GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor measures the difference between the air pressure or vacuum in the Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System, and the outside air pressure. The engine control module (ECM) supplies the following circuits to the FTP sensor:

    • A 5-volt reference circuit
    • A low reference circuit
    • A signal circuit

The FTP sensor signal circuit voltage varies depending on EVAP system pressure or vacuum. If the ECM detects that the FTP sensor signal voltage is more than 4.9 volts, DTC P0453 sets.

The following table illustrates the relationship between FTP sensor signal voltage and the EVAP system pressure/vacuum.

FTP Sensor Signal Voltage

Fuel Tank Pressure

Low, Approximately 1.5 Volts or Less

Positive Pressure

High, Approximately 1.5 Volts or More

Negative Pressure/Vacuum

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0453 Fuel Tank Pressure (FTP) Sensor Circuit Voltage

Conditions for Running the DTC

DTC P0453 runs continuously when the ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    • The FTP sensor voltage is more than 4.9 volts.
    • The condition is are present for more than 10 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) when the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The control module stores this information in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

    • A current DTC Last Test Failed clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other non-emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the DTC with a scan tool.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine Controls Connector End Views or Engine Control Module Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

Observe the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor parameter with a scan tool.

Is the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor parameter more than the specified value?

4.9 V

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records for this DTC.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30  seconds.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Is the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor parameter more than the specified value?

4.9 V

Go to Step 4

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

4

Is DTC P0641 also set?

--

Go to DTC P0641

Go to Step 5

5

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 6

6

Observe the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor parameter with a scan tool.

Is Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor parameter more than the specified value?

0.2 V

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Disconnect the FTP sensor.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Measure the voltage from the low reference circuit of the FTP sensor to a good ground with a DMM. Refer to Circuit Testing .

Is the voltage less than the specified value?

1.0 V

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 8

8

Test the low reference circuit of the FTP sensor for a short to voltage.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 9

9

Test the FTP low reference circuit for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 11

10

Test the FTP signal circuit for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 11

11

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the engine control module (ECM). Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 13

12

Replace the FTP sensor. Refer to Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 14

--

13

Replace the ECM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 14

--

14

  1. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 15

15

Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

System OK