I have an 05 f150 4.6 with 270k miles. I have been getting the fuel level sensor code for months now. The cel comes on and eventually goes off but then comes back on. The fuel gauge works fine. What’s the deal?

 

What is the exact numeric code?

 

It said, “fuel level sensor circuit range/performance “. I don’t remember the numbers.

 

That's: P0461

It might be your FPDM.

 

This can happen if you fill the tank with the key on.

 

And I have done that. So since the fuel gauge is still working, should I not worry about it now?

 

Don't leave the key on when you fill it up any more, and only worry if the code comes back or the fuel gauge stops working.

https://www.obd-codes.com/p0461

 

As far as I know, it's illegal, or minimally frowned upon to fill a vehicle up with the key on, engine running.

 

While "hot fueling" is a very bad idea on any vehicle, it should not cause any sort of error on a Ford. It should only result in a fuel gauge indication that takes an extended time to register properly.

Have you run the instrument cluster self-test to see if there are any stored error codes in the cluster?

 

https://www.obd-codes.com/p0461

P0461 could have been set because of mechanical (incorrect fuel level rationality; refueling the vehicle with the ignition switch "on" or even engine running can do this. Fuel level changes too rapidly which is not normal) or electrical (FLS sensor circuit) issues. These cannot be overlooked in the troubleshooting stage, especially when dealing with an intermittent problem.

 

Yeah, I read that. It's wrong (the part in bold, that is).

Quoting a non-Ford source isn't a very good idea. Those are generally generic descriptions that may or may not apply to what Ford did in implementing that DTC. In this case, it's "not". Recommend checking ONLY Ford's documentation starting with the relevant OBDII theory manual and cross-checking with the PCED.