GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

The DTC P0453 Fuel Tank Pressure (FTP) Sensor Circuit High Voltage diagnostic monitors the FTP sensor voltage. The evaporative emission (EVAP) control system prevents the emission of the fuel vapors. The fuel vapor generated in the fuel tank while driving or idling enters the EVAP canister where a charcoal element absorbs and stores the fuel vapor. When certain engine operating conditions are met, the powertrain control module (PCM) purges the EVAP canister of stored vapors by turning ON the EVAP canister purge valve.

Emissions laws require that the PCM detect any leakage within the EVAP system. The PCM monitors the EVAP system for leaks by controlling and observing the vapor pressures in the EVAP system. The FTP sensor is used to detect any unexpected pressure in the EVAP system. The PCM supplies a 5-volt reference, an electrical ground, and a signal return circuit that has a 5-volt bias. The FTP sensor contains a silicon based chip that changes electrical resistance when pressure is applied. The sensor converts the positive or the negative pressure into an electrical signal and sends the signal to the PCM.

Fuel Tank Vapor Space

FTP mmHg

FTP Signal Voltage

Pressure

Positive Value

High

No Pressure

Near Zero

3.0-3.6V

Vacuum

Negative Value

Low

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0453 Fuel Tank Pressure (FTP) Sensor Circuit High Voltage

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The engine is running.
    • The intake air temperature (IAT) sensor is between 4-35°C (40-95°F).
    • DTC P0453 runs once per drive cycle when the above conditions have been met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The FTP sensor signal indicates more than 15 mm Hg (8 in H2O) for 7 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
    • The PCM records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. This information is stored in the Freeze Frame buffer.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The MIL turns OFF after 3 consecutively passing trips without a fault present.
    • A History DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles without a fault.
    • Use the scan tool Clear DTC Information function.

Diagnostic Aids

    • If a DTC P0453 is intermittent, road test the vehicle while observing the FTP sensor with a scan tool. A momentary reading of more than 4.5 volts may indicate an open in the sensor input or ground circuit.
    • If a DTC P0453 is intermittent, driving the vehicle under the conditions outlined in the Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) section can verify whether the fault is present. Refer to Inspection/Maintenance Evaporative Emission System Set .
    • An intermittent malfunction may be caused by a fault in the sensor electrical circuit. Inspect the wiring harness and the components for an intermittent condition. Refer to Intermittent Conditions .
    • The information included in the Freeze Frame data can be useful in determining the vehicle operating conditions when the DTC first set.

Test Description

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

  1. The Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and store the Freeze Frame data on the scan tool, if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the fault occurred. The information is then stored in the scan tool for later reference.

  2. This step determines if a FTP sensor malfunction is present. The input signal of the FTP sensor should indicate atmospheric pressure with the fuel tank filler cap removed. The fuel tank pressure sensor voltage will vary with atmospheric pressure. A typical FTP reading at sea level is between 3.5-3.8 volts.

  3. The FTP sensor signal circuit carries a 5-volt bias that can be measured with the DMM. If the measured voltage is near zero, there is an open or a faulty PCM.

  4. This step checks for an open in the FTP sensor ground circuit.

  5. The EVAP system diagnostic can be monitored on the scan tool under the I/M System Information selection. When the EVAP test displays a YES status, indicating that the system diagnostic is completed, check for DTC P0453 in the Last Test Failed screen of the scan tool. If there is no DTC P0453 displayed the EVAP system diagnostic has run and passed, indicating that no malfunction was present this time. DTCs MUST be cleared in order to view the Current Status of the system diagnostics being performed. Do not forget that the I/M System Information tests only indicate that the test has run, not if the test passed or failed. The Last Test Failed screen must be checked for related DTCs in order to determine the outcome of the diagnostic test involved.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

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

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Loosen the fuel tank filler cap in order to release any pressure inside the fuel tank.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Observe the fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor parameter on the scan tool.

Is the FTP sensor within the specified range?

3.5-3.8 V

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Operate the vehicle within the Freeze Frame conditions as specified or within the Conditions for Running the DTC. Review the supporting text.

Did DTC P0453 set?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Diagnostic Aids

4

Was DTC P0113, DTC P0118, or DTC  P0123 also set?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 5

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the FTP sensor electrical connector.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Measure the FTP sensor input circuit voltage with a DMM.

Is the voltage near the specified value?

4.9 V

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

6

  1. Test the FTP sensor input circuit for an open or a short to voltage.
  2. Repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Was a repair necessary?

--

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 11

7

Probe the FTP sensor ground circuit on the harness side with a test lamp connected to B+.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

8

Repair the open in the sensor ground circuit between the FTP sensor and the splice. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 12

--

9

Repair the open in the sensor ground circuit between the powertrain control module (PCM) and the splice. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 12

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10

Replace the FTP sensor.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

--

11

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

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 12

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12

  1. Use the scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC or until the EVAP test is complete. Review the Test Description.

Does the DTC run and pass?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 2

13

With a scan tool, observe the stored information, Capture Info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

System OK