P0464 is a diagnostic trouble code that points to an intermittent problem in your fuel level sensor circuit. In plain terms, your car’s computer is seeing a fuel level signal that jumps around or drops out instead of changing smoothly as you drive. While this code usually won’t leave you stranded, it can make your fuel gauge unreliable and hide other issues. Understanding what P0464 means, how it behaves, and how to track it down will help you avoid running out of fuel or replacing parts you don’t actually need.
What Does P0464 Mean?
P0464 stands for “Fuel Level Sensor Circuit Intermittent.” Your fuel level sensor (or fuel sending unit) is mounted in the fuel tank and uses a float and variable resistor to send a voltage signal to the ECU or instrument cluster. That signal tells the gauge how much fuel you have.
When the ECU sees that signal cutting in and out, spiking, or dropping unexpectedly, it sets code P0464. This is different from a simple “high” or “low” signal fault; P0464 is specifically about an unstable or intermittent electrical signal in the fuel level circuit.
Quick Reference
- Code: P0464 – Fuel Level Sensor Circuit Intermittent
- System: Fuel level / instrument cluster / ECU
- Severity: Low to moderate (driveable but inconvenient)
- Typical fix: Wiring repair, connector cleaning, or fuel level sensor replacement
- Risk: Inaccurate fuel gauge, possible stalling from running out of fuel
Real-World Example / Field Notes
In the shop, P0464 often shows up on vehicles where the owner complains, “My fuel gauge jumps around” or “I filled the tank and the gauge still reads empty.” I’ve seen trucks where hitting a bump made the gauge suddenly drop to empty, then slowly climb back up. In many of those cases, corrosion at the fuel pump connector or a worn fuel level sensor track was the culprit. On some cars, the wiring harness above the tank rubs on the body and intermittently opens the circuit, especially when the tank is near full and the float is at one end of its travel.
Symptoms of P0464
- Erratic fuel gauge: The gauge jumps up and down, especially over bumps or during acceleration and braking.
- Incorrect fuel reading: Gauge stuck on full, empty, or a random level that doesn’t match how much fuel you actually have.
- Low fuel light issues: The low fuel warning may come on too early, too late, or flicker on and off.
- Hard to track fuel usage: You may find it difficult to estimate range or know when to refuel without using the trip odometer.
- Check engine light on: The MIL (malfunction indicator lamp) or “Service Engine Soon” light is illuminated with stored code P0464.
- Possible stalling from empty tank: If you rely on a faulty gauge, you might run out of fuel unexpectedly and stall.
- Intermittent behavior: The problem may come and go depending on fuel level, temperature, or road conditions.
Common Causes of P0464
Most Common Causes
- Worn fuel level sensor: The resistor track inside the fuel sending unit wears out, causing dead spots and signal dropouts as the float moves.
- Corroded tank connector: Moisture and road salt corrode the electrical connector on top of the fuel pump module, creating intermittent contact.
- Damaged wiring near tank: Wires chafe, pinch, or break above the fuel tank or along the frame, especially on trucks and SUVs.
- Loose or poor ground: A weak ground connection for the fuel pump / sender assembly causes unstable voltage readings.
- Faulty instrument cluster input: On some vehicles the cluster processes the fuel signal; internal faults can mimic a bad sender.
Less Common Causes
- ECU or BCM fault: A failing engine control unit or body control module misreads an otherwise good fuel level signal.
- Incorrect replacement pump module: Aftermarket pump assemblies with the wrong resistance range for your vehicle can cause erratic readings.
- Previous wiring repairs: Poorly done splices, crimp connectors, or added accessories near the tank introduce intermittent opens.
- Connector pin fit issues: Spread or loose terminals inside connectors allow the signal to cut in and out with vibration.
- Internal tank damage: Rarely, a bent float arm or deformed tank interferes with float movement and signal stability.
Diagnosis: Step-by-Step Guide
To diagnose P0464 correctly, you’ll want a basic scan tool (ideally with live data), a digital multimeter, and access to a wiring diagram for your vehicle. A fuel pressure gauge isn’t required for this code, but good lighting and safe access under the vehicle are important since most checks are done near the fuel tank.
- Confirm the code and check for others. Use a scan tool to read all stored and pending DTCs. Note any related fuel level or communication codes (like P0460–P0463). Clear the codes and see if P0464 returns quickly or only under certain conditions.
- Compare gauge reading to actual fuel level. With the vehicle safely parked, visually confirm fuel level if possible (recent fill-up, mileage since last fill, or by carefully listening for slosh in the tank). See if the dash gauge reading makes sense.
- Check live data for fuel level. In the scan tool’s data stream, look for “Fuel Level Input” or similar. Gently rock the vehicle or drive slowly in a safe area and watch for sudden jumps or dropouts in the percentage reading.
- Inspect wiring and connectors at the tank. Safely raise the vehicle if needed. Locate the fuel pump / sender connector on top of the tank. Look for corrosion, green or white deposits, broken locks, or rubbed-through insulation on the harness.
- Perform a wiggle test. With the engine running and scan tool monitoring fuel level data, gently move the harness and connector. If the reading spikes or drops when you move the wiring, you’ve likely found an intermittent connection.
- Check reference voltage and ground. Using a multimeter and wiring diagram, verify that the sender is getting proper reference voltage and has a solid ground. A poor ground can cause unstable readings that trigger P0464.
- Measure sensor resistance vs. fuel level. With the connector unplugged and the key off, measure resistance across the sender terminals. Compare the reading to the specified ohm range for your vehicle. If resistance jumps or goes open when you lightly tap the tank or move the harness, the sender is suspect.
- Check instrument cluster / module inputs if needed. On vehicles where the fuel signal passes through a BCM or cluster, use wiring diagrams to verify continuity from the tank to the module. Check for any TSBs (technical service bulletins) about gauge or cluster issues related to P0464.
- Verify after repairs. Once wiring or parts are repaired or replaced, clear the code and road-test the vehicle. Monitor fuel level data and confirm the gauge responds smoothly through turns, stops, and bumps.
Pro tip: If your scan tool supports Mode $06, check the fuel level monitor test results. Sometimes you’ll see intermittent failures logged there before the check engine light comes back on, which helps confirm you’ve really fixed the root cause.
Possible Fixes & Repair Costs
Most repairs for P0464 involve restoring a clean, stable electrical signal from the fuel level sensor to the ECU or cluster. The exact cost depends on whether the problem is wiring-related or requires dropping the fuel tank and replacing parts.
- Clean or repair connectors: Removing corrosion, tightening terminals, and applying dielectric grease can solve many intermittent issues. Typical shop cost: $75–$200 depending on access.
- Wiring repair or harness replacement: Fixing chafed or broken wires near the tank or along the frame usually runs $150–$400, depending on how much harness needs to be repaired.
- Fuel level sensor / pump module replacement: On many vehicles, the sender is integrated with the fuel pump. Parts and labor can range from $300–$900, higher on some imports or vehicles that require dropping the rear subframe.
- Instrument cluster or module repair: Less common but more expensive. Repair or replacement can run $400–$1,000+ depending on programming and part availability.
Typical repair cost ranges for P0464 are roughly $150–$700 in most cases, depending on vehicle make, labor rates in your area, and whether you’re replacing the entire fuel pump module or just repairing wiring. Rusty or hard-to-access fuel tanks can increase labor time and cost.
Can I Still Drive With P0464?
Yes, you can usually keep driving with P0464, because it doesn’t directly affect engine performance or emissions. However, you’re driving with an unreliable fuel gauge. That means you risk running the tank lower than you think and stalling from lack of fuel, especially on long trips. If your gauge is clearly wrong, start tracking mileage and fuel usage manually until the problem is fixed. Don’t push the tank to “almost empty” if you’re not sure the reading is accurate.
What Happens If You Ignore P0464?
If you ignore P0464, the most likely outcome is getting stranded when you unexpectedly run out of fuel. Long-term, constantly running the tank near empty can overheat the fuel pump and shorten its life. You may also miss other fuel system issues because you’re used to the gauge acting strangely. Fixing the intermittent signal early is cheaper than replacing a burned-out pump or dealing with a no-start situation later.
Related Codes
- P0474 – Exhaust Pressure Sensor Intermittent
- P0473 – Exhaust Pressure Sensor High
- P0472 – Exhaust Pressure Sensor Low
- P0471 – Exhaust Pressure Sensor Range/Performance
- P0470 – Exhaust Pressure Sensor
- P0469 – EVAP Purge Flow Sensor Circuit Intermittent
- P0468 – EVAP Purge Flow Sensor Circuit High
- P0467 – EVAP Purge Flow Sensor Circuit Low
- P0466 – EVAP Purge Flow Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
- P0465 – EVAP Purge Flow Sensor Circuit
Key Takeaways
- P0464 means the fuel level sensor signal is intermittent or unstable, not just high or low.
- The most common causes are a worn fuel level sensor, bad connections, or damaged wiring near the fuel tank.
- Symptoms include an erratic or inaccurate fuel gauge and a check engine light.
- You can usually drive with this code, but you must closely monitor fuel usage to avoid running out.
- Diagnosis focuses on live data, wiring inspection, and resistance checks at the sender.
- Repairs typically cost between $150 and $700, depending on whether wiring or the fuel pump module needs replacement.
Vehicles Commonly Affected by P0464
P0464 shows up across many brands, but it’s especially common on vehicles where the fuel pump module and sender share a single top-mounted connector. You’ll often see this code on:
- GM trucks and SUVs: Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, Tahoe, Suburban, Yukon, and similar models.
- Ford vehicles: F-150, Expedition, Explorer, and some mid-size cars and crossovers.
- Chrysler / Dodge / Jeep: Ram pickups, Grand Cherokee, Durango, and minivans.
- Japanese brands: Nissan, Toyota, and Honda sedans and SUVs with higher mileage or rust-prone underbodies.
- Older European models: Some VW, Audi, and BMW vehicles where wiring or connectors at the tank are exposed to moisture.
Any vehicle that sees a lot of road salt, off-road use, or towing is more likely to develop wiring and connector issues that trigger P0464 over time.
FAQ
Can P0464 cause my car to stall?
P0464 itself doesn’t directly shut the engine off, but it can cause you to misjudge how much fuel you have. If you rely on a faulty gauge and run the tank dry, the engine will stall from lack of fuel. So indirectly, yes, it can lead to a stall if you’re not careful with refueling.
Is P0464 an expensive fix?
Not always. If the problem is just corrosion at a connector or a simple wiring repair, the cost can be relatively low. It becomes more expensive when the fuel level sensor is integrated with the pump module and the tank has to be lowered. Most repairs end up in the $150–$700 range, depending on your vehicle and local labor rates.
Can I clear P0464 and keep driving?
You can clear the code with a scan tool and continue driving, but if the underlying problem is still there, P0464 will usually come back. Clearing the code doesn’t fix the intermittent signal; it just turns the light off temporarily. Use clearing as part of diagnosis and verification after repairs, not as the “solution.”
Does P0464 mean I need a new fuel pump?
Not automatically. While many vehicles combine the fuel pump and level sensor in one unit, the pump itself may be fine. Sometimes you can replace just the sender or repair wiring and connectors. A proper diagnosis should be done before ordering a complete pump module, especially given the higher parts and labor cost.
Can a bad instrument cluster cause P0464?
On some vehicles, yes. If the cluster or body control module processes the fuel level signal and develops an internal fault, it can cause erratic readings and set P0464. This is less common than a bad sender or wiring, but if all tests at the tank and harness check out, the cluster or module becomes a suspect.