P0461 on Volvo
Fuel Level Sensor 'A' Circuit Range/Performance
P0461 on Volvo vehicles indicates fuel level sensor 'a' circuit range/performance. Au7o has documented this code across 1 Volvo model — most commonly on S60. 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 Volvo range from $350 to $1,100, 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 Volvo by Model
Volvo S60(1 issue)
- In-Tank Fuel Pump Module and Fuel Level Sender Failure2001-2007
Fuel system complaints are the single largest NHTSA category on the early P2 S60 (roughly 74 complaints on the 2002 and 92 on the 2001). Two distinct parts fail. The fuel level sender's resistive card wears where the wiper arm sweeps, so the gauge reads erratically, sticks full, or drops to empty with a full tank and triggers the low-fuel warning. Separately, the in-tank fuel pump module loses pressure with age and heat, producing long cranking, hot-restart no-starts, stumbling under load, and eventual stalling. Because the pump and sender share one tank-top module, a failure of either usually means dropping or accessing the same assembly.
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View P0461 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0461 mean on Volvo?▼
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 Volvo specifically, this code is documented across 1 model.
What causes P0461 on Volvo vehicles?▼
Common causes on Volvo: 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 Volvo?▼
Repair costs on Volvo range from $350 to $1,100, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Volvo models have P0461 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0461 on 1 Volvo model: S60.