Help with dailly driver code P0450

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Sep 26, 2011 | 03:22 PM
  #1  
Charlie Hustle's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
20 Year Member
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 627
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Tx
Default Help with dailly driver code P0450

I need to get the SES light off so I can pass inspection. Took the car to Vato Zone today and it threw 1 code, P0450. Description:

EVAP system pressure sensor malfunction
Probable cause

1. Open or short circuit condition
2. Poor electrical connection
3. Blocked canister or failed vent solenoid
4. Faulty EVAP pressure sensor


Anyone ever experiecne this code, or have any idea whats throwing it? Im hoping is just a cheap easy fix like a sensor somehwere. Thanks in advnace

Charlie
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2011 | 11:20 AM
  #2  
Charlie Hustle's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
20 Year Member
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 627
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Tx
Default

TTT Anyone know of a cheap shop on the south side to diagnose this?
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2011 | 11:27 AM
  #3  
TINKRD's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (27)
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,597
Likes: 0
From: DFW
Default

i "think" that's for a bad gas cap...

could be wrong. call a dealership to confirm
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2011 | 11:56 AM
  #4  
rabiddog's Avatar
On The Tree
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: Midland TX
Default

^^^^ Gas cap is the place to start. If that doesn't work there are a few other options.
Reply
Old Sep 28, 2011 | 12:08 PM
  #5  
rabiddog's Avatar
On The Tree
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: Midland TX
Default

Found some info for ya


Symptoms

Check Engine Light will illuminate

In most cases, there are no adverse conditions noticed by the driver

In some cases, there may be a noticeable fuel odor caused by the release of fuel vapors
Common Problems That Trigger the P0450 Code

Defective Fuel Tank Sending Unit
Defective or damaged Fuel Tank
Defective Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor, wiring, or computer

Common Misdiagnoses

Fuel Cap
Evaporative Purge Valve
Evaporative Vent Valve
Polluting Gases Expelled

HCs (Hydrocarbons): Unburned droplets of raw fuel that smell, affect breathing, and contribute to smog
The Basics
The Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor is a device that tracks any positive or negative pressure changes in the Fuel Storage or Evaporative Control (EVAP) system. It constantly relays this pressure information to the Power Train Control Module (PCM). The Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor is located on top of the Fuel Tank, or on or near the Fuel Pump and Fuel Gauge Module.

Want to Learn More?
The Evaporative Control system Pressure Sensor code sets when the readings of the Pressure Sensor remain at a fixed value and do not change for ten seconds of vehicle operation after a cold start.

P0450 Diagnostic Theory for Shops and Technicians
The Code P0450 indicates that the Evaporative Pressure Sensor output value is not changing during the EVAP Monitor test and/or the operation of the vehicle. This code uses "two trip" logic, which means that the fault condition must be present during two successive cold starts and vehicle operation.

Common Tests for the Evaluating the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor

Retrieve the code and write down the freeze frame information to be used as a baseline to test and verify any repair.
Pay very close attention to the Fuel Tank Pressure readings by observing its data stream on a scan tool. Does the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor work properly? If it doesn't, the system will think that no vacuum is being created when, in fact, there is a vacuum being created that the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor is unable to read. The Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor is the primary feedback sensor that the Power Train Computer relies on for the leak test data.
Inspect and test the Fuel Pressure Sensor wiring. Verify that there is a 5-volt reference signal from the PCM, a good ground, as well as a good signal return circuit to the PCM.
While observing the data stream change (or lack there of) on a scan tool, test the Pressure Sensor with a Vacuum Gauge while it is connected to the wiring harness.
If all of the above test results are within spec, then the problem may reside in the PCM itself.
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2011 | 03:20 PM
  #6  
Charlie Hustle's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
20 Year Member
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 627
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Tx
Default

Its been on for some time now, so Im pretty sure its not the gas cap issue. I make sure to hear it click 3-4 times every time I fill up...I found this on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SMP-S...item27bd99dd76


Is this the sensor that the code is describing?
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2011 | 08:13 PM
  #7  
RA032926's Avatar
Banned
iTrader: (26)
 
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 488
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by Charlie Hustle
Its been on for some time now, so Im pretty sure its not the gas cap issue. I make sure to hear it click 3-4 times every time I fill up...I found this on ebay

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/SMP-S...item27bd99dd76


Is this the sensor that the code is describing?
just because it clicks doesn't mean it's good... there is a rubber seal around the base of the cap that deteriorates after time and causes a small evap leak which can cause the mil to come on... have you tried clearing the codes and see if it comes back on??
Reply
Old Sep 29, 2011 | 08:39 PM
  #8  
5w20's Avatar
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (21)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,419
Likes: 0
From: Houston , Tx
Default

clear the code and get inspected. you can have 1 or 2 not ready, depends on year model.

It is best to check ECRAP codes with a smoke machine.
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

 Brett Foote
story-1

Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-2

Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-6

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-8

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-9

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Sep 30, 2011 | 02:20 PM
  #9  
Charlie Hustle's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
20 Year Member
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 627
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Tx
Default

Originally Posted by neutron82
just because it clicks doesn't mean it's good... there is a rubber seal around the base of the cap that deteriorates after time and causes a small evap leak which can cause the mil to come on... have you tried clearing the codes and see if it comes back on??
Thanks for the info about the seal, I didnt know about that. And yes, I have cleared the code out and it comes back on.
Reply
Old Oct 1, 2011 | 05:29 PM
  #10  
5w20's Avatar
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (21)
 
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 3,419
Likes: 0
From: Houston , Tx
Default

Originally Posted by Charlie Hustle
Thanks for the info about the seal, I didnt know about that. And yes, I have cleared the code out and it comes back on.
You aren't understanding what I'm saying. Do you want to pass inspection or fix it?
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2011 | 08:52 PM
  #11  
Charlie Hustle's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
20 Year Member
iTrader: (8)
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 627
Likes: 0
From: Houston, Tx
Default

Originally Posted by 5w20
You aren't understanding what I'm saying. Do you want to pass inspection or fix it?
I want to do both. Esp, if its a simple cheap fix. And BTW, I was being totally honest about not knowing about the seal in the cap. I wasnt trying to be a smart ***. I found a replacement for like 15 bucks on ebay.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:25 AM.

story-0
6 Gifts Neither Your Dad Nor Grad Will Shove Into the 'Trinket Drawer'

Don't get dad new socks or a grill brush this year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-04 18:13:20


VIEW MORE
story-1
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-2
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-3
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-4
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-5
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-6
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-9
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE