Jeep Compass P0453 Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor/Switch too High

To move fuel vapors from your Jeep Compass's fuel tank, fuel filler neck, and to send them to the engine for burning off, an electronic emissions control (EVAP system) is used.  If the fuel tank pressure is too high P0453The check engine light turns on when a, is thrown.

Your Compass will not fail if the sole trouble code you have is P0453.  It is responsible for transferring fuel vapor.  What it's doing, and whether or not it's doing so has no bearing on your engine's performance.  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.  When it does, the P0453 signal is sent.  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:  Jeep Compass

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

The causes

Below are the top causes of P0453.

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

P0453 is diagnosed in the Jeep Compass

Diagnosing P0453 in your Compass 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 Compass’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 gas valve by driving for awhile.  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

• 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.  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.  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.

Jeep Compass: 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 your Compass.