P0462 on 2016-2022 Nissan Murano: Fuel Level Sensor Circuit Low Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2016-2022 Nissan MURANO

This issue is common enough on the 2016-2022 Murano and other Nissan models (like the Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60) that the manufacturer released a specific Technical Service Bulletin (TSB), NTB22-026. The bulletin explicitly addresses code P0462 🎬 Watch: Understanding the P0462 code and common fixes. and instructs technicians to replace only the fuel level sensor, not the entire fuel pump assembly. This is a key detail for this platform, as it makes the repair significantly less expensive than on vehicles where the sensor and pump are a single, non-serviceable unit. Nissan's warranty policy even states that claims for replacing the whole assembly for this issue will be rejected. The Murano utilizes a saddle-style tank, especially in AWD models, which requires a primary sensor (Sensor 'A' for P0462) and a secondary sensor to get an accurate reading.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• Fuel gauge reading is inaccurate, erratic, or stuck on empty.
• Low fuel warning light illuminates even with fuel in the tank.
• The 'Distance to Empty' (DTE) calculation on the trip computer is incorrect or shows dashes.

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty Fuel Level Sensor (Sending Unit) 🔴 High Probability → Shop Fuel Tank Sending Unit This is a known, widespread issue acknowledged by Nissan in TSB NTB22-026. The internal resistor track on the sensor can wear out or fail, causing it to send an incorrect low voltage signal. This part is shared across several Nissan and Infiniti models, which also experience the same failure.
   How to confirm: Access the sensor and test its resistance with a multimeter while moving the float arm. The resistance should change smoothly from approximately 77-83 Ohms at empty to 4-6 Ohms at full. If it's open (infinite resistance), shorted (zero resistance), or has dead spots, it's faulty. A scan tool showing a consistent voltage below ~0.5V also points to a bad sensor.
   Typical fix: Replace the fuel level sensor. Per Nissan's TSB, the sensor (OEM Part # 25060-5AA0A) can be replaced separately from the fuel pump module.
   Est. part cost: $75-$170
2. Wiring or Connector Issues 🟡 Medium Probability Wiring issues are less common than sensor failure for this specific code on this platform, but can occur. Damage can happen near the fuel tank connector or along the chassis where the harness is exposed.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness leading to the fuel tank for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections, particularly at the connector on top of the fuel pump assembly. Test for proper voltage and ground at the fuel pump module connector with a multimeter.
   Typical fix: Repair the damaged section of the wiring harness or clean/replace the corroded connector.
   Est. part cost: $10-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

• Faulty Instrument Cluster or Body Control Module (BCM): → Shop Instrument Cluster While rare, the instrument cluster (or on some models, a 'Unified Meter and AC Amp') processes the signal from the sensor to display the fuel level. A fault within this hardware could mimic a sensor failure. Some owners on forums for older or different Nissan/Infiniti models have reported needing to repair or replace the cluster after new sensors didn't fix the issue. This should only be considered after the sensor and wiring have been proven to be good.
• Stuck Sensor Float Arm: The float arm that moves the sensor can become physically stuck, especially if the vehicle has been sitting for a long time or if there is debris in the tank. This would cause the sensor to send a constant, unchanging signal, which could be low if stuck at the bottom.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the codes with an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0462 and check for any other related codes like P0460, P0461, or P0463.
2. Use a scan tool with live data capability to observe the voltage reading from the fuel level sensor. A reading consistently below ~0.5 volts points towards the issue.
3. Gain access to the top of the fuel tank, which is typically under the rear seat cushion in a Murano. There will be one or two access panels.
4. Disconnect the battery before working on the fuel system.
5. Inspect the wiring harness and connector at the fuel pump module for any visible damage, corrosion, or loose pins.
6. Disconnect the fuel pump module connector. Test the resistance (ohms) of the fuel level sensor pins with a multimeter. Refer to a service manual for the correct pins.
7. While monitoring resistance, have a helper gently rock the vehicle or manually move the float arm (if the unit is removed) to see if the reading changes smoothly. A jump to infinity (open) or zero (short) indicates a bad sensor.
8. If the sensor tests good, check for a good ground and reference voltage at the harness connector to rule out a circuit problem.
9. If the sensor is confirmed to be faulty, replace it. Be careful not to damage the float arm during installation.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Fuel Level Sensor (OEM #25060-5AA0A) — This is the most common point of failure for code P0462 on this vehicle, as confirmed by Nissan's own service bulletin.
  Trusted brands: Nissan OEM, NGK/NTK, Dorman (911-251, 911-253), Standard Motor Products (SMP)
  OEM price range: $160-$230
  Aftermarket price range: $75-$130
• Fuel Pump Assembly Seal / Gasket (OEM #17342-6RR0A) — It is highly recommended to replace the rubber gasket that seals the fuel pump assembly to the tank whenever it is removed to prevent fuel leaks and vapor smells.
  Trusted brands: Nissan OEM
  OEM price range: $15-$25
  Aftermarket price range: $10-$20

