Fuel Level Sensor Circuit High
Indicates a high signal from the fuel level sensor circuit.
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What it means (plain English)
The fuel level sensor in the tank is sending a higher voltage signal than normal, which might mean it's stuck or there's a wiring issue.
What the computer is actually seeing
The engine control unit sees a voltage over 4.5 volts or an invalid signal from the fuel level sensor when it should be between 0.5 and 4.5 volts depending on fuel level.
What a healthy reading looks like
Fuel level sensor voltage should 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 fuel level sensor wiring for frays or shorts.
- 22. Check connector for corrosion or loose pins.
- 33. With the ignition on, measure voltage at the fuel level sensor connector. Should be between 0.5V and 4.5V.
- 44. If voltage is over 4.5V, replace the sensor. If it's normal, check the harness continuity to the ECU.
Common causes
- Faulty fuel level sensor
- Shorted wiring in the harness
- Corroded connectors
- Faulty engine control unit (ECU)
Typical repair cost
$$$
Related codes
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to drive with this code?
It's generally drivable, but you may have inaccurate fuel level readings which can lead to running out of fuel unexpectedly.
Will this code come back?
If the root cause is not fixed, yes, it will likely return.
Why do I see this with SPN 580?
SPN 580 indicates low fuel level while SPN 581 indicates high; they can appear together due to sensor malfunction.
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