Jeep Grand Cherokee P0453: High Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor/Switch

To move fuel vapors from your Jeep Grand Cherokee's gas tank, fuel filler neck, and to send them to the engine to burn off, an evaporative emissions controller (EVAP system) is used.  The fuel tank's pressure can rise to dangerous levels. P0453The engine light will turn on after the key is thrown.

The Grand Cherokee won't fail to function 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.

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.  If it does so, then 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:  Jeep Grand Cherokee

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 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
• Fuel tank pressure sensor damaged (the sensor or the wiring)
• Fuel tank damaged
• PCM/ECM (highly unlikely)

Diagnostics for P0453 on the Jeep Grand Cherokee

Diagnosing P0453 in your Grand Cherokee 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 Grand Cherokee’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 fuel tank pressure sensor wiring and determine if any damage or fraying is evident.  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.
• 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.  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.

Even if everything appears to be in order, it could indicate that the PCM may not work properly.

Jeep Grand Cherokee: 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 Grand Cherokee.