Toyota Rav4 P0453: High Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor/Switch

Toyota Rav4 employs an evaporative exhaust control (EVAP), which moves fuel vapors from its fuel tank and fuel filler neck to fuel the engine.  The fuel tank's pressure can rise to dangerous levels. P0453The check engine light turns on when a, is thrown.

Your Rav4 will not fail if the trouble code is only P0453.  Fuel vapor can be moved by the EVAP.  How your engine performs depends on whether it's doing this.  We don't endorse ignoring this code.

The EVAP system does not work all the time.  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.  When it does, the P0453 signal is sent.  You will find the fuel tank pressure sensor 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:  Toyota Rav4

There are usually no symptoms that can be associated with the code.  The check engine light will illuminate (that’s why you’re here).

One thing you might notice is the fuel smell.  If the EVAP isn't working properly to remove the fuel vapor from the air, the system will look for other routes.

There are many causes

These are some of the most common reasons for P0453.

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

Diagnostics for P0453 with the Toyota Rav4

Diagnosing P0453 in your Rav4 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 Rav4’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.
• The vent valve will be opened and closed by them.  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.  The fuel pressure sensor must be replaced if it is not working as expected.

The pressure sensor should be fine if the vent valve is on. If it does not, the charcoal container will have to be replaced.  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.

Toyota Rav4: 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.  Have fun fixing up your Rav4