If the check engine light in your vehicle comes on and a scan enters the diagnostic P0463 trouble code, your anxiety can quickly rise.
After all, P0463 for the fuel level sensor circuit, high voltage signal indicates that the fuel level sensor circuit is reading a fuel level higher than the actual level in the tank.
In this blog post, we’ll explain what it means when this message comes on and provide our P0463 code definition and how to fix P0463 code.
Topic Summary
What Does the P0463 Code Mean?
When your car’s dashboard reads ‘P0463,’ you can be sure that a part in your vehicle has failed or is starting to show some electrical problems.
The P0463 code is triggered when the Engine Control Module (ECM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has a problem with your fuel level sensor.
That sensor is the one that tells your PCM the level of fuel in your tank, which in turn transfers that information to your gauge.
So, this P0463 code will trigger when the PCM senses that there’s a fault in the circuit that the fuel level sensor uses to communicate the tank’s level of fuel.
If this part of your car malfunctions, it could mean that you run out of fuel without realizing your gauge has shown you running low for miles.
Symptoms of the P0463 Code
Some symptoms of the P0463 code are given below:
Inaccurate Fuel Gauge Readings
Wrong readings on the fuel gauge are the most obvious symptoms, such as the fuel gauge not reading the correct content but indicating full when it is not or the other way around.
Check Engine Light
The check engine light will come on, and you’ll be instructed to read the diagnostic entry.
Poor Fuel Efficiency
The reading can sometimes need to be corrected, which may cause the efficiency of the fuel to go down.
How To Fix P0463 Code?
First of all, check the fuel level sensor on the inside of the fuel tank. These units can eventually wear out or become defective.
If the sensor is faulty or damaged, it will need to be replaced. This could involve dropping the fuel tank, so it’s a good idea to leave this to someone with mechanical experience.
1. Check the Wiring and Connectors
Inspect the wiring and connectors between the fuel level sensor and the ECM for signs of corrosion, fraying, and disconnection.
Repair or replace damaged wiring and clean or replace corroded connectors to make sure that a good signal is getting through to the ECM.
2. Test the Fuel Level Sensor Circuit
A multimeter will tell you if there is any resistance or voltage in the fuel level sensor circuit. Compare the reading and indications to the specifications in your vehicle’s service manual.
If the readings are not in the specification, it is evident that some aspect of the circuit, including the fuel level sender in the tank, is making that aspect not work correctly.
3. Replace the Fuel Pump Module
Sometimes, the fuel level sensor is actually incorporated into the fuel pump module. In this case, if the sensor is defective, then replacing the entire module is necessary.
This type of fix is more expensive than just replacing the fuel level sensor, but it is still critical to make sure there are no inaccurate readings of fuel levels or the vehicle stops running properly.
4. Reset the Code And Test Drive
Repair the leak and reset the check engine light with an OBD-II scanner, also clearing the P0463 code. After a road test, your fuel level gauge will be fixed and read accurately.
5. Preventing Future Issues
Regular service and attention will help to keep the code from popping up again. If your fuel gauge is off, take care of it right away.
And if you drive your car in rough conditions, set a schedule for inspecting the fuel system wiring before little sparks turn into fires.
When To Seek Professional Help?
If you don’t feel comfortable working on the fuel system of your motor vehicle, or the P0463 fault shows up again, seek help from a good mechanic who should then do more advanced diagnostics.
FAQs on How To Fix P0463 Code
What Causes the P0463 Code To Appear?
A bad fuel level sensor, a wiring or connector issue between the sensor and ECM, or a bad fuel pump module almost always triggers the P0463 code. It can also be set as a result of a short or high resistance in the sensor circuit.
Can I Drive My Car with the P0463 Code?
Yes, you can still drive, and you will probably get away with it, but only in the short term. Your car will tick along with the incorrect fuel readings, and the engine will temporarily compensate if the fuel level gets perilously close to the bottom of the tank. However, one day, it might run out near the top of a big hill at night with no fuel station nearby. So fix it.
How Do I Know If the Fuel Level Sensor is Faulty?
Faulty fuel level sensor signs include erratic or false fuel gauge data, illumination of the check engine light, and decreased fuel efficiency. A multimeter test results in an out of spec reading when applied to a faulty fuel level sensor.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix the P0463 Code?
The cost for this repair could vary as the P0463 code itself covers a range of potential issues. The gas tank sending unit price takes into account the cost to replace a fuel level sensor, which in the past has ranged anywhere between $150 to $400. Other possible factors include replacing the entire fuel pump module for your vehicle, which has cost close to $600 to $1,200. Repair costs will also depend on whether or not any damage has been sustained to the vehicle’s wiring setup.
Can A Bad Fuel Pump Cause the P0463 Code?
Yes, if the vehicle is equipped with this and the fuel level sensor is built into the fuel pump module, then a faulty fuel pump can trigger the P0463 code. On certain brands and models that have a dedicated fuel pump module, you may be able to just clear the code, but the trouble code is not very specific, and on some, the entire fuel pump module must be replaced to solve the problem.
Conclusion
A P0463 code can cause some headaches, as inaccurate fuel readings can keep you stranded on the roadside or in an inconvenient garage.
However, with some tools and an understanding of how to work mechanically, you can have a perfectly fixed vehicle.
In order to keep yourself safe and your car running smoothly, it is imperative that any faults in fuel level readings are identified and rectified immediately.