Honda CRV P0453 - Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor/Switch To High

Honda CR-V employs an evaporative exhaust control system (EVAP) to move fuel vapors from its fuel tank.  The fuel tank's pressure can rise to dangerous levels. P0453The check engine light turns on when a, is thrown.

Your CR-V will not fail if the sole trouble code you have is P0453.  The EVAP system controls the movement of fuel vapor.  It does not matter whether it's doing this or not. The engine will still run as normal.  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.

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.  When it does, the P0453 signal is sent.  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 CR-V

There are usually no symptoms that can be associated with the code.  The check engine light will illuminate (that’s why you’re here).

You may only notice the fuel smell.  If the EVAP isn't working properly to remove the fuel vapor from the air, the system will look for other routes.

There are many 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)

Diagnostics for P0453 on the Honda CR-V

Diagnosing P0453 in your CR-V 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 CR-V’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.
• You should check the wiring for the fuel tank pressure sensor to see if there are any fraying or damage.  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

• 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.

A mechanic can inspect the wiring leading to the fuel pressure sensor if the fuel tank pressure is not within the specifications.  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 it looks good, the PCM could have a problem.

Honda CR-V: 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 able to fix your CRV.