Fuel Level Out Of Range
The fuel level sensor is reporting a value that is outside the acceptable range.
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What it means (plain English)
Your truck's fuel level sensor is telling the computer that the fuel level is either way too high or too low, which isn't normal.
What the computer is actually seeing
The ECM is reading voltage from the fuel level sensor that is either below 0.5 volts (indicating near empty) or above 4.5 volts (indicating near full), outside of the expected range.
What a healthy reading looks like
Fuel level sensor output should normally be between 0.5V (empty) and 4.5V (full).
Guided diagnostic — the DiagCoach way
Don't just throw parts at it. Walk through these in order — each step tells you whether to keep going or stop and fix what you found.
- 11. Inspect the wiring and connectors related to the fuel level sensor for damage or corrosion. Fix any issues found. Decision: If wiring is damaged, repair it and recheck the code.
- 22. Measure the voltage output of the fuel level sensor with a multimeter. Expected range is 0.5V to 4.5V with fuel at varying levels. Decision: If the voltage is outside this range, proceed to step 3. If within range, the problem may be in the ECM or calibration.
- 33. Check the fuel sender unit to ensure it is functioning correctly. You can replace it if necessary or test with bench testing if possible. Decision: If no issues found here, replace the fuel level sensor, if faulty.
Common causes
- Faulty fuel level sensor
- Wiring or connector issues
- Faulty fuel sender unit
- Software calibration error in ECM
Typical repair cost
$$
Related codes
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to drive with this code?
It is generally drivable, but monitor your fuel level closely. Driving with an inaccurate fuel level can lead to running out of fuel unexpectedly.
Will this code come back after clearing it?
If the underlying issue is not resolved, yes, it will likely reappear.
Why does this code sometimes pair with SPN 44?
SPN 44 indicates fuel level too high and is often related to the same sensor issue that causes SPN 43, leading to both codes appearing together.
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