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0461 — This code indicates an issue with the fuel level sensor's performance or range, often triggered along with P0462 as the sensor begins to fail.
• P0463 — This code indicates a 'High Input' from the fuel level sensor circuit, the opposite of P0462. It can appear intermittently if the wiring is damaged and shorting to both ground and power at different times, or if the sensor fails erratically.
• P0460 — A general fuel level sensor circuit malfunction code, also listed in TSB NTB22-026 as being related to this same sensor failure.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• NTB22-026: Addresses inaccurate fuel gauge readings and DTCs P0460, P0461, P0462, and P0463. It confirms the fuel level sensor is a separate, replaceable part and warns against replacing the entire fuel pump assembly for this issue.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Nissan Technical Service Bulletin NTB22-026 was issued on April 5, 2022, for 2016-2022 Muranos (among other models) experiencing fuel gauge inaccuracy with codes P0460, P0461, P0462, or P0463.
• The bulletin explicitly states that the fuel level sensor can be replaced separately and warns that warranty claims for replacing the entire fuel pump assembly for this issue will be rejected.
• The Murano has two access ports under the rear seat, one for the main fuel pump/sensor assembly and one for the secondary sensor (if equipped on AWD models), which balances the saddle-style tank. P0462 refers to the primary sensor 'A'.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• Fuel Level Sensor Resistance — expected: Approximately 4-6 Ω when float is at Full, and 77-83 Ω when float is at Empty.. Failure: A reading of 0 Ω (short), OL/infinite Ω (open), or values that do not change smoothly as the float arm is moved.
• Fuel Level Sensor Signal Voltage — expected: A variable voltage between ~0.5V (Empty) and ~4.5V (Full).. Failure: A consistent voltage reading below 0.5V, often near 0V, which triggers the P0462 code.
• Ground Circuit Resistance — expected: Less than 1.0 Ω between the sensor's ground pin at the connector and a clean chassis ground.. Failure: Resistance greater than 1.0 Ω indicates a poor ground connection, which can cause a low voltage reading.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Nissan CONSULT or advanced bidirectional scanner: Actuation Test / Work Support for 'Unified Meter & A/C Amp' — Use this to command the fuel gauge needle to specific positions (e.g., Empty, 1/2, Full). If the gauge responds correctly to the command, it proves the instrument cluster, BCM, and their communication are working. This isolates the fault to the sensor or its wiring.
• Nissan CONSULT or advanced bidirectional scanner: IPDM Auto Active Test — This is a general electrical system self-test that activates various components like lights, wipers, and the A/C clutch. While not specific to the fuel sensor, running it can help rule out a major failure of the Intelligent Power Distribution Module (IPDM) which controls many vehicle electronics.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• Fuel Pump Assembly Connector — On top of the fuel pump assembly, accessible by removing the rear seat cushion and the metal service cover on the passenger side of the vehicle.. This is the primary connection point for the fuel level sensor. All electrical tests for sensor resistance and circuit voltage/ground should be performed here first to isolate the problem between the sensor and the rest of the vehicle harness.
• Secondary Fuel Level Sensor Connector — On top of the secondary fuel sending unit, accessible under a service cover beneath the rear seat on the driver's side (for AWD models).. While P0462 refers to the primary sensor, knowing this location is important to avoid confusion. A fault here would typically set a different code but could cause related fuel gauge issues.
• BCM / Unified Meter & A/C Amp — Typically located behind the center stack or dashboard area.. This module receives the raw signal from the fuel level sensor and processes it for the instrument cluster. A failure here is rare but possible. A wiring diagram is needed to test the input pin from the fuel sensor at this module.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Multiple forum and owner accounts (Various Nissan/Infiniti models including Murano and Pathfinder with P0462/P0463) — Fuel gauge stuck on empty or erratic, Check Engine Light on.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replacing the fuel level sensor with a cheap aftermarket part (code returned)., Clearing the code without fixing the part.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The issue was permanently resolved only after installing a genuine OEM Nissan fuel level sensor (part no. 25060-5AA0A). This suggests that the vehicle's computer is sensitive to the specific resistance range of the OEM part, and some aftermarket sensors are not calibrated correctly.
• YouTube video '2009 Nissan Murano Fuel Level Sensors' (2009 Nissan Murano (older but relevant design)) — Inaccurate fuel gauge.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initial diagnosis
  ✅ What actually fixed it The contact points on the original sensor's resistor board were visibly dirty/worn. Replacing the sensor with a new one fixed the problem. The video also highlights the difficulty of reinstalling the locking ring and the importance of not bending the float arm during installation.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 25060-5AA0A → No direct supersession found. — This part remains the current specified component for the 2016-2022 Murano.
  Heads up: While not a supersession, it's critical to note that many aftermarket versions of this part are reported by owners to fail quickly or be non-functional out of the box. Sticking with the Genuine Nissan part is highly recommended for a lasting repair.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2016-2022: All-Wheel Drive (AWD) models feature a saddle-style fuel tank with two fuel level sensors: a primary unit with the fuel pump (Sensor A) and a secondary unit (Sensor B). Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) models may have a simpler single-sensor setup. Code P0462 specifically refers to a fault in the primary 'A' circuit, which is the sensor/pump module on the right (passenger) side of the vehicle.