P0463 Code on a Chevy Silverado: Meaning and How to Fix It?

The fuel level circuit is monitored by the powertrain control module (PCM) or engine control module (ECM) of your car to ascertain how much fuel is in the tank and to govern fuel use and economy.

The code P0463 is defined as “Fuel Level Sensor “A” Circuit High”, and is set when the PCM detects a signal from the fuel level sender unit that indicates a fuel level that exceeds the fuel tank’s capacity.

I will assist you if you have run into this code and want to repair it. In this post, I’ll explain what the P0463 code on a Chevy Silverado signifies and how to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.

What Does a Chevy Silverado’s P0463 Code Mean?

The P0463 code is regarding the fuel level sensor of your vehicle. Usually, the powertrain control module or PCM will set the code when the fuel level sensor’s signal is too high.

Diagnostic trouble code P0463 stands for “Fuel Level Sensor “A” Circuit High”. It indicates that the fuel sensor in your car is sending out an extremely high voltage signal. The fuel gauge won’t read correctly as a result.

So, what does P0463 code means on Chevy Silverado and how to fix it? Let’s check out the dissection of the P0463 code provided below:

• P – Powertrain, and the problem is related to the engine, transmission, and emission systems.
• 0 – Generic OBD Code.
• 4 – Auxiliary Emission Control
• 63 – Fuel Level Sensor Malfunction

What Are the Causes Behind a Code P0463 on a Chevy Silverado?

The P0463 error code on a Chevy Silverado might be caused by a number of things. To move on with the fix for the code, it is essential to determine the precise cause.

These are some of the most common causes behind the P0463 code on the Chevy Silverado.

• A damaged fuel tank.
• Defective wiring or harness connector to the fuel sensor.
• A faulty or defective fuel pump module.
• Defective PCM or ECM. But it is very rare.
• A malfunctioning or faulty fuel sensor.
• The fuel level sensor circuit is shorted or open.
• The ground signal circuit is open or has high resistance.
• The fuel level sending unit arm is mechanically damaged.

Which Symptoms on a Chevy Silverado Can Relate to the P0463 Code?

Some of the P0463 code symptoms will be pretty visible right away, whilst other symptoms might not be as obvious from the start. It could take some time before you fully comprehend these symptoms.

I will now mention some of the most common symptoms of the P0463 code below:

• An illuminated Check Engine Light.
• Activated Low Fuel Light or the Low Fuel alarm sounds.
• Indicated fuel level may be different from the actual level.
• Low fuel level warning light may flash, or be illuminated permanently despite there being sufficient fuel in the tank not to trigger the low-level warning.
• Inaccurate or fluctuating fuel gauge readings.
• The engine may shut off or not start due to lack of fuel, despite the fuel gauge registering readings above “Empty”.

How Can I Fix the P0463 Code on the Chevy Silverado?

The key diagnostic steps to fix the P0463 error code are provided below for your convenience.

1. Visual Inspection of the Fuel Tank

Visually examine the wire harness and fuel tank. Keep an eye out for damage to the tank that might indicate an impact that damaged the fuel pump or sender.

Check the area where the fuel tank is grounded to the frame for a missing ground strap or corroded ground. Examine the wire harness connector for damage. Replace it if necessary.

Find out what sort of system you have and make sure the fuel pump wiring harness has power going to the fuel level sensor. If not, fix the wiring’s open or short.

2. Perform a Voltage Drop Test

Doing a voltage drop test on the ground circuit can determine if there is a high resistance path in the ground circuit.

You can perform this by using a voltmeter and connecting one lead to the battery ground post and the other to the fuel level sensor ground at the tank. Anything close to 1 volt indicates a current problem or a developing problem.

Repair/clean the fuel level sensor ground as needed. It’s possible that the instrument cluster has failed internally or on the printed circuit board (if applicable).

If you have access to a wiring diagram you may be able to remove the cluster and see the damaged circuit if it’s located on the printed circuit board, but otherwise, you’ll need a scan tool that will communicate with the instrument cluster.

3. Diagnosing and Replacing the Fuel Tank and Sensor

Giving the fuel level sensor a solid ground at the fuel tank connector is a quick and easy approach to verifying the fuel level circuit. The fuel gauge should reach one end or the other when the key is turned on.

Removing the ground path completely should cause the gauge to do the opposite. If the gauge responds, you know the wiring that supplies voltage and ground to the fuel level sensor is good and that the instrument cluster is likely okay.

The fuel level sensor itself would be the most probable suspect. To reach the fuel pump module inside the fuel tank, it may need to be removed. Although not improbable, a PCM failure is extremely unlikely.

What is the Cost to Repair a Chevy Silverado with the Code P0463?

The cost will vary based on a few certain factors. If any parts have been damaged and need to be replaced, that would result in an increased cost to fix the issue. As these vehicle parts are not cheap.

The most common replacements are the fuel tank replacement, the fuel level sensor replacement, and the fuel pump replacement. The fuel tank replacement is the costliest one. It will cost you around $1290 up to $1440 to get it replaced.

The fuel level sensor can range from $890 to $1050. And finally, the fuel pump will cost about $800 to $970. Not to mention the labor cost which will be added to this roster.

The labor cost can vary from one region to another. But usually, it will range from $75 all the way up to $150. In case the issue is very small, mainly with a few small wires or connectors, the cost will be significantly less.

What Are the Common Mistakes Made During the Diagnosis of the P0463 Code?

To be honest, the diagnosis procedure of the error code P0463 is very sensitive. Therefore, it is also important to be wary of the common mistakes made during the diagnosis.

The most common mistakes during the diagnosis of the P0463 code are as follows:

1. Not thoroughly checking the connections before opting to decide on the fault of a specific component.
2. Replacing larger, more expensive components before inspecting wiring and connectors for faults or shorts. Hence, you should always check the wiring before replacing a part.
3. Replacing the fuel gauge when the problem is a corroded or otherwise damaged wire or connector.

Can I Drive with the P0463 Code on a Chevy Silverado?

Although the P0463 DTC error code does not interfere with the driving performance of the Chevy Silverado, it could become a nuisance from time to time.

This is due to the fact that you will not be able to gather information about your actual fuel level as the gauge will not display the proper information. In case you run out of fuel in a heavy traffic situation, or in the middle of nowhere, it could result in a pretty bad situation for you.

The P0463 code will also keep the Check Engine Light on. And you need an OBD-II emissions test to renew the registration on your car.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

I’ll attempt to address some of the most frequent queries you might have in this part about the P0463 error code on the Chevy Silverado.

Conclusion

As you might have already learned, the causes behind the P0463 code can range from very silly little problems, all the way up to severe ones. And so varies the cost as well.

This article should be the perfect guide for you in case you wanted to know what does P0463 code means on Chevy Silverado and how to fix the problem causing it. However, it is always best to get your Silverado diagnosed by a professional.