P0461Fuel Level Sensor A Circuit Range/Performance
- Generic OBD-II code · Powertrain
- Turns on the check-engine light
- Matters for the ITP
- Needs a drive cycle to confirm a fix
- How the car detects it
- 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. P0461 is the plausibility check of sensor A within its valid signal range. GM compares the level change with calculated fuel use: less than 3 l change after 22 l (2018) or 38.2 l (2016) consumed sets the code, MIL after two trips. Ford reads it differently, as a noisy signal with jumps above 40 %. On the Saab 9-4X the gauge then drops to empty and the low-fuel lamp comes on. A GM bulletin names overfilling and frequent topping up as a false trigger.
- What you may notice
- Fuel gauge wrong, stuck or jumping
- Range display and low-fuel warning wrong
- Check engine light (depending on the maker)
- Likely causes
- LikelyResistor track or wiper worn or dirty (sulphur deposits), arm sticking
- PossibleFloat deformed or soaked, or tank deformed
- PossibleOverfilling or frequent topping up (no defect)
- RareContact resistance at connectors (occasional jumps)
- Inspection (ITP)
- Matters for the ITP. While the check-engine light is on, the car fails the emissions check.
- Repair
- Medium · Usually a job for a workshop.Typical cost: €80 – €600
- Related codes
Explanation from obdex (CC0), exactly as the app shows it. Guidance only; confirm with a workshop.