Powertrain, generic · Auxiliary emission controls

P0460 Fuel Level Sensor A Circuit

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modeNo

The fuel level sensor is a float on a resistor track in the tank unit. It is no emission part, but other monitors depend on it – the EVAP leak tests, for example, need at least 15 % fuel – so CARB requires it to be monitored and the usual exemption from the warning lamp does not apply. P0460 is the general circuit code for sensor A, the main or only fuel level sensor. Ford sets it instead of P0462/P0463 below 5 Ω or above 200 Ω for 30 s and until about 2012 also used it for a stuck sensor (fuel use compared over 100–120 miles); Saab's Trionic T8 uses it for a sensor that does not change. GM does not use P0460. The gauge then shows wrong values or a substitute, and level-dependent monitors do not run.

Likely causes

Resistor track worn or float arm sticking
Wire or connector at the tank unit open or shorted (corrosion)
Instrument cluster or gateway sends a wrong value (if the level comes via the bus)
Frequent topping up or overfilling (plausibility test fails without a defect)

Symptoms

  • Fuel gauge wrong, stuck or jumping
  • Range display and low-fuel warning wrong
  • Check engine light (depending on the maker)

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€80–600
Time1–3 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

fuel level sensor afuel tank unitsensor wiringengine control module

Related codes

P0461P0462P0463P0464P2065

References: newtonnet.co.uk, fordservicecontent.com, saabwisonline.com, law.cornell.edu.