Ford Ecosport: P0453 Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor/Switch To High

Ford Ecosport uses an electronic vaporation control system (EVAP), to move fuel vapors out of the fuel tank and filler neck and then sends them to engine for combustion.  If the pressure in the fuel tank becomes too high, P0453The check engine light turns on when a. is thrown.

The Ecosport won't fail to work if P0453 is the only code of concern.  The EVAP system controls the movement of fuel vapor.  The EVAP system's ability to move fuel vapor has no bearing on your engine's performance.  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.  This sensor measures air pressure within the tank. It does not measure fuel pressure.  If it does so, then P0453 will be thrown.  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:  Ford Ecosport

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

One thing you might notice is the smell.  If your EVAP system doesn't properly remove fuel vapor it will seek other escape routes.

There are many causes

These are some of the most common reasons for P0453.

• Charcoal canister Vent valve, clogged
• Fuel tank pressure sensor damaged (sensor, or the wiring).
• Tank with contaminated fuel
• PCM/ECM (highly unlikely)

Diagnostics for P0453 on the Ford Ecosport

Diagnosing P0453 in your Ecosport 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 Ecosport’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).  You can open the cap again after driving for awhile.  It’s hard to notice the sound when you’re at a noisy gas station.
• You should check the wiring for the fuel tank pressure sensor to see if there are any frayed wires.  If it isn’t then the only way to really diagnose it is with a professional mechanic’s scanner.  This is difficult because you may need to remove the tank from your vehicle to be able to examine 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.
• The vent valve will be opened and closed by them.  You can also hear the engine running depending on your vehicle's year.

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 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 it looks good, the PCM could have a problem.

Ford Ecosport: 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.  Have fun fixing up your Ecosport.