechanical float and the other is vari-

able resistor. Fuel level sensor output voltage changes depending on

the movement of the fuel mechanical float.

On Board Diagnosis Logic

INFOID:0000000009484049

NOTE:

• If DTC P0461 is displayed with DTC UXXXX, first perform the trouble diagnosis for DTC UXXXX.

• If DTC P0461 is displayed with DTC P0607, first perform the trouble diagnosis for DTC P0607. Refer

to 

EC-365, "Description"

.

Driving long distances naturally affect fuel gauge level.

This diagnosis detects the fuel gauge malfunction of the gauge not moving even after a long distance has

been driven.

Overall Function Check

INFOID:0000000009484050

Use this procedure to check the overall function of the fuel level sensor. During this check, a 1st trip DTC

might not be confirmed.

WARNING:

When performing the following procedure, always observe the handling of the fuel. Refer to 

FL-6,

"Removal and Installation"

.

TESTING CONDITION:

Before starting overall function check, preparation of draining fuel and refilling fuel is required.

 WITH CONSULT

NOTE:
Start from step 10, if it is possible to confirm that the fuel cannot be drained by 30   (7-7/8 US gal, 6-5/

8 Imp gal) in advance.

1. Prepare a fuel container and a spare hose.

2. Release fuel pressure from fuel line, refer to 

EC-494, "Fuel Pressure Check"

.

3. Remove the fuel feed hose on the fuel level sensor unit.

4. Connect a spare fuel hose where the fuel feed hose was removed.

5. Turn ignition switch OFF and wait at least 10 seconds then turn ON.

6. Select “FUEL LEVEL SE” in “DATA MONITOR” mode with CONSULT.

7. Check “FUEL LEVEL SE” output voltage and note it.

8. Select “FUEL PUMP” in “ACTIVE TEST” mode with CONSULT.
9. Touch ON and drain fuel approximately 30   (7-7/8 US gal, 6-5/8 Imp gal) and stop it.

10. Check “FUEL LEVEL SE” output voltage and note it.
11. Fill fuel into the fuel tank for 30   (7-7/8 US gal, 6-5/8 Imp gal).

12. Check “FUEL LEVEL SE” output voltage and note it.

BBIA0529E

DTC No.

Trouble diagnosis name

DTC detecting condition

Possible cause

P0461
0461

Fuel level sensor circuit 
range/performance

The output signal of the fuel level sensor does 
not change within the specified range even 
though the vehicle has been driven a long dis-
tance.

• Harness or connectors

(The CAN communication line is open or 
shorted)

• Harness or connectors

(The sensor circuit is open or shorted)

• Combination meter
• Fuel level sensor

P0461 FUEL LEVEL SENSOR

EC-347

< DTC/CIRCUIT DIAGNOSIS >

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13. Confirm whether the voltage changes more than 0.03V during step 7 to 10 and 10 to 12.

If NG, go to 

EC-347, "Diagnosis Procedure"

.

 WITH GST

NOTE:
Start from step 8, if it is possible to confirm that the fuel cannot be drained by 30   (7-7/8 US gal, 6-5/8

Imp gal) in advance.

1. Prepare a fuel container and a spare hose.

2. Release fuel pressure from fuel line. Refer to 

EC-494, "Fuel Pressure Check"

.

3. Remove the fuel feed hose on the fuel level sensor unit.

4. Connect a spare fuel hose where the fuel feed hose was removed.

5. Turn ignition switch ON.
6. Drain fuel by 30   (7-7/8 US gal, 6-5/8 Imp gal) from the fuel tank using proper equipment.

7. Confirm that the fuel gauge indication varies.
8. Fill fuel into the fuel tank for 30   (7-7/8 US gal, 6-5/8 Imp gal).

9. Confirm that the fuel gauge indication varies.

10. If NG, go to 

EC-347, "Diagnosis Procedure"

.

Diagnosis Procedure

INFOID:0000000009484051

1.

CHECK COMBINATION METER FUNCTION

Refer to 

MWI-4, "Work Flow"

.

OK or NG

OK

>> GO TO 2.

NG

>> Go to 

MWI-33, "Component Function Check"

.

2.

CHECK INTERMITTENT INCIDENT

Refer to 

GI-40, "Intermittent Incident"

.

>> INSPECTION END

EC-348

< DTC/CIRCUIT DIAGNOSIS >

[VQ40DE]

P0462, P0463 FUEL LEVEL SENSOR

P0462, P0463 FUEL LEVEL SENSOR

Component Description

INFOID:0000000009484052

The fuel level sensor is mounted in the fuel level sensor unit. The

sensor detects a fuel level in the fuel tank and transmits a signal to

the combination meter. The combination meter sends the fuel level

sensor signal to the ECM through CAN communication line.

It consists of two parts, one is mechanical float and the other is vari-

able resistor. Fuel level sensor output voltage changes depending on

the movement of the fuel mechanical float.

On Board Diagnosis Logic

INFOID:0000000009484053

NOTE:

• If DTC P0462 or P0463 is displayed with DTC UXXXX, first perform the trouble diagnosis for DTC

UXXXX.

• If DTC P0462 or P0463 is displayed with DTC P0607, first perform the trouble diagnosis for DTC

P0607. Refer to 

EC-365, "Description"

.

DTC Confirmation Procedure

INFOID:0000000009484054

NOTE:

If DTC Confirmation Procedure has been previously conducted, always perform the following before conduct-

ing the next step.

1. Turn ignition switch OFF and wait at least 10 seconds.

2. Turn ignition switch ON.

3. Turn ignition switch OFF and wait at least 10 seconds.

TESTING CONDITION:

Before performing the following procedure, confirm that battery voltage is more than 11V at ignition

switch ON.

1. Turn ignition switch ON and wait at least 5 seconds.

2. Check 1st trip DTC.

3. If 1st trip DTC is detected, go to 

EC-348, "Diagnosis Procedure"

.

Diagnosis Procedure

INFOID:0000000009484055

1.

CHECK COMBINATION METER FUNCTION

Refer to 

MWI-4, "Work Flow"

.

OK or NG

OK

>> GO TO 2.

NG

>> Go to 

MWI-33, "Component Function Check"

.

2.

CHECK INTERMITTENT INCIDENT

Refer to 

GI-40, "Intermittent Incident"

.

BBIA0529E

DTC No.

Trouble diagnosis name

DTC detecting condition

Possible cause

P0462
0462

Fuel level sensor circuit 
low input

An excessively low voltage from the sensor is 
sent to ECM.

• Harness or connectors

(The CAN communication line is open or 
shorted)

• Harness or connectors

(The sensor circuit is open or shorted)

• Combination meter
• Fuel level sensor

P0463
0463

Fuel level sensor circuit 
high input

An excessively high voltage from the sensor is 
sent to ECM.

P0462, P0463 FUEL LEVEL SENSOR

EC-349

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>> INSPECTION END