Technical Description of OBD-II Trouble Code
Generic: Low Pressure Sensor/Switch in the Evaporative Emission System
Ford: Low Circuit Conditions in the FTP Sensor
GM: Low Input Conditions in the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Circuit
Nissan: Malfunction in the Pressure Sensor of the Evaporative Emission (EVAP) Canister Purge System
What does that mean?
This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code. It is considered generic because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles (1996-newer), although specific repair steps may be slightly different depending on the model.
The DTC P0452 is related to a malfunction in the emission system. Your PCM or powertrain management computer relies on a fuel tank pressure sensor to detect fluctuations in the internal pressure of the tank.
Depending on the make of your car, the sensor could be located in the fuel purge line coming off the fuel module on the top of the fuel tank or in the top of the tank itself.
The PCM has determined that the system pressure is unusually low, indicating a problem in the system, not necessarily just at the sensor. This sensor is primarily used for emission control strategy. Your fuel tank will tend to build fuel vapor pressure when the temperatures are high and a vacuum when under a load.
The sensor sends a voltage to the computer for analysis, and the value of the current is dependent on the pressure or vacuum. The code applies to all vehicles, but they differ in the sensor output. For instance, Buick’s sensor produces about 0.1 volt with positive pressure in the tank and up to 5 volts with negative pressure, as in a vacuum.
A Honda’s sensor increases the voltage signal as positive pressure builds in the tank. Either way, the sensors serve the same purpose. They all convert pressure to a voltage that increases or decreases with pressure or vacuum decay.
Related evaporative emission trouble codes include P0450, P0451, P0453, P0454, P0455, P0456, P0457, P0458, and P0459.
Symptoms
The only symptom you will notice with a P0452 code is the illumination of the service engine soon or check engine light. In rare cases, you may smell a noticeable fuel vapor.
Causes
Potential causes for this DTC include:
Diagnostic Steps & Possible Solutions
This problem leaves little room for service due to the location of the sensor and the tools necessary to diagnose the problem. The sensor is located on the top of the gas tank in or near the electric fuel pump module.
The first course of action is to check all the technical service bulletins for your car. This is always good practice since they may have recalls. Secondly, you can see the type of problems customers are experiencing with this model and the recommended corrective action.
Lastly, most vehicles have a very long warranty on emission control devices, such as 100,000 miles, so it would be wise to check your warranty and take advantage of it if available.
In order to access the sensor, the fuel tank needs to be removed. This is a difficult and somewhat hazardous job better left to a technician with a lift.
Over 75 percent of the time, someone didn’t take the time to “click” the fuel cap closed. When the fuel cap is loose, the tank can’t create a vacuum for purging and vapor pressure will not build, thus resulting in low input voltage and the setting of code P0452. Some vehicles are now equipped with a “check fuel cap” light on the dash, which informs you to re-tighten your cap.
It is possible to check the vapor hoses coming off the top of the fuel tank from under the vehicle in an effort to find a broken or crimped line. There are three to four lines coming off the top of the tank leading to the driver’s side framerail that can be checked. But if they need replacement, the tank must be lowered.
The technician uses a special diagnostic tool that will test the sensor in the car and all the line and tank pressures, corrected for temperature, humidity, and altitude. It will also tell the technician if a vapor line is faulty in any way and if the electrical connections are satisfactory.
Other EVAP DTCs: P0440 – P0441 – P0442 – P0443 – P0444 – P0445 – P0446 – P0447 – P0448 – P0449 – P0453 – P0455 – P0456
P0452 DTC Video
Here is a video produced by ScannerDanner on YouTube that pertains to a P0452 code on GM vehicles. We are not affiliated with him, but he sure knows his stuff and does a great job of explaining things. This is a bit more technical of a video and it’s lengthy at 25 minutes, but it may be of assistance to our visitors who have access to an advanced scan tool:
