Jeep Patriot Patriot P0453: Too high fuel tank pressure sensor/switch

To move fuel vapors from your Jeep Patriot'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 check engine light turns on when a, is thrown.

Your Patriot 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.  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.  It measures the air pressure inside the tank and not 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 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 Patriot

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.

There are many causes

Below are the top causes of P0453.

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

Diagnostics for P0453 on the Jeep Patriot

Diagnosing P0453 in your Patriot 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 Patriot’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.  This is difficult because you may need to remove the tank from your vehicle to be able to examine 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.
• You can also tell the vent valves to open or close.  You can also hear the engine running depending on your vehicle's year.

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.

If the vent valve is on and the pressure sensors are fine, the charcoal canister needs to be replaced.  If the vent valve doesn’t come on, it will need replacement in order to clear P0453.

If all appears to be in order, it could indicate that the PCM may not work properly.

Jeep Patriot

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 Patriot.