Chrysler 200P0453: High Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor/Switch

The Chrysler 200 uses an evaporative emission control (EVAP), system that moves fuel vapors between the fuel tank and filler neck and then sends them to engine for combustion.  If the fuel tank pressure is too high P0453The check engine light turns on when a, is thrown.

The 200 won't fail if you only have P0453 as your trouble code.  The EVAP system controls the movement of fuel vapor.  It doesn't matter if it does that, or not. This has no impact on how your engine works.  This code is not to be ignored.

The EVAP system does not work all the time.  It uses a  valve to open and close the system to release fuel vapor into the engine to be burned off.

It is the fuel tank pressure sensor that detects excessive pressure.  It measures the air pressure inside the tank and not fuel pressure.  When it does, the P0453 signal is sent.  The fuel tank pressure sensor can be found on top of the fuel tank, fuel pump or fuel level sending device.

The opposite of this code is P0452, which is thrown whenever the system pressure is too low.

P0453 Symptoms:  Chrysler 200

This code is usually not associated with any symptoms.  The check engine light will illuminate (that’s why you’re here).

You may only notice the fuel smell.  You may notice the smell of fuel vapor if the EVAP device isn't working properly.

The causes

These are some of the most common reasons for P0453.

• Charcoal canister Clogged vent valve
• Fuel tank pressure sensor damaged (either the sensor or its wiring)
• Fuel tank damaged
• PCM/ECM (highly unlikely)

Diagnose P0453 with the Chrysler 200

Diagnosing P0453 in your 200 can be challenging if you don’t have a scan tool that is capable of reading the fuel pressure sensor data or capable of commanding the vent valve to open and close.

How to Make Your Home a Better Place

• If you happen to notice the sound of air escaping when you take your 200’s gas cap off, that is a telltale sign that the vent valve is bad, or the charcoal canister is bad(it’s pressure leaving the gas tank).  Once you have driven for some time, turn off the gas cap and go somewhere else.  It’s hard to notice the sound when you’re at a noisy gas station.
• Examine the wiring connecting to the fuel pressure sensor. If it is damaged or frayed, you should inspect it.  If it isn’t then the only way to really diagnose it is with a professional mechanic’s scanner.  It can be difficult to look at the tank without dropping it.

How a mechanic will do it

• To determine if the sensor detects vacuum, a mechanic will take data from the fuel pressure sensor.
• You can also tell the vent valves to open or close.  This can be heard depending on which year and model of the vehicle.

The fuel tank pressure data may be out of specification. A mechanic will check the wiring to the fuel sensor.  The fuel pressure sensor must be replaced if it is not working as expected.

If the vent valve is on, the pressure sensor should be fine. Then the charcoal canister needs to be replaced.  If the vent valve doesn’t come on, it will need replacement in order to clear P0453.

If it looks good, the PCM could have a problem.

Chrysler 200: P0453 Conclusion

That’s pretty much it.  While there are only a couple of common things that’ll cause P0453, there it can be tough to diagnose it without the right equipment.  It’s not going to leave you stranded on the side of the road either.  It's not going to leave you stranded on the side of the road.