Failed fuel tank sending unit (fuel level sensor) inside the tank; Damaged or corroded wiring harness between the sending unit and the PCM; Loose, corroded, or disconnected electrical connector at the fuel tank sending unit; Open or shorted ground circuit for the fuel level sensor; PCM internal fault on the fuel level input circuit (rare); Aftermarket alarm or remote start wiring tapped into the fuel gauge circuit

DTC codes / Kia codes / P1455

P1455 · KiaFuel Tank Sending Unit Open Or Short 1.8L

Q: What does code P1455 mean?

Fuel Tank Sending Unit Open Or Short 1.8L. P1455 on a Kia with the 1.8L engine means the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an open circuit or a short circuit in the fuel tank sending unit circuit, so it cannot reliably read the fuel level. The PCM monitors the signal voltage from the sending unit and flags this code when the voltage stays outside the expected range for a set period.

P1455 on a Kia with the 1.8L engine means the powertrain control module (PCM) has detected an open circuit or a short circuit in the fuel tank sending unit circuit, so it cannot reliably read the fuel level. The PCM monitors the signal voltage from the sending unit and flags this code when the voltage stays outside the expected range for a set period.

SystemPowertrain

Code typeKia specific

SeverityLow

Fix difficultyIntermediate

AreaAuxiliary emission controls

Symptoms you may notice

Fuel gauge reads empty or full constantly, or swings erratically regardless of actual fuel level
Low fuel warning light stays on even when the tank is full
Often no symptoms besides the warning light, with the gauge still appearing to work normally
Fuel gauge drops to empty shortly after refueling and then recovers
Incorrect distance-to-empty or fuel economy readings on the instrument cluster

Common causes, most likely first

Failed fuel tank sending unit (fuel level sensor) inside the tank
Damaged or corroded wiring harness between the sending unit and the PCM
Loose, corroded, or disconnected electrical connector at the fuel tank sending unit
Open or shorted ground circuit for the fuel level sensor
PCM internal fault on the fuel level input circuit (rare)
Aftermarket alarm or remote start wiring tapped into the fuel gauge circuit

How to diagnose and fix it

Connect a scan tool and read live fuel level sensor voltage to confirm the PCM is seeing an out-of-range signal
Visually inspect the sending unit connector and wiring at the fuel tank for corrosion, chafing, or loose pins
Measure resistance across the sending unit terminals and compare to the Kia specification for empty and full positions
Check continuity and resistance of the signal and ground wires from the sending unit connector to the PCM
If wiring checks pass, remove the fuel pump module and inspect the sending unit for a worn resistor card or stuck float
Replace the faulty fuel tank sending unit or fuel pump module assembly as required
Clear the code and verify the fuel gauge reads correctly through a full sweep from empty to full

Why the fuel gauge lies before the code sets

A sending unit can fail intermittently and still pass a static resistance test, so wiggle the harness and sweep the float by hand while watching live data on the scan tool.
Kia fuel level sending units often wear through the resistor card at the most common fuel level, causing an open circuit only when the tank is near half full.
Corrosion inside the connector at the top of the fuel tank is a frequent cause on older Kia models, especially in regions that use road salt.
A shorted signal wire can read as a full tank and mask the fault, so check for continuity to ground on the signal circuit before condemning the sending unit.
Aftermarket accessories wired into the fuel gauge circuit can introduce resistance that sets P1455 without any fault in the sending unit itself.

Can I keep driving with P1455?

The vehicle remains safe to drive because this fault only affects fuel level information and does not alter engine operation. Refuel based on the trip odometer rather than the gauge until the fault is repaired, and avoid running the tank very low.

Tools that help

Tools we recommend are in the Auto Veteran shop on Amazon. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Guidance is general and written for Kia vehicles. Exact tests and values vary by model, so confirm the fault before replacing parts.