GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

System Description

The fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor measures air pressure or vacuum in the evaporative emission (EVAP) system. The control module supplies a 5-volt reference and a low reference circuit to the FTP sensor. The FTP sensor signal voltage varies, depending on EVAP system pressure or vacuum. The controller uses this FTP signal to determine atmospheric pressure for use in the engine-off small leak test, P0442. Before using this signal as an atmospheric reference, it must first be re-zeroed. If the FTP signal is out of range during the re-zero procedure, this DTC will set.

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0451 Fuel Tank Pressure (FTP) Sensor Performance

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTC P0451 runs only when the engine-off natural vacuum small leak test, DTC P0442, executes.
    • The number of times this test runs can range from 0-2 per engine-off period. The length of the test can be up to 40 minutes.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

This DTC will set if the controller is unable to re-zero the FTP sensor voltage within a calibrated range during the engine-off small leak test, P0442.

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 MIL/DTC

    • The control module turns OFF the 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 DTC with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

    • When using the J 41413-200 Evaporative Emission System Tester (EEST) to apply pressure, you can regulate the amount of pressure by activating the remote switch ON and OFF while observing pressure in the EVAP system using a scan tool.
    • A restriction in the EVAP canister or vent lines could prevent fuel vapor pressure from bleeding off fast enough. If the vent system cannot bleed off pressure fast enough, this code can set. When pressure is applied to the system and released, a properly operating system will return to the atmospheric pressure rapidly. By using a scan tool and the J 41413-200 pressure can be applied to the system, then released, while monitoring the FTP sensor parameter to see that pressure can be released within 30 seconds.
    • An FTP sensor that is skewed or does not have a linear transition from low to high may cause this code to set. A scan tool output controls, snapshot, and plot functions can help detect erratic sensor response. To test the sensor signal under vacuum conditions, use the Quick Snapshot and the Purge/Seal functions to capture data while commanding purge to 20 percent, then plot the data to look for erratic sensor operation. A similar test can be done for the pressure side of the sensor operation by applying pressure with the J 41413-200 while taking a snapshot.
    • A full fuel tank may cause misdiagnosis.

Test Description

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

  1. This step tests for the signal voltage that represents atmospheric pressure. Removing the fuel fill cap ensures a vented EVAP system. Record the value for possible use later in the diagnostic table.

  2. This step tests the accuracy of the FTP sensor by comparing the electrical signal value to the EEST mechanical gage value.

  3. A restricted EVAP system will not allow the nitrogen to flow freely through the system. A restriction will cause the FTP signal voltage parameter to decrease as the pressure builds.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Evaporative Emissions Hose Routing Diagram and 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

Is DTC P0446, P0452, P0453, or P0651 also set?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

Go to Step 3

3

Inspect the evaporative emission (EVAP) system for the following conditions:

    • A damaged EVAP canister vent solenoid valve--Refer to Evaporative Emission Canister Vent Solenoid Valve Replacement .
    • A pinched EVAP hose
    • A damaged EVAP canister--Refer to Evaporative Emission Canister Replacement .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Remove the fuel fill cap.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Observe and record the fuel tank pressure (FTP) parameter in volts with a scan tool.

Is the fuel tank pressure sensor parameter within the specified amount?

1.3-1.7 V

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 14

5

Important: Ensure that the vehicle underbody temperature is similar to the ambient temperature.

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Install the fuel fill cap.
  3. Connect the J 41413-200 Evaporative Emission System Tester (EEST) power supply clips to a known good 12-volt source.
  4. Install the J 41415-40 Fuel Tank Cap Adapter or GE-41415-50 Fuel Tank Cap Adapter to the fuel fill pipe.
  5. Connect the J 41413-200 NITROGEN/SMOKE supply hose to the J 41415-40 or the GE-41415-50 .
  6. Turn the ignition ON, with the engine OFF.
  7. Turn the NITROGEN/SMOKE valve on the J 41413-200 to NITROGEN.
  8. Using a scan tool PURGE/SEAL function, seal the EVAP system.
  9. Observe the fuel tank pressure sensor in H2O using a scan tool.
  10. Use a remote switch to pressurize the EVAP system to the first specified value.
  11. Allow at least 30 seconds for pressure in the EVAP system to stabilize. Compare the fuel tank pressure (FTP) parameter in H2O to the J 41413-200 VACUUM/PRESSURE gage.

