Chrysler 300 P0453 - Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor/Switch To High

The Chrysler 300 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.  The fuel tank pressure is too high. P0453The check engine light turns on when a, is thrown.

Your 300 will not fail if the sole trouble code you have is P0453.  The EVAP is responsible for transferring 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.  If it does so, then P0453 will be thrown.  The fuel tank pressure sensor, also known as the fuel pump pressure sensor, is usually located on the top of your gas tank or fuel pump.

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

P0453 Symptoms:  Chrysler 300

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.  If your EVAP system doesn't properly remove fuel vapor it will look for other routes.

There are many causes

Below are some more frequent causes of P0453.

• Charcoal canister Vent valve, clogged
• Pressure sensor in fuel tank damaged (sensor or wiring).
• Fuel tank damage
• PCM/ECM (highly unlikely)

Diagnose P0453 with the Chrysler 300

Diagnosing P0453 in your 300 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.

Here are some things you can do at home

• If you happen to notice the sound of air escaping when you take your 300’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.

What a Mechanical Engineer Will Do

• The data of the fuel pressure sensor will be captured by a mechanic to determine whether it detects any vacuum.
• You can also tell the vent valves to open or close.  You can also hear the engine running depending on your vehicle's year.

A mechanic can inspect the wiring leading to the fuel pressure sensor if the fuel tank pressure is not within the specifications.  A mechanic will inspect the wiring leading to the fuel pressure sensor and replace it if that is found.

If the vent valve is on and the pressure sensors are fine, 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 all appears to be in order, it could indicate that the PCM may not work properly.

Chrysler 300: 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 possible to repair your 300.