Checking The Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor In Your Honda

The fuel tank pressure sensor is an important component of your car's evaporative emissions (EVAP) system, which is designed to keep all gasoline vapours within your car's fuel system. It does this by monitoring the pressure, both positive and negative, inside your fuel tank. If the sensor is faulty, the check engine light will come on, fuel consumption may increase, and you may experience a loss of power and acceleration. To fix a faulty fuel tank pressure sensor, you must replace it. Due to the risk of fire and the potential difficulty of diagnosis, it is recommended that EVAP system issues be handled by a professional technician.

Check for a faulty fuel tank pressure sensor

A faulty fuel tank pressure sensor (FTP) can cause the check engine light to illuminate on your Honda. The FTP sensor will generally require replacement to repair this issue. The average cost for a Honda CR-V Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Replacement is between $213 and $227, but prices can vary depending on the model.

There are a few ways to diagnose a faulty fuel tank pressure sensor. Firstly, if your fuel system has a pressure problem, you may experience the following issues:

• Your check engine warning light comes on.
• Your fuel consumption increases noticeably.
• A loss of power and acceleration.
• Black smoke coming out of the tailpipe.
• Gasoline dripping from the tailpipe.
• Your engine runs rough.

To test the fuel tank pressure sensor, you can use a digital volt ohmmeter while the engine is running. The meter should have a reading of 5 volts. If there is a 5-volt reading, then check the ground wire for low resistance. If there is low resistance, then check the fuel pressure sensor and see if there is any resistance. If there is no resistance or the resistance is very high, the fuel pressure sensor is not working.

Due to the risk of fire and the potential difficulty of diagnosis, it is recommended that EVAP system issues, including fuel tank pressure sensor problems, be handled by a professional technician.

Test the fuel rail pressure sensor

To test the fuel rail pressure sensor, you will need a digital volt ohmmeter. With the engine running, use the ohmmeter to check for a 5-volt reading. If there is no 5-volt reading, the sensor is not working, and you should seek out a professional mechanic.

If there is a 5-volt reading, the next step is to check the ground wire for a low resistance. If there is a low resistance, you can then check the fuel pressure sensor for resistance. If there is no resistance or the resistance is very high, the fuel pressure sensor is faulty and will need to be replaced.

The fuel tank pressure sensor is an integral part of your car's evaporative emissions (EVAP) system, which is designed to keep all gasoline vapours within your car's fuel system. The sensor constantly reads the pressure in the fuel tank, alerting the car's computer if there is a drop in pressure. This will then trigger the check engine light to come on.

While a faulty sensor is not dangerous, it is important to get it checked out as there may be other, more serious issues causing the warning light to come on.

Check the ground wire for low resistance

To check the fuel tank pressure sensor on a Honda, you can use a digital volt ohmmeter to test the fuel rail pressure sensor while the engine is running. If you get a 5-volt reading, the next step is to check the ground wire for low resistance.

• Set the multimeter to the Ohm setting.
• Touch one lead of the multimeter to the metal chassis of the car.
• Touch the other lead of the multimeter to the end of the ground wire that is not attached to anything.
• If the multimeter reads zero ohms, the ground wire is functioning properly.
• If the multimeter reads anything other than zero ohms, the ground wire has resistance and needs to be replaced.

A faulty ground wire can cause various electrical issues in your Honda, so it is important to inspect it regularly. If you are unsure about how to check the ground wire or are uncomfortable performing this task, it is best to consult a qualified mechanic.

Additionally, when working with fuel and electrical systems, always disconnect the battery and take proper precautions to prevent fire hazards.

Check for a defective gas cap

A faulty gas cap is one of the most common reasons for EVAP system failures. The gas cap is an essential component of the EVAP system, which controls fuel vapour emissions by alerting the car's computer of any drop in pressure. A defective gas cap can cause the Check Engine Light to illuminate due to a binding fuel filler cap or a faulty fuel tank pressure sensor.

To check for a defective gas cap, start by opening the fuel door and inspecting the fuel cap and the rubber gasket for any damage, such as cracks or tears. Ensure that the fuel cap is tight by trying to wiggle it. If the fuel cap is damaged or loose, try tightening it or replacing it with a new one. A replacement gas cap typically costs between $10 and $15, and you can install it yourself.

If the issue persists after replacing the gas cap, there may be another problem with the EVAP system. In this case, it is recommended to take your vehicle to a professional technician for further diagnosis and repair.

Consult a professional mechanic

If you suspect that your Honda's fuel tank pressure sensor is faulty, it is best to consult a professional mechanic. While you can perform some basic checks yourself, such as tightening the gas cap or checking for any visible leaks, diagnosing and repairing a fuel tank pressure sensor issue can be complex and risky.

A professional mechanic will have the necessary tools, knowledge, and experience to accurately diagnose the problem. They will perform a comprehensive inspection of your Honda's fuel system, including the fuel tank pressure sensor, fuel lines, and related components. They may use specialised equipment, such as a digital volt ohmmeter, to test the sensor and identify any faults.

In the case of a faulty fuel tank pressure sensor, the mechanic will advise you on the necessary repairs or replacement. They will also be able to address any other issues that may be causing the problem, such as a defective gas cap or leaks in the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.

It is important to note that working with automotive electronics and fuel systems can be dangerous, especially if you are not experienced or properly equipped. A professional mechanic will have the training and expertise to handle these risks effectively, ensuring the safety of your vehicle and protecting you from potential hazards.

By consulting a professional mechanic, you can benefit from their expertise and avoid the potential pitfalls of attempting repairs yourself. They will provide an accurate diagnosis, recommend the best course of action, and perform any necessary repairs or replacements to get your Honda back on the road safely and efficiently.

Frequently asked questions