GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The control module monitors the fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor signal in order to detect vacuum decay and excess vacuum during the evaporative emission (EVAP) diagnostic test. The control module supplies a 5-volt reference and a low reference circuit to the FTP sensor. If the FTP sensor signal voltage is not within a calibrated value range during a cold engine start, this DTC 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

High, Approximately 1.5 Volts or More

Negative Pressure/Vacuum

Low, Approximately 1.5 Volts or Less

Positive Pressure

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0451 Fuel Tank Pressure (FTP) Sensor Performance.

Conditions for Running the DTC

The ignition is on and the engine is running.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The FTP voltage is less than 0.58 volts within 13 seconds of start up.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • 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 emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step verifies that the condition is present.

  2. This step tests the 5-volt reference of the FTP sensor.

  3. This step tests the low reference circuit of the FTP sensor.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

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

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

Monitor the fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor voltage with the scan tool.

Is the FTP sensor value within the specified range?

1.0-2.5 V

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

  1. Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records for this DTC.
  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 4

Go to Intermittent Conditions

4

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Disconnect the fuel tank harness connector.
  3. Measure the voltage from 5-volt reference circuit of the FTP sensor at the fuel tank harness connector - control module side, to a good ground with a DMM. Refer to Circuit Testing in Wiring Systems.

Is the voltage near the specified value?

5 V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

Measure the voltage from the 5-volt reference circuit to the low reference circuit at the fuel tank harness connector - control module side with a DMM.

Is the voltage near the specified value?

5 V

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

6

Test the 5-volt reference circuit of the FTP sensor for an open or short to ground between the harness connector and the control module. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

5 V

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 10

7

Test the low reference circuit of the FTP sensor for an open, or for high resistance between the harness connector and the control module. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 10

8

Inspect the fuel tank wiring harness for the following conditions:

    • Opens or shorts to ground in the FTP harness connector to the FTP sensor
    • Damaged wiring

Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 9

9

Inspect for poor connections at the FTP sensor harness connector, and fuel tank harness connector. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 11

10

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the control module. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

11

Replace the fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 13

--

12

Replace the control module. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 13

--

13

  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 14

14

Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK