P0453 Code – What Does It Mean & How To Fix It

This is one of the most frequent OBD2 trouble codes. Read the full article below to know what it means, how to fix it, and what other codes may show related to it.

Causes

Common causes for this code include:

• The fuel tank pressure sensor connector is loose or damaged.
• Blockage in EVAP purge hoses or an overfilled tank can cause the pressure of the fuel tank to become abnormally high
• A faulty gas tank pressure sensor
• The ground connection to the sensor was lost
• The Voltage on the Signal Wire of the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor is open or faulty.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a P0453 code are:

A trouble code is stored and the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) is illuminated

The engine may not start if the fuel tank pressure sensor signal wire has an open circuit condition.

In certain situations, you might be able to smell gasoline.

Diagnosis

To diagnose a P0453 DTC code, a technician would:

1. Use a scan tool (OBDI-II) to check for any stored trouble codes
2. Visually inspect the wiring and connectors of the EVAP system
3. Systematically test each component of the fuel tank pressure sensor circuit
4. The fuel tank pressure sensor voltage is checked against manufacturer specifications.

Common mistakes

The following are common mistakes when diagnosing the trouble code P0453:

Checking the fuel tank pressure sensor resistance instead of voltage

Assuming that there is a code stored when there isn’t one. If no codes are stored, it is an intermittent problem or a false fault

Replacing parts without checking to see if they are good first. A new part may be faulty out of the box

Forgetting to check the ground connection on the fuel tank pressure sensor circuit

How serious is this?

A P0453 code is not a major code and does not usually affect vehicle performance. However, a P0453 code can be a symptom of a more serious issue with the emissions system.

What repairs can fix the code?

The following are solutions that may fix this problem:

• Replacing any known-bad grounds and connectors 
• Replacing the affected component (Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor) 
• Repairing an open voltage signal wire 
• Replacing a faulty ECM (Engine Control Module)  

Related codes

A P0453 is related to and may be accompanied by the following codes:

P0442 – Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (EVAP Canister or Vent Control Valve)

P0446 – Evaporative Emission Control System Purge Control Valve Circuit Malfunction

P0450 – Evaporative Emission Control System Pressure Sensor Malfunction

P0455 – Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Circuit Malfunction

P0460 – Evaporative Emission Control System Vent Shut Valve Open Position Performance Problem

P0488 – Exhaust Gas Recirculation Flow During Deceleration Fuel Cutoff Indicated

How much does it cost to fix the P0453 code?

The repair cost of a P0453 code can vary depending on the type of code stored:

A faulty fuel tank pressure sensor ($190 to $270)

A bad ground connection ($35 to $50)

Low voltage signal wire ($0 to $100)

A faulty ECM ($550 to $850)

Bad purge hoses ($40 to $70)

Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $300 (if it is a simple ground issue) up to $1,500 (if the ECM needs replacing).

Conclusion

In conclusion, the P0453 code is a generic trouble code that points to a pressure sensor fault in the fuel tank. The fuel tank pressure sensor voltage is checked against manufacturer specifications and potentially repaired or replaced. A P0453 code can be an easy and inexpensive fix or a more costly one depending on the component causing the trouble code.