5 Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor
The evaporative emissions system relies on the fuel tank pressure sensor. This sensor has been redesigned on several levels to ensure a long life, but at some point it may fail.
Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor
A bad fuel tank pressure sensor typically has few secondary symptoms, as the feedback from this sensor is rarely used for anything other than developing an effective evaporative emissions protocol.
In most cases, a failed fuel tank pressure sensor is unlikely to cause any real driveability issues. However, this does not mean that they do not occur in limited cases.
1) Check Engine Light Comes On
When the fuel tank pressure sensor fails, it usually stores one or more diagnostic trouble codes. When such codes are detected, the vehicle’s check engine light comes on. DTCs P0442, P0453, and P0455 are the three trouble codes that indicate a fuel tank pressure sensor failure.
2) Sacrificed Fuel Economy
One of the most common symptoms of a failed fuel tank pressure sensor is a sudden deterioration in fuel economy. In fact, it is not uncommon for fuel economy to drop by 2-3 miles per gallon in these situations.
3) A noticeable fuel smell
When the tank pressure sensor fails, you may also notice a strong fuel smell coming from your vehicle. This is very common and is a hallmark of an evaporative emissions system problem.
4) Stalling or hesitation when accelerating
Though rare, a failed tank pressure sensor may cause your vehicle to stall temporarily or hesitate when you step on the accelerator. You may also notice that your vehicle is significantly more difficult to start.
5) Lack of Performance (Slow Acceleration)
Although rare, another possible symptom of a faulty fuel tank pressure sensor is a general lack of engine power. This is usually especially noticeable during strong acceleration phases. In these situations, the vehicle will feel sluggish to the point of essentially running sluggish.
What is a Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor?
In the early 1970s, the EPA and other environmental agencies began an effort to curb emissions from internal combustion engines. These efforts include the introduction of evaporative emissions systems, which burn gasoline vapors that naturally escape from a vehicle’s fuel tank by passing them through the engine’s intake tract.
This process involves the development of specialized equipment to monitor, capture, and redirect these vapors as needed. One of the components produced during this period is the fuel tank pressure sensor. These sensors have since been revised at several levels and are still used in nearly all road legal vehicles today.
The fuel tank pressure sensor is a vital part of a vehicle’s evaporative emission control system. This sensor provides feedback on the total pressure of fuel vapors in the vehicle’s fuel tank. This information is interpreted by the vehicle’s control software to create an efficient emissions control formula.
Where is he?A vehicle’s fuel tank pressure sensor is typically built into the fuel pump assembly itself. Therefore, this sensor is usually mounted on top of the vehicle’s fuel tank or in the fuel tank itself. This position rarely proves to be ideal, as any replacement required would usually require the removal of the fuel tank.
Nevertheless, anyone with access to a suitable lifting platform can carry out such a replacement without major issues. However, safety should also be considered, as gas tanks can pose a hazard of their own due to their size and weight. For this reason, you should stay out of the direct path of the fuel tank in case it becomes unstable and tips over during removal.
Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor vs. Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor
The fuel tank pressure sensor and fuel rail sensor on your vehicle are completely different components. A vehicle’s fuel tank pressure sensor is part of the evaporative emissions system and is used to provide feedback regarding the overall pressure in the vehicle’s fuel tank at a given point in time.
In contrast, an engine’s fuel rail pressure sensor serves as a vital part of the vehicle’s fuel system, providing continuous feedback regarding the presence and pressure of fuel in the engine’s fuel rail. This feedback represents the fuel available to the fuel injectors in the respective cylinder.
What Causes an FTP Sensor to Fail? There are several possible causes for a vehicle’s fuel tank pressure sensor to fail, all of which must be considered. However, the most common cause is normal wear and tear.
Over time, electrical components become damaged due to a variety of environmental influences. Vibration, chemical contaminants, and extreme temperatures are just a few of the stresses that can shorten the lifespan of a fuel tank pressure sensor.
Additionally, electrical accessories mounted in the fuel tank, such as: B. Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor, are susceptible to damage from underbody dirt.
It is not uncommon for a vehicle’s fuel tank to be put under great strain when road debris gets kicked up under the vehicle. Subsequent failures of this kind will inevitably have a detrimental effect on the vehicle’s tank pressure sensor.
