P0462: Fuel Level Sensor "A" Circuit Low

P0462 means Fuel Level Sensor "A" Circuit Low. The fuel level sensor in the tank reports the fuel level. The signal voltage is lower than the minimum the module expects. Typical causes are a short to ground, an open in the reference or signal wire, or a failed sensor.

CodeP0462
SystemFuel level sensor
SeverityLow
TypeGeneric powertrain

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 P0462

  1. Compare the gauge reading with known fuel added.
  2. Check the sender resistance through its range against specification.
  3. Inspect the connector at the fuel pump module.

What the code means, digit by digit

PPowertrain0Generic (SAE) code4Sub-system62Specific fault

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.