P0463 Error Code: Fuel Level Sensor Circuit High Input- SEP 2

Your car may trigger a single or multiple codes, and these codes are known as diagnostic error codes. These codes point toward a malfunction in a specific location, and one of these codes includes the P0463 error code. The severity of this specific code is low and signifies a malfunction with your car’s fuel level sensor circuit.

At the end of this article, you should be able to understand the meaning of this code as well as the fuel level sensor circuit. You will also be able to point out the causes of this code, the symptoms present, and how to troubleshoot this code when it is triggered. 

What is a P0463 Error Code?

The fuel level sensor is also known as the fuel sending unit and the fuel level sender. It is usually located in the fuel pump, but this may be an exception for some vehicles. The electronic control module (ECM) reads the fuel level sensor circuit to determine the amount of fuel present in the fuel tank. 

When a P0463 error code is triggered, it means that the fuel level sensor circuit is sending an abnormally high reading to the ECM and this can affect the output of this reading and cause it to display a high fuel level. 

Causes of P0463 error code

There are a lot of malfunctions in different locations of your car that can trigger this error code. 

Damaged fuel tank

Your fuel tank can get damaged physically by a fault to the undercarriage and it may also get damaged by letting foreign substances like water sit in there for too long. These damages can further extend to affecting the accuracy of your fuel level sensor and damaging your car's entire fuel system.

Faulty wiring or connector of the fuel level sensor

The wiring and connectors are responsible for sending the inputs to the ECM. When they become faulty, they send the wrong signal to this module which can trigger the P0463 error code. 

Damaged fuel level sensor

When your car’s fuel level sensor is damaged, it sends inconsistent and inaccurate readings or it doesn’t send any reading to the ECM at all. This can happen if the reading becomes stuck on empty or full. 

Damaged fuel pump


The fuel pump is located in the fuel tank and it sends fuel from the fuel tank to the injector. The injector in turn sends this fuel to the engine for combustion and power production. This error code can be triggered when this component is faulty. 

Open or high resistance from the ground circuit

An open circuit in your fuel level sensor means that there is a halt in the flow of current through the wires and when there is a high resistance, current doesn’t flow as smoothly as it should through the wires. This can lead to this sensor performing poorly, thus generating this error code. 

Faulty gauge cluster

The gauge cluster is the indicator on your car’s dashboard panel that gives the driver information while driving. When any of these clusters starts malfunctioning, it can trigger a P0463 diagnostic code. 

Faulty ECM

This is a less likely occurrence but not impossible. When your ECM is faulty, this error code becomes triggered because it delivers incorrect readings sent from the fuel level sensor. 

Symptoms of the P0463 Error Code

There are 3 major symptoms present when this code is triggered in your car.

Check engine light comes on

The check engine light is a warning indicator that appears on your dashboard display panel. It signifies a malfunction somewhere in your car and it has the icon of an oil jug illuminated by an amber or yellow light. The check engine light turning on is a generic symptom of almost all malfunctions in cars which makes it an unreliable determinant of the presence of this code.

The low-fuel light is activated


This is a warning light activated when your fuel tank is almost empty. Your car engine may die when out of fuel so the best practice when in this condition is to refrain from turning on your AC or driving at high speeds.

Car engine dies

Because the fuel level sensor is malfunctioning, it may display an incorrect reading and mark your fuel level as high when it’s low. When this happens, your car engine may die and refuse to start. 

Fluctuating fuel gauge

The reading on your car’s fuel gauge may alternate from being high to being low and will be inconsistent when this code is present. 

Troubleshooting a P0463 Error Code

For every diagnostic error code, it is advisable to make a proper diagnosis before attempting any repairs. Here are the steps you can take to diagnose this code.

  • Use an on-board diagnostic (OBD) scanner to check for all the codes present in your car

  • Check your car’s fuel gauge for its current reading, then add fuel to your fuel tank to see if the reading changes accordingly

  • Check the wiring, connectors, and harnesses of the fuel level sensor for any damage present

  • Check the exterior of your car's fuel tank for any physical impact that may have caused possible damage

  • Check the freeze frame data on the OBD to confirm fuel gauge readings

  • Check for any ground open, shorted, or high-resistance circuits. 

Possible repairs for a P0463 Error Code

After making a diagnosis to confirm this code, you can proceed to make the necessary repairs to eliminate it. The repairs you make depends on the cause of this code, but here are some possible repair:

  • Repair or replace fuel tank: If the cause of this error code stems from your fuel tank, then you will need to make the necessary repairs otherwise you need to make a complete replacement of this component. This can cost up to $2,000

  • Repair or replace fuel level sensor: The fuel level sensor is another component that needs to be repaired if there are any minor damages. However, i the damage present is beyond repair, you need to replace it. Replacing this component should cost between $800 to $1500

  • Repair or replace fuel wiring: Including the harnesses and connectors, If there are any repairable damages, then you can take action on that. Replacing these components can cost anywhere near $150

  • Repair the fuel level sensor circuit: One major repair you can make in this part of your car; 's fuel system is to fix any loose connections. 

  • Fuel pump repair: A faulty fuel pump can trigger this code so it is important to make necessary repairs if faults are present. Replacing this fuel component will cost up to $1,000

Conclusion

Several diagnostic error codes can be present in your car, and one of them is the P0463 error code. While this code has a low severity and doesn’t necessarily require immediate repair, it can lead to severe damage to crucial components like your car fuel system.

After reading this article, you should have a clear understanding of this code and the component involved, what triggers it, the symptoms associated with it, some diagnoses you can make to confirm it, and possible repairs you can make to eliminate it. 

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