P0461 on Ford
Fuel Level Sensor 'A' Circuit Range/Performance
P0461 on Ford vehicles indicates fuel level sensor 'a' circuit range/performance. Au7o has documented this code across 1 Ford model — most commonly on Freestar. P0461 means the powertrain control module sees a fuel-level sensor signal that is implausible or doesn't change as expected — for instance, the reading stays fixed while fuel is consumed, or it moves erratically. The fuel level sensor (sending unit) in the tank reports how much fuel remains, and this data is also used by the EVAP system for certain leak monitors. Typically this only causes an inaccurate fuel gauge or skipped emissions tests rather than drivability problems. It is a low-urgency issue but worth fixing for an accurate gauge. Typical repair costs on Ford range from $30 to $800, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0461
- •Faulty fuel level sensor / sending unit in the tank
- •Worn or dirty sending-unit resistor card or float
- •Wiring or connector problems to the sending unit
- •Corrosion at the fuel pump module connector
- •Stuck or damaged float arm
- •Poor ground for the sensor circuit
- •Instrument cluster or PCM fault (less common)
P0461 on Ford by Model
Ford Freestar(1 issue)
- Fuel Level Sender Card Contamination Causing a Stuck or Erratic Fuel Gauge2004-2007
The fuel gauge on the Freestar reads erratically, sticks at one level, or pegs empty because the resistor card in the in-tank fuel level sender — part of the fuel pump module assembly — becomes contaminated by sulfur compounds from the gasoline. The sulfur deposits foul the contact track so the float's position no longer translates into a correct resistance, and the cluster shows nonsense. Owners run out of fuel with the needle showing a quarter tank. It is a fuel-system component failure, not a cluster failure, and replacing the instrument cluster does not fix it.
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View P0461 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0461 mean on Ford?▼
P0461 stands for "Fuel Level Sensor 'A' Circuit Range/Performance." P0461 means the powertrain control module sees a fuel-level sensor signal that is implausible or doesn't change as expected — for instance, the reading stays fixed while fuel is consumed, or it moves erratically. The fuel level sensor (sending unit) in the tank reports how much fuel remains, and this data is also used by the EVAP system for certain leak monitors. Typically this only causes an inaccurate fuel gauge or skipped emissions tests rather than drivability problems. It is a low-urgency issue but worth fixing for an accurate gauge. On Ford specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes P0461 on Ford vehicles?▼
Common causes on Ford: Faulty fuel level sensor / sending unit in the tank, Worn or dirty sending-unit resistor card or float, Wiring or connector problems to the sending unit, Corrosion at the fuel pump module connector, Stuck or damaged float arm. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0461 on a Ford?▼
Repair costs on Ford range from $30 to $800, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Ford models have P0461 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0461 on 1 Ford model: Freestar.