GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC Descriptor

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

Diagnostic Fault Information

Important: Always perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.

Circuit

Short to Ground

High Resistance

Open

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

FTP Sensor Low Reference

--

P0446, P0451

P0446

--

P0451

FTP Sensor Signal

P0452

--

P0452

P0453

P0451, P0454

FTP Sensor 5-Volt Reference

P0452, P0530, P0641

P0451

P0446, P0452

P0453, P0530, P0641

--

Typical Scan Tool Data

FTP Sensor Voltage

Circuit¹

Normal Range

Short to Ground

Open

Short to Voltage

FTP Sensor Low Reference

--

1.5 V

4.5 V

--

FTP Sensor Signal

1.5 V

0 V

0 V

5 V

FTP Sensor 5-Volt Reference

0 V

0 V

5 V

¹ With EVAP system vented to atmosphere

Circuit/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 also uses this FTP signal to determine atmospheric pressure for use in the engine-off small leak test, DTC P0442. Before using this signal as an atmospheric reference it must first be re-zeroed.

Conditions for Running the DTC

DTC  P0453 runs continuously when the ignition is ON.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The FTP sensor voltage is more than 4.9 volts for more than 5 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module illuminates the 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.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views
    •  Engine Controls Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Troubleshooting with a Test Lamp
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Output Controls

Special Tools Required

J 41413-200 Evaporative Emission System Tester (EEST)

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Remove the fuel cap.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Observe the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor parameter with a scan tool.
  4. The FTP Sensor parameter should be 1.5 volts

Circuit/System Testing

  1. If DTC P0641 is set, repair that DTC first.
  2. With the ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the FTP sensor.
  3. With the ignition ON, measure for 4.8-5.2 volts between the 5-volt reference circuit of the FTP sensor and ground.
  4. If over 5.2 volts, inspect for unexpected voltage in the circuit. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.
    If under 4.8 volts, inspect for a short to ground, open/high resistance in the circuit. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.
  5. With the ignition ON, the scan tool FTP sensor parameter should indicate 4.8-5.2 volts with a 3-amp fused jumper wire connecting the FTP signal circuit to the 5-volt reference circuit.
  6. If under 4.8 volts, test for a short to ground or an open in the circuit. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.
  7. With the ignition OFF and the ECM powered down, measure for less than 5 ohms of resistance between the low reference circuit of the FTP sensor connector and a good ground.
  8. If greater than 5 ohms, inspect for an open/high resistance in the circuit. If the circuit tests normal, replace the control module.
    If the circuits and control module test OK, replace the FTP sensor.

Repair Instructions

Important: Always perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

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