Toyota Tundra P0453: Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor/Switch Too High

Toyota Tundra uses an evaporative emission control (EVAP), system that moves fuel vapors between the fuel tank and filler neck and then sends them to engine for combustion.  The fuel tank pressure is too high. P0453The engine light will turn on after the key is thrown.

Your Tundra will not be in danger if the sole trouble code you have is P0453.  The EVAP is responsible for transferring fuel vapor.  The EVAP system's ability to move fuel vapor has no bearing on your engine's performance.  We don't endorse ignoring this code.

Sometimes the EVAP system does not work.  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.  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:  Toyota Tundra

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 the EVAP isn't working properly to remove the fuel vapor from the air, the system will look for other routes.

The causes

These are some of the most common reasons for P0453.

• Charcoal canister Clogged vent valve
• Fuel tank pressure sensor damaged (the sensor or the wiring).
• Tank with contaminated fuel
• PCM/ECM (highly unlikely)

Diagnose P0453 with the Toyota Tundra

Diagnosing P0453 in your Tundra 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 Tundra’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 around 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.  It can be difficult to look at the tank without dropping 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.
• The vent valve will be opened and closed by them.  This can be heard depending on which year and model of the vehicle.

The fuel tank pressure data may be out of specification. A mechanic will check the wiring to the fuel sensor.  The fuel pressure sensor must be replaced if it is not working as expected.

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.

Toyota Tundra: 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.  Good luck fixing your Tundra!