Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor

Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor (NAS Vehicles With Vacuum Type Leak Detection System Only)





The fuel tank pressure sensor is located in the top flange of the fuel tank sender / fuel pump module and is a non-serviceable item (i.e. if the sensor becomes defective, the complete fuel tank sender unit must be replaced). The fuel tank pressure sensor connector is accessible through the fuel pump access hatch in the boot area floor of the vehicle.

The pressure sensor is a piezo-resistive sensor element with associated circuitry for signal amplification and temperature compensation. The active surface is exposed to ambient pressure by an opening in the cap and by the reference port. It is protected from humidity by a silicon gel. The tank pressure is fed up to a pressure port at the back side of the diaphragm.

For systems utilising the vacuum method for determining evaporation leaks, the sensor is used to monitor for a drop in vacuum pressure. The evaporation system is sealed by the CVS valve and purge valve after a vacuum has been previously set up from the intake manifold while the purge valve is open and the CVS valve is closed. If any holes or leaks are present at the evaporation system joints, the vacuum pressure will gradually drop and this change in pressure will be detected by the fuel tank pressure sensor. This system is capable of determining leaks down to 1 mm (0.04 in.) in diameter.

The fuel tank pressure sensor is part of the NAS OBD system, a component failure will not be noticed by the driver, but if the ECM detects a fault, it will be stored in the diagnostic memory and the MIL light will be illuminated on the instrument pack. Possible failures are listed below:
^ Damaged or blocked sensor
^ Harness / connector faulty
^ Sensor earthing problem
^ Open circuit
^ Short circuit to battery voltage
^ Short circuit to ground
^ ECM fault

Possible failure symptoms of the fuel tank pressure sensor are listed below:
^ Fuel tank pressure sensor poor performance
^ Fuel tank pressure sensor low range fault
^ Fuel tank pressure sensor high range fault

If the fuel tank pressure sensor should malfunction, the following fault codes may be stored in the ECM diagnostic memory, which can be retrieved using 'Testbook':

P-code Description
P0451 Fuel tank pressure signal stuck high within range
P0452 Fuel tank pressure signal short circuit to battery voltage (out of range - High)
P0453 Fuel tank pressure signal short circuit to ground or open circuit (out of range - Low)