Ford Expedition P0453 - Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor/Switch To High

Ford Expedition uses an evaporative emission control (EVAP), system that moves fuel vapors between the fuel tank and filler neck. They then send them to the engine for burning.  If the fuel tank pressure is too high P0453The engine light will turn on after the key is thrown.

The Expedition won't fail to function if P0453 is the only code of concern.  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 isn't always functioning.  It uses a  valve to open and close the system to release fuel vapor into the engine to be burned off.

This sensor detects if the fuel tank pressure is too high.  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 Expedition

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 the EVAP isn't working properly to remove the fuel vapor from the air, the system will look for other routes.

The causes

These are some of the most common reasons for P0453.

• Charcoal canister Clogged vent valve
• Pressure sensor in fuel tank damaged (sensor, or the wiring)
• Fuel tank damaged
• PCM/ECM (highly unlikely)

P0453 diagnosis in Ford Expedition

Diagnosing P0453 in your Expedition 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 Expedition ‘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.  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.
• You can also tell the vent valves to open or close.  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.

The charcoal canister must be replaced if the vent valve turns on and the pressure sensor works fine.  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.

Ford Expedition 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.  You're going to be fine!