Getting P0461 code and the gas gage drops to empty
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 3,422
Likes: 9
From: Rockaway, NJ
Re: Getting P0461 code and the gas gage drops to empty (Als98C5)
I had the gas gage drop to empty about 6 months ago. Before it happened, I had about 1/4 of a tank, when suddenly all the bells and warnings came on telling me I was low on gas. I finally found a gas station and filled it up. It only took about 12 gallons so I did have 6-7 gallons left. After the fillup the problem never returned. I assumed it might have been a stuck float. I never checked the error codes.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,247
Likes: 0
Re: Getting P0461 code and the gas gage drops to empty (Als98C5)
Hey Al,
There is a service bulletin out on this. It happened to me several times. Last week I brought it in for the column lock issue and the fuel gauge fix. They just replaced a fuel gauge sensor, which by the way, is located under the car. So they don't have to drop the tank, easy fix! HTH
Mike :seeya
There is a service bulletin out on this. It happened to me several times. Last week I brought it in for the column lock issue and the fuel gauge fix. They just replaced a fuel gauge sensor, which by the way, is located under the car. So they don't have to drop the tank, easy fix! HTH
Mike :seeya
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 29,737
Likes: 0
Kid Rock Fan
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Re: Getting P0461 code and the gas gage drops to empty (Als98C5)
Check out this thread
Gage glitch on my "new" '98 ragtop....HELP!!!!
Gage glitch on my "new" '98 ragtop....HELP!!!!
Racer
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 298
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio Texas
Re: Getting P0461 code and the gas gage drops to empty (Als98C5)
It just happened to me on my 01 Coupe. Many thanks to others on the Forum that helped diagnose this for me. On mine, the guage seems to work fine as long as there is more than half a tank; once I drop below that, it can drop to "E" at any time. After the car sits for a while, it fixes itself for a short while. I was also able to "fix" it by clearing all the codes; I haven't tried that again since my dealer wanted to see what codes would set as the problem continued.
It is one (or both) tank sensors; most likely the right side one. Unfortunately, it is dealer time for the repair. My car will go in for the repairs next Tuesday (now that the parst finally got here). My dealer is replacing both sensors and the module. I will post how things turn out next week.
The only thing you will want to do (your dealer should request it) is take it in for the repairs with the tank as empty as possible. When the mechanic pulls the parts, what fuel is left will come out. So the smaller the amount, the less you lose and the "safer" it is for the shop. (this is why my appointment is for next week)
It is one (or both) tank sensors; most likely the right side one. Unfortunately, it is dealer time for the repair. My car will go in for the repairs next Tuesday (now that the parst finally got here). My dealer is replacing both sensors and the module. I will post how things turn out next week.
The only thing you will want to do (your dealer should request it) is take it in for the repairs with the tank as empty as possible. When the mechanic pulls the parts, what fuel is left will come out. So the smaller the amount, the less you lose and the "safer" it is for the shop. (this is why my appointment is for next week)
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Deerfield Beach Florida
Re: Getting P0461 code and the gas gage drops to empty (Als98C5)
I have an early '97 with 14,000 miles on it. Same thing happened to me. Under the extended warranty, the dealer changed the "sending unit" and I haven't had the problem again.
