Ford Edge Fuel Tank Pressure: Maintaining Optimal Performance

The fuel tank pressure sensor in a Ford Edge is responsible for measuring and diagnosing the pressure in the fuel tank and railing. This information is then sent to the vehicle's internal computer to adjust the engine timing for efficiency. A faulty fuel pressure sensor can cause problems such as hard start-up and reduced fuel economy, and it can also be damaging to the engine. The fuel tank pressure sensor is typically located on the top of the gas tank, fuel pump, or fuel level sending unit. In some cases, it may be necessary to remove the fuel tank to access the sensor.

Fuel tank pressure sensor/switch too high

If you see the "check engine" light come on in your Ford Edge, it could be a sign that the fuel tank pressure sensor is faulty. This 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 after fuelling up. The EVAP system also migrates fuel vapours from the gas tank and fuel filler neck and sends them to the engine to be burned off.

If the pressure inside the fuel tank is too high, the error code P0453 will be thrown, and the check engine light will come on. However, this does not mean that your Ford Edge is at risk of breaking down. The EVAP system is not always working and only opens and closes the system to release fuel vapour when necessary.

If you see the check engine light, you should get it checked out as there could be many other serious issues that trigger this light. If the fuel system does have a pressure problem, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Increased fuel consumption
• Loss of power and acceleration
• Black smoke coming out of the tailpipe
• Gasoline dripping from the tailpipe
• Rough engine

If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your mechanic immediately.

Diagnosing the Issue

You can try diagnosing the issue at home by checking the wiring to the fuel tank pressure sensor to see if it looks frayed or damaged. If the wiring looks intact, you will need a mechanic's scanner to diagnose the issue further.

What a Mechanic Will Do

A mechanic will capture the fuel pressure sensor data to see if it is detecting a vacuum in the fuel tank. They will also command the vent valve to open and close. If the fuel tank pressure data is out of spec, a mechanic will inspect the wiring going to the fuel pressure sensor. If that checks out, the fuel pressure sensor will need to be replaced. If the vent valve is fine, the charcoal canister will need to be replaced. If the vent valve is not functioning, it will need to be replaced to clear the error code.

Common Causes of P0453

• Charcoal canister (vent valve or clogged)
• Damaged fuel tank pressure sensor (sensor itself or the wiring)
• PCM/ECM (unlikely)

Fuel injection pressure sensor

The fuel injection pressure sensor in a Ford Edge is responsible for sending electronic signals to the engine control module, communicating the fuel rail internal pressure. The fuel rail is where intake air and fuel are blended before being injected into the engine's cylinders.

At one end of the fuel rail, a vacuum-powered fuel pressure regulator valve helps maintain constant pressure relative to intake pressure (usually 35-50 psi). The fuel injector valves remain closed until the Engine Control Module instructs them to inject fuel into the cylinders.

You can buy a fuel injection pressure sensor for your Ford Edge from a variety of manufacturