Fuel and air

P0462 — Fuel Level Sensor Circuit Low Input

Severity: low Safe to drive

What P0462 means

The engine control module reads a voltage from the fuel level sensor in the tank to work out how much fuel is left. P0462 sets when that signal stays below the expected range, as it would with a short to ground or an open circuit. The usual culprits are the sensor in the fuel pump module or the wiring leading to it.

Symptoms

  • Check Engine light on
  • Fuel gauge stuck on empty or full, or jumping around
  • Low fuel warning on despite plenty of fuel
  • Odd gauge behavior after refueling
  • Possible related EVAP codes

Possible causes

  1. Failed fuel level sensor (float and resistor) in the fuel pump module
  2. Signal wire shorted to ground
  3. Open, damaged or corroded wiring
  4. Corroded or loose fuel pump module connector
  5. Faulty instrument cluster or gauge
  6. Internal input fault in the control module (rare)

How to diagnose

  1. Scan for codes and watch live data for the fuel level reading and how it changes
  2. Compare the scan tool value with the dash gauge and the actual fuel amount
  3. Inspect the fuel pump module connector and harness for corrosion, moisture and chafing
  4. Unplug the sensor and check reference voltage and ground against the wiring diagram
  5. Test the signal wire for a short to ground with a multimeter
  6. Measure sensor resistance at different float positions and compare to spec
  7. If the sensor and wiring are good, check the instrument cluster, then the control module

Common fixes

  • Replace the fuel level sensor or the whole fuel pump module
  • Repair damaged wiring or replace the connector
  • Clean corroded terminals and eliminate moisture
  • Repair or replace the instrument cluster if confirmed faulty
  • Reprogram or replace the control module (very rare)

Questions and answers

Can I drive with a P0462 code?

Yes, the engine usually runs normally. Because the fuel gauge can't be trusted, refuel based on miles driven so you don't run dry.

What most often causes P0462?

Most often it's a worn fuel level sensor in the fuel pump module, or a short or corrosion in the wiring and connector going to it.

Will P0462 go away on its own?

If a poor connection caused it, the light may go out, but the fault will likely return. Find and fix the cause, then clear the code.

This is general information about the code. The meaning can differ between makes and models: a scan tool and the repair manual for your car will show the exact cause.