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 Descriptors

DTC P0451: Fuel Tank Pressure (FTP) Sensor Performance

DTC P0454: Fuel Tank Pressure (FTP) Sensor Intermittent

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

5-Volt Reference

P0452, P0532, P0641

P0452

P0641

--

FTP Sensor Signal

P0452

P0452

P0453

--

Low Reference

--

P0463

--

--

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

2.5 V

FTP Sensor Signal

0 V

0 V

5.0 V

Low Reference

--

4.5 V

--

Circuit/System Description

The evaporative emission (EVAP) system stores fuel vapors in order to reduce the amount of fuel vapors into the atmosphere. The fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor is used for EVAP system diagnostics. The FTP sensor is a transducer that varies resistance according to changes in fuel tank pressure. The engine control module (ECM) monitors the FTP sensor signal in order to detect vacuum decay and excess vacuum during the EVAP system diagnostic tests.

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 More

Negative Pressure/Vacuum

Low, Approximately 1.5 Volts or Less

Positive Pressure

Conditions for Running the DTC

P0451

    • This diagnostic runs when the engine-off natural vacuum small leak test, P0442, is in progress.
    • This diagnostic can be tested 2 times during the engine-off period.

P0454

    • This diagnostic runs when the engine-off natural vacuum small leak test, P0442, is in progress.
    •  This diagnostic can be tested 1 time during the engine-off period.
    • The ECM does not detect a refueling event.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

P0451

DTC P0451 will set if the controller is unable to re-zero the FTP sensor voltage within a calibrated range. The length of the test can be up to 10 minutes.

P0454

The ECM detects an abrupt change in the FTP sensor voltage, other than a refueling event. The length of the test can be up to 10 minutes.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0451 and P0454 are Type A DTCs.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTC P0451 and P0454 are Type A DTCs.

Diagnostic Aids

    • A restriction in the EVAP canister or vent lines could prevent fuel vapor pressure from decreasing fast enough. If the pressure does not decrease fast enough, the re-zero procedure may not complete successfully, which could cause DTC P0451 to set.
    • Verify that the reference port on the FTP sensor is not restricted.
    • A resistance in the circuits of the FTP sensor may cause DTC P0451 to set.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Evaporative Emission Control 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 41413-200 Evaporative Emissions System Tester (EEST)
    • GE-41415-50 Fuel Tank Cap Adapter
    • J 41413-300 EVAP Cap and Plug Kit

Circuit/System Testing

  1. If DTC P0454 is set Inspect for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the FTP sensor and the engine control module (ECM).
  2. 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 .
  3. Pressurize the EVAP system with nitrogen to 5 inches H2O. Compare the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor parameter with a scan tool to the J 41413-200 pressure/vacuum gage. The scan tool FTP sensor parameter should be within 1 inch H2O of the pressure/vacuum gage.
  4. If not within the specified range, replace the FTP sensor.
  5. Command the EVAP purge solenoid valve OPEN with a scan tool. Verify the scan tool FTP senor parameter decreases quickly to 0 inch H2O.
  6. If the pressure does not decrease quickly, inspect the EVAP vent system for a restriction. If the EVAP vent system tests normal 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