Nissan Versa - FUEL tank pressure low diagnosis

A generic OBD II Code, P0452 may be seen in Nissan Versa.  It means that your Versa’s EVAP system has detected low fuel tank pressure.

The fuel vapors are sent from the tank to the intake to be burned.  The system generates P0452 if the pressure gets too low.

When P0452 is not the sole code you experience, don't consider it a breakdown danger. A new fuel cap will most likely fix this problem.

Bad gas caps are more frequently responsible for P0452

Signs

Most often, the symptoms of P0452 are not noticeable. Your Versa will run normally.

Below are some common symptoms of this code.

• Check engine light (obviously)
• A smell of fuel indicates that there is a leak in the fuel tank or loose fuel cap.
• Hessing sounds (signals a vacuum leak)

Nissan Versa: P0452

These are the most common reasons for P0452 in Nissan Versa.

• Gas cap loose
• Low fuel tank pressure sensor, or wiring
• Charcoal canisters that are clogged
• Vacuum leak
• Failure of the EVAP purge solenoid

Nissan Versa P0452 Diagnostic Procedure

Here’s a solid order of diagnosis when dealing with P0452 in your Versa:

1. You can also check for additional codes

You can skip to the next section if you only get P0452.  If it is not, cross referencing the other code’s causes with the common causes of P0452 can really help you eliminate some possibilities.

2. The Gas Cap

P0452 indicates that your Versa’s fuel tank pressure sensor has detected that the pressure in the fuel tank is too low.  This code is caused by a gas cap that isn't tight or not sealing well.

Take off the fuel cap.  You should pay attention to how the rubber ring fits into the fuel inlet.  A replacement will likely be required if the rubber ring is worn or dry-rotted.

OBDII code codes remain in the system until the issue is resolved.  If you believe that the fuel cap was loose, or you changed it, you’ll need to clear the code with a code scanner and see if it comes back or not.

Make sure there is nothing blocking the fuel inlet.  If it has gunk built up or mud on it, you’ll need to use a wet rag or some WD-40 to clean it off.

If it does come back, we’ll need to move on to the next step.

3. Take fuel pressure measurements

It is difficult to diagnose P0452 outside of the obvious: check the gas cap.

A mechanic would use a professional OBDII scanner to check the fuel tank pressure readings from your Versa’s fuel tank to see if there is vacuum in the tank.

If it doesn’t look right, the wiring to the fuel pressure sensor would need to be inspected.  

If that doesn’t help anything, the tank pressure sensor itself would need to be replaced.

If everything looks fine, they’d move on to checking the EVAP system.

4. EVAP system issues

An EVAP failure can lead to P0452.  Here’s how a good mechanic would go about diagnosing it.  If you're going to attempt this task yourself, it is well worth the effort.

An Often Misdiagnosed Problem with P0452

People make the common error of diagnosing P0452 by doing anything without checking the gas cap.  

Or, they’ll keep going on with the diagnostic process after addressing the fuel cap because they did not clear their trouble codes.

After you have tightened the gas cap, start driving your Versa to check if it clears.

Nissan Versa P0452 Conclusion

A bad gas cap is the most common reason for P0452.  It is possible to diagnose P0452 if the gas cap is in good condition.