P0464 code meaning
Fuel Level Sensor A Circuit Intermittent
Powertrain system Generic code P04xx codes Check engine light
What P0464 means
The fuel level sensor is a float on a resistor track in the tank unit. It is no emission part, but other monitors depend on it – the EVAP leak tests, for example, need at least 15 % fuel – so CARB requires it to be monitored and the usual exemption from the warning lamp does not apply. At GM, P0464 is a by-product of the engine-off EVAP leak test: a jump in fuel level with the vent valve closed counts as possible refuelling and aborts the test; if a following check finds no real refuelling, the jump is counted as an intermittent sensor signal (change above 10 % not stable for 30 s, 2 of 3 samples). GM sets the code with MIL on the first trip, because otherwise the leak monitor would be defeated permanently. Ford does not use P0464 and reports jumps as P0461.
P0464 at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairWhen cleared with a scanner
Symptoms of P0464
- Check engine light on (GM after one trip)
- Fuel gauge occasionally jumps
- EVAP readiness not set
Common causes of P0464
- Most likelyLoose contact or corrosion at the tank connector or sensor terminal
- Most likelyWorn spots on the resistor track (wiper skipping)
- PossibleChafed wire with intermittent contact
- Less likelyCar parked on a steep slope or fuel sloshing after switch-off
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
Fuel level sensor aFuel tank unitSensor wiringEngine control module
What each part of P0464 means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 4 | Area: auxiliary emission controls (catalytic converter, EGR, EVAP). |
| 64 | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P0464 and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P0464
What does P0464 mean?
P0464 means "Fuel Level Sensor A Circuit Intermittent". The fuel level sensor is a float on a resistor track in the tank unit. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P0464?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P0464 fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P0464 is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P0464 to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P0464 clear itself after the repair?
Clear the code with a scanner after the repair. If the fault is fixed, it does not come back.