Fuel Level Sensor "A" Circuit Low

What it means

The engine computer has detected that the fuel level sensor signal is below its allowed minimum. This usually means the signal wire is shorted to ground or the sensor has failed, so the fuel gauge shows a fixed wrong reading that may be full or empty depending on the vehicle design.

Related codes: P0460P0461P0463P0464

Symptoms4

• Fuel gauge stuck at full or empty depending on the vehicle design.
• Check engine light on.
• Low fuel warning does not work correctly.
• Risk of running out of fuel without warning.

Possible causes5

• Signal wire shorted to ground from chafing under the vehicle.
• Failed sensor or an internal short.
• Water inside the connector on top of the tank.
• Wiring near the tank damaged by stones or rust.
• Fault in the instrument cluster or the module that reads the sensor (less common).

How to diagnose5

1. Watch the fuel level reading on a scan tool and compare it with the actual amount.
2. Unplug the sensor connector and watch the reading change to tell whether the fault is in the sensor or the wiring.
3. Measure the sensor resistance and compare it with the manufacturer specification.
4. Check the signal wire for a short to ground.
5. Inspect the connector on top of the tank for water or corrosion.

How to fix5

1. Dry and clean the connector or replace it.
2. Repair the wire shorted to ground.
3. Replace the fuel level sensor if it is shorted internally.
4. Replace the whole pump module if the sensor is built into it.
5. Clear the codes and confirm the fuel gauge reads correctly.

The cost is low for a wire or connector fault, and rises when a new sensor or complete pump module is needed.

Prices are rough estimates for common cars at independent workshops and vary with the car and the source of the part.
Prices last updated: September 2026

Frequently asked questions