P0461: Fuel Level Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance
P0461 means Fuel Level Sensor "A" Circuit Range/Performance. The fuel level sensor in the tank reports the fuel level. The signal is inside its electrical limits, but it does not make sense compared with what the module expects from other sensors or from engine conditions (a "range/performance" fault). The part is often working electrically but reporting a wrong or implausible value.
Can I keep driving? Safe to drive short-term, but have it checked to avoid failed emissions or worse fuel economy.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Fuel gauge inaccurate, stuck or erratic
- EVAP tests may not run
Possible causes
- Worn fuel level sender (resistor card)
- Wiring or connector fault at the tank
- Instrument cluster fault (on some vehicles)
How to diagnose P0461
- Compare the gauge reading with known fuel added.
- Check the sender resistance through its range against specification.
- Inspect the connector at the fuel pump module.
What the code means, digit by digit
Generic codes have the same definition on every OBD-II vehicle (petrol cars from model year 1996 in the US, 2001 in the EU; diesels later). Manufacturers can add their own enhanced codes; those are not listed here.
Related codes
General guidance only. Fault codes describe what the engine computer saw, not which part failed: confirm with testing before replacing parts, and follow the vehicle's service information.