P0460: Fuel level sensor circuit malfunction
Fault in the fuel level sender circuit, the part that measures how much fuel is left in the tank. Usually the connector, the wiring or the sender.
| Code | P0460 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P04xx, Emissions control |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | With care |
What P0460 means
Inside the tank a float is linked to a variable resistor, the fuel level sender, which reports how much fuel remains. The ECU uses it for the gauge and for some tests, such as vapour leak checks. This code means the signal from that circuit is not valid.
Most common causes
- Loose or corroded connector on the sender, on top of the tank
- Damaged wiring between tank and instrument cluster or ECU
- Worn track on the sender’s resistor
- Float stuck or detached
- Instrument cluster fault on some models
Symptoms
- Fuel gauge reading wrong, stuck or swinging about
- Low fuel warning coming on when it should not
- Engine warning light on
Can you drive with P0460?
With care The engine is not at risk, but you cannot trust the gauge. Keep an eye on the mileage since your last fill-up so you do not run dry.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
How to check it
Watch the live fuel level reading on your scanner and compare it with what you know you put in. If it shows impossible values or jumps, check the sender connector first.
How to read and clear P0460 with Final OBD
Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0460 with its description and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
If the engine stores it over standard OBD, with FREE you read this code with its explanation for nothing and clear it. With PRO you also read the faults of every control unit and clear them in all of them.
Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before an inspection. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in inspections and OBD.
Similar codes
- P045C The exhaust gas recirculation B control gives a lower signal than normal
- P045D The exhaust gas recirculation B control gives a higher signal than normal
- P045E The exhaust gas recirculation B control has got stuck
- P045F The exhaust gas recirculation B control has got stuck
- P0461 Fuel level sensor circuit range/performance
- P0462 Fuel level sensor circuit low input
- P0463 Fuel level sensor circuit high input
- P0464 The fuel level sensor fails now and then
- P0400 Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) flow malfunction
- P0401 Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) flow insufficient
- P0402 Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) flow excessive
- P0403 EGR control circuit malfunction
To understand it properly
We explain how that system works, with drawings and no waffle, in our mechanics guide: Fuel.
What does code P0460 mean?
Inside the tank a float is linked to a variable resistor, the fuel level sender, which reports how much fuel remains. The ECU uses it for the gauge and for some tests, such as vapour leak checks. This code means the signal from that circuit is not valid.
Can you drive with P0460?
The engine is not at risk, but you cannot trust the gauge. Keep an eye on the mileage since your last fill-up so you do not run dry.
How do you clear P0460?
With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P0460 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads and clears engine faults through standard OBD for free, each one explained in plain English. With PRO it also reads the faults of every control unit, each make’s own codes included, and clears them in all of them.