Is the difference between the FTP parameter on a scan tool and the VACUUM/PRESSURE gage on the J 41413-200 within the second specified value?

5 in H2O

1 in H2O

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 14

6

Release the pressure on the EVAP system with the scan tool.

Is the difference between the FTP parameter on the scan tool and the VACUUM/PRESSURE gage on the J 41413-200 within the specified value?

1 in H2O

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 14

7

  1. Start the engine.
  2. Allow the engine to idle.
  3. Important: Using more than 20 percent purge can cause a misdiagnosis.

  4. Use the PURGE/SEAL function of a scan tool to command 20 percent purge.
  5. Observe the VACUUM/PRESSURE gage on the J 41413-200 and the fuel tank pressure parameter on the scan tool. Allow the vacuum to increase to the first specified value.

Is the difference between the FTP parameter on the scan tool and the VACUUM/PRESSURE gage on the J 41413-200 within the second specified value?

5 in H2O

1 in H2O

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 14

8

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Turn the NITROGEN/SMOKE valve on the J 41413-200 to NITROGEN.
  3. Observe the FTP sensor in volts using a scan tool.
  4. Pressurize the EVAP system with the remote switch.
  5. Allow enough time for pressure to stabilize.

Is the difference between the observed FTP sensor voltage and the voltage recorded in Step 4 more than the specified value?

0.2 V

Go to Step 9

System OK

9

  1. Disconnect the EVAP vent hose from the EVAP canister vent solenoid valve with pressure still applied from the J 41413-200 . Refer to Evaporative Emissions Hose Routing Diagram .
  2. Observe the FTP sensor in volts using a scan tool.

Is the difference between the observed FTP sensor voltage and the voltage recorded in Step 4 more than the specified value?

0.2 V

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 11

10

  1. Disconnect the EVAP vapor pipe from the EVAP canister with pressure still applied from the J 41413-200 . Refer to Evaporative Emissions Hose Routing Diagram .
  2. Observe the FTP sensor in volts using a scan tool.

Is the difference between the observed FTP sensor voltage and the voltage recorded in Step 4 more than the specified value?

0.2 V

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 12

11

Repair or replace the EVAP canister vent solenoid. Refer to Evaporative Emission Canister Vent Solenoid Valve Replacement .

Did you complete the action?

--

Go to Step 17

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12

Replace the EVAP canister. Refer to Evaporative Emission Canister Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 17

--

13

Repair or replace the pinched or restricted EVAP vapor pipe. Refer to Evaporative Emissions Hose Routing Diagram .

Did you complete the action?

--

Go to Step 17

--

14

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 15

15

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

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 16

16

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

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 17

--

17

  1. Reconnect all components and release any pressure or vacuum applied to the EVAP system.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Observe and record the fuel tank pressure (FTP) parameter in H2O with a scan tool.

Is the fuel tank pressure sensor parameter within the specified amount?

-1 to +1 in H2O

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 2

18

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Command the EVAP canister vent solenoid closed with a scan tool.
  3. Turn the NITROGEN/SMOKE valve on the J 41413-200 to NITROGEN.
  4. Pressurize the EVAP system to the first specified value with the remote switch.
  5. Observe the fuel pressure sensor in H2O using a scan tool.
  6. Command the EVAP canister vent solenoid valve open with a scan tool.

Is the fuel tank pressure sensor parameter less than the second specified value?

5 in H2O

1 in H2O

Go to Step 19

Go to Diagnostic Aids

19

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

Go to Step 20

20

Important: The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) may remain ON after the repair unless the DTCs are cleared.

Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.

Did you complete the action?

--

System OK

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