GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    •  Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0451: Fuel Tank Pressure (FTP) Sensor Performance

Typical Scan Tool Data

FTP Sensor

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

Operating Conditions: Engine operating in Closed Loop at idle

Parameter Normal Range: 0.2-4.8 V

5-Volt Reference Voltage

0 V

0 V

5 V

FTP Sensor Signal

0 V

0 V

5 V

Low Reference

--

4.2 V

--

Circuit/System 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. This DTC sets if the engine control module (ECM) detects one of the following conditions:

    • The FTP sensor signal voltage is not within a calibrated range on a cold start-up.
    • The FTP sensor signal oscillates greater than a calibrated amount when vehicle speed is less than 30 km/h (50 mph).

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 greater

Negative Pressure/Vacuum

Low, Approximately 1.5 Volts or Less

Positive Pressure

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • The engine is operating for greater than 3 seconds.
    • The fuel level is between 12-88 percent.
    • The start up engine coolant temperature (ECT) is less than 35°C (95°F).
    • The vehicle speed is between 10-31 km/h (6-19 mph).
    • The ECM is commanding purge.
    • The ratio between ambient pressure and the calculated manifold pressure is less than 0.6.
    • DTC P0451 runs continuously once the above conditions are met for approximately 25 seconds.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

    •  The ECM detects that the FTP on a cold start-up is less than -22.27 mm Hg (-11.93 in. H2O or greater than 11.25 mm Hg (6.02 in. H2O for 25 seconds.
    •  The ECM does not detect a change in tank vacuum when purge duty cycle is greater than 40 percent. The change in vacuum must be less than 0.37 mm Hg (0.20 in. H2O) when purge is active. This condition requires 4 failures to set the DTC for 10 seconds each time.
    • The ECM detects that the FTP sensor signal oscillates greater than 6.07 mm Hg (3.25 in. H2O) from a zero point for greater than 25 seconds. The zero point may vary and the vehicle speed must be less than 31 km/h (19 mph) for this test.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0451 is Type B DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTC P0451 is Type B DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

    • A blocked or clogged EVAP canister vent may set this DTC.
    • A large leak in the EVAP system could cause this DTC to set.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Fuel System Description

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Special Tools

    • J 41413-SPT High Intensity White Light
    • J 41413-VLV EVAP Port Vent Fitting Tool
    • J 41413-200 Evaporative Emissions System Tester (EEST)
    • J 41413-300 EVAP Cap and Plug Kit
    •  CH-48096 EVAP Service Port Access Tool
    • GE-41415-50 Fuel Tank Cap Adapter

Circuit/System Testing

  1. Remove the fuel fill cap. Connect the GE-41415-50 to the fuel tank filler neck. Connect the J 41413-200 to the GE-41415-50 .
  2. Seal the EVAP system with the scan tool Purge Seal function.
  3. Pressurize the EVAP system with nitrogen to 5 inches H2O. Compare the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor parameter to the J 41413-200 pressure/vacuum gage. The FTP sensor should be within 1 inch H2O of the pressure/vacuum gage.
  4. If the FTP is not within 1 inch H2O of the pressure/vacuum gage, replace the FTP sensor.
  5. Command the vent solenoid valve OPEN with a scan tool.
  6. If the FTP sensor parameter is not 0 inch H2O, replace the FTP sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for ECM replacement, setup, and programming