Circuit Description
The fuel tank pressure sensor responds to changes in the fuel tank pressure or vacuum. This information is used in order to detect vacuum decay or an excessive vacuum during the evaporative emissions (EVAP) diagnostic routing. The fuel tank pressure sensor signal voltage to the VCM varies from a minimum of approximately 0.1 volts with pressure in the fuel tank, to more than 4.0 volts with a high vacuum in the fuel tank.
The fuel tank pressure display on the scan tool has an auto zero feature which occurs at each ignition cycle and is corrected according to the barometric pressure. Because of this, the fuel tank pressure display may not accurately reflect the actual output of the sensor, or the conditions within the fuel tank.
The fuel tank pressure sensor diagnosis table is intended to isolate and diagnose the electrical problems with the sensor wiring or the sensor.
Conditions for Running the DTC
The ignition switch is in the RUN position.
Conditions for Setting the DTC
The fuel tank pressure sensor voltage is more than 4.98 volts for more than 5 seconds.
Action Taken When the DTC Sets
The VCM turns on the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 2 consecutive driving cycles with the fault active.
Conditions for Clearing the MIL or DTC
| • | The control module turns OFF the MIL after 3 consecutive drive trips when the test has run and passed. |
| • | A history DTC will clear if no fault conditions have been detected for 40 warm-up cycles. A warm-up cycle occurs when the coolant temperature has risen 22°C (40°F) from the startup coolant temperature and the engine coolant reaches a temperature that is more than 70°C (158°F) during the same ignition cycle. |
| • | Use a scan tool in order to clear the DTCs. |
Diagnostic Aids
| • | Inspect the control module harness connectors for the following conditions: |
| - | Improper mating |
| - | Broken locks |
| - | Improperly formed |
| - | Damaged terminals |
| • | Inspect the wiring harness for damage. If the harness appears OK, observe the fuel tank pressure display on the scan tool while moving the connectors and the wiring harnesses that are related to the sensor. A change in the display will indicate the location of the fault. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems if you find a fault in the wiring. |
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
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If the evaporative emissions (EVAP) fuel tank pressure sensor value is less than -16.50 in H2O, there may be an EVAP fuel tank pressure sensor circuit problem, or there may be an internally shorted fuel tank pressure sensor. Note that -17.32 in H2O is less than -16.50 in H2O.
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If the EVAP fuel tank pressure sensor value is less than 7.4 in H2O, the fault is the EVAP fuel tank pressure sensor, the reference voltage is higher than 5.00 volts. With good circuits, a disconnected fuel tank pressure sensor should indicate 7.4 in H2O.
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A short to voltage on one 5-volt reference circuit could cause a high voltage reading on another 5-volt reference circuit. Some 5-volt reference circuits are shared inside and outside the VCM. A defective linear exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve may bleed battery voltage onto the 5-volt reference circuit.
Step | Action | Values | Yes | No |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | ||
Does the EVAP fuel tank pressure sensor display vacuum less than the specified value? | -16.50 in H2O | Go to Diagnostic Aids. | ||
Disconnect the EVAP fuel tank pressure sensor connector. Does the EVAP fuel tank pressure sensor display pressure of more than the specified value? | 7.0 in H2O | |||
4 | Use a DMM in order to measure the voltage at the 5-volt reference circuit to ground at the EVAP fuel tank pressure sensor connector. Is the voltage higher than the specified value? | 5.20 volts | ||
5 | Use a DMM in order to measure the voltage to ground of the sensor signal circuit at the EVAP fuel tank pressure sensor connector. Is the voltage higher than the specified value? | 0.5 volts | ||
6 | Repair the short to voltage on the EVAP fuel tank pressure sensor signal circuit. Is the repair complete? | -- | -- | |
Repair the short to voltage on the 5-volt reference circuit. Refer to the test description. Is the repair complete? | -- | -- | ||
8 |
Was terminal contact repaired? | -- | ||
9 | Replace the EVAP fuel tank pressure sensor. Refer to Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Replacement . Is the replacement complete? | -- | -- | |
10 |
Was terminal contact repaired? | -- | ||
11 |
Important: The replacement VCM must be programmed. Replace the VCM. Refer to VCM Replacement/Programming . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |
12 |
Does the scan tool indicate the diagnostic Passed? | -- | ||
13 | Does the scan tool display any additional undiagnosed DTCs? | -- | Go to the applicable DTC table | System OK |
