Hyundai Santa Fe: P0453 Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor/Switch To High

Hyundai Santa Fe uses an electronic vaporative emission control system (EVAP), to move fuel vapors out of the fuel tank and filler neck and then sends them to engine for burning.  If the fuel tank pressure is too high P0453The engine light will turn on after the key is thrown.

The Santa Fe should not fail if P0453 is the only code of concern.  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 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.  It measures the air pressure inside the tank and not fuel pressure.  When it does, the P0453 signal is sent.  The fuel tank pressure sensor can be found on top of your 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:  Hyundai Santa Fe

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 your EVAP system doesn't properly remove fuel vapor it will seek other escape routes.

The causes

These are some of the most common reasons for P0453.

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

Diagnostics for P0453 on the Hyundai Santa Fe

Diagnosing P0453 in your Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe’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 by 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.  It can be difficult to look at the tank without dropping it.

How a mechanic will do it

• To determine if the sensor detects vacuum, a mechanic will take data from the fuel pressure sensor.
• You can also tell the vent valves to open or close.  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.  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.

Hyundai Santa Fe: P0453

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 Santa Fe.