Honda Accord: P0453 Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor/Switch To High

Honda's Accord employs an evaporative emission control (EVAP system) to transfer fuel vapors to and from the fuel filler neck and gas tank. They then go to the engine for combustion.  The fuel tank's pressure can rise to dangerous levels. P0453The check engine light turns on when a, is thrown.

The only problem code your Accord has is P0453. Your car is not at risk.  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.  We don't endorse ignoring this code.

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.  When it happens, 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:  Honda Accord

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.  The EVAP system will not purge the fuel vapor properly and it will seek other escape routes.

There are many causes

Below are the top causes of P0453.

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

Diagnostics for P0453 on the Honda Accord

Diagnosing P0453 in your Accord 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 Accord’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.
• The vent valve will be opened and closed by them.  This can be heard depending on which year and model of the vehicle.

The fuel pressure data may be out of specification. A mechanic can check the wiring to the fuel sensor.  A mechanic will inspect the wiring leading to the fuel pressure sensor and replace it if that is found.

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 it looks good, the PCM could have a problem.

Honda Accord: 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 Accord.