P0461: Fuel Level Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
Can you still drive? Yes, the vehicle drives normally. The only issue is an inaccurate fuel gauge. Track your mileage manually to avoid running out of fuel.
What Does P0461 Mean?
Code P0461 indicates that the fuel level sensor is sending signals that are outside the expected range or are not changing as expected when fuel is consumed or added. The fuel level sensor is located inside the fuel tank on the fuel pump assembly and uses a float arm to measure fuel level. An erratic signal affects the fuel gauge accuracy.
Need to read your codes?
An OBD-II scanner lets you read and clear diagnostic trouble codes from your vehicle's computer. Most scanners work with any car made after 1996.
Browse OBD-II Scanners on AmazonCommon Causes
- Worn fuel level sender contacts
- Corroded fuel level sensor connector
- Damaged float arm
- Contaminated fuel tank affecting float movement
- Open or high-resistance wiring
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Inaccurate fuel gauge reading
- Fuel gauge stuck or erratic
- Low fuel warning at incorrect levels
Diagnostic Steps
- 1Monitor fuel level sensor reading with scan tool
- 2Compare scan tool reading to actual fuel level
- 3Check wiring between sensor and instrument cluster/ECM
- 4Inspect fuel tank connector for corrosion
- 5Check for related instrument cluster codes
- 6Test sensor resistance range by moving float arm
Recommended Parts & Tools
fuel level sender
fuel pump assembly
electrical connector cleaner
Estimated Repair Cost
| Type | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Total Repair Cost Range | $100 - $800 |
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Chat with AI About P0461Commonly Affected Vehicles
Related Recalls
1 Active Recall — 2026 Ford F-150
The following NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for this vehicle. Contact your dealer to check if your vehicle is affected.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INTEGRATED TRAILER BRAKE CONTROL
Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2021-2026 F-150, 2022-2026 F-250 SD, F-350 SD, F-450 SD, F-550 SD, Maverick, 2024-2026 Ranger, 2023-2026 F-600 SD, 2022-2027 Lincoln Navigator, Expedition, and 2026 E-Transit vehicles. When towing a trailer, the integrated trailer module (ITRM) may lose communication with the vehicle, possibly causing a loss of brake and turn signal lights, or a loss of brake function. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 108, " Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."
Remedy: The integrated trailer module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 17, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26C10. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 17, 2026.
Data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my fuel gauge wrong?
P0461 means the fuel level sensor is not reading correctly. The sensor inside the fuel tank may have worn contacts or a damaged float arm.
Is the fuel level sensor expensive to replace?
The sensor itself is $50-$150, but labor can be expensive because the fuel tank often needs to be dropped to access it. Total cost is typically $300-$800.
Community Fix Reports
Community reports are user-submitted and not verified by Auto AI Buddy. Results may vary.
Related Codes
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