The Evaporative emission control [EVAP] system seals the fuel tank and the entire fuel system from emitting fuel vapor into thin air. This is essential because fuel vapor contains hydrocarbons. When hydrocarbons react with the sun and air, they form smog.
The evaporative pressure switch monitors and regulates the vacuum or air pressure in the evaporative emission [EVAP] system. The sensor is mounted inside or on top of the gas tank.
The onboard computer system registers the P0451 error code when the FTP sensor signal does not match the specified range for an extended period.
Not to confuse with P0451 trouble code, (hyperlink here the URL of the article P0451 after publishing) this article will explain the meaning of the P0451 error code and outline the causes and symptoms to watch out for. It’ll also detail the diagnostics and repair procedures needed to fix this error code.
Code P0451 Definition
P0451 stands for Evaporative emission control system pressure switch range/performance. This error code is set when the PCM detects improper, erratic, or otherwise incorrect signal voltage from the EVAP sensor.
What Does P0451 Mean?
Fuel is an evaporative fluid. As gasoline sits in a car’s gas tank, some amount of it will evaporate over time. As gasoline is escaping as vapor, the evaporative emission control pressure switch will capture it and send it back to the engine’s combustion chamber for a re-burn.
When the onboard computer registers fault code P0451, it shows the powertrain control module has detected fuel pressure that is outside the manufacturer’s specifications.
What Are the Symptoms of Code P0451?
Most often, there are no adverse or noticeable symptoms of a P0451. The only sign to pop up is the illumination of the engine warning light. In some other cases, you may notice fuel odor emitting from the engine bay.
The fuel odor is because a defective evaporative emission control pressure switch cannot prevent gasoline vapor from escaping into the atmosphere. In Ford vehicles, for instance, P0451 Ford Explorer and P0451 code F150 will appear along with other related EVAP diagnostics trouble codes.
What Are The Causes of Code P0451?
Kia P0451 and other vehicle models are straightforward fixes because they have related and easy-to-diagnose causes. The probable causes include:
- Loose or faulty gas cap
- Issues within the fuel sending units
- A shorted or open gas tank pressure sensor circuit
- A lousy gas tank pressure switch.
Grimes and dirt on the gas cap and fuel tank pressure switch can cause the onboard computer to register error code P0451. That said, do not forget to check if there’s dirt on them.
How Serious Is Code P0451?
Like other EVAP system-related diagnostics trouble codes, the P0451 on Mercedes and other vehicles is a moderate case. However, the presence of this code shows there is an imminent problem in your car.
The underlying problem requires an easy repair not to leave it for long.
Code P0451 Common Diagnosis Mistakes
The most common diagnostics mistake, amongst technicians and DIYers when troubleshooting faults, is not starting with the simplest components. Regardless of the system, you’re diagnosing, always start with the most common parts before heading to the significant ones.
In the same manner, when troubleshooting P0451 Nissan, Cadillac P0451 [or any vehicle you have], start with the wiring connectors and gas cap before replacing any EVAP system components. So you understand it more clearly, a loose gas cap could be the cause of vacuum leaks, not a faulty vacuum hose.
Tools Needed to Diagnose Code P0451
Diagnosing and fixing error code P0451 requires common hand tools. Here are a few tools you need to diagnose and fix it;
- OBD-II scan tool
- Flathead screwdriver.
How to Diagnose Code P0451
As I always recommend, plug in your OBD-II scan into the vehicle onboard diagnostic socket and plug out the logged fault codes. The car will probably store other codes along with P0451.
Resolve the main trouble code that brought you here first. If the vehicle stores EVAP system-related fault codes, a single fix approach may repair and wipe all the code from the car computer system.
After pulling out the fault codes, start the troubleshooting by checking the gas cap, corroded wires, connectors, and circuits. After inspecting the above parts, fix any underlying issues and wipe the error codes.
Re-scan the vehicle and see if the fault codes will reappear. If the diagnostic trouble code returns examine all evaporative emission control pressure system components. These parts include purge valves, charcoal canisters, vapor, and vacuum hoses. One or more of these components is the culprit. Repair or replace it.
How Do You Fix P0451?
Repairing P0451 is pretty straightforward. Very often, replacing or cleaning the fuel cap is all you need to fix the problem. If merely doing that is not working, do the following to resolve the issue.
- Cleaning, repairing or replacing fuel tanks.
- Replacing or repairing defective fuel tank pressure switch
- Replacing the charcoal canister
- Cleaning or replacing the purge vent valves
- Repairing or replacing faulty wiring connectivity on the fuel tank pressure switch
There’s a possibility that a faulty or malfunctioning powertrain control module [PCM] is the culprit. Though the possibility is rare, if other components are working in good order, then you have to look into the possibility.
Same Problems with Different Error Code
A vehicle computer with a malfunctioning EVAP system can register a host of other trouble codes that mean the same or related problems with P0451. Here are trouble codes with the same or similar issues with P0451;
- P0450
- P0452
- P0453
- P0454
- P0455
- P0456
- P0457
- P0458
- P0459.
Final words
Do not overlook the P0451 error code because it has no noticeable and adverse symptoms. Whenever your car computer system logs this code, fix it when you see it. Do not wait until it’s time for a smog inspection. In any case, this problem can cause bad gas mileage and can lead to other issues as well.
Lastly, if the repair requires an extensive fix, it’s better to repair it sooner than later, especially if it’s closer to your emission inspection date.
Hole in gas tank. No emissions test on a 2006 Subaru Legacy Outback 2.5 L Yay!