OPERATION

The fuel gauge gives an indication to the vehicle operator of the level of fuel in the fuel tank. This gauge is controlled by the instrument cluster circuit board based upon cluster programming and electronic fuel level messages received by the cluster from the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus.

The fuel gauge is driven by an electronic stepper motor unit that receives battery current on the instrument cluster electronic circuit board through the fused ignition switch output (run-start) circuit whenever the ignition switch is in the ON or START positions. The cluster is programmed to move the gauge needle back to the low end of the scale after the ignition switch is turned to the OFF position. The instrument cluster circuitry controls the gauge needle position and provides the following features:

The TIPM continually monitors the fuel tank sending unit to determine the level of fuel in the fuel tank. The TIPM then sends the proper electronic fuel level message to the ElectroMechanical Instrument Cluster (EMIC) (also known as the Cab Compartment Node/CCN) and other electronic modules in the vehicle over the Controller Area Network (CAN) data bus. The TIPM will store a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) for any fault detected in the fuel level sense circuit.

For proper diagnosis of the fuel tank sending unit, the TIPM, the EMIC, the CAN data bus or the electronic communication related to fuel gauge operation or fuel level data processing a diagnostic scan tool is required. Refer to the appropriate diagnostic information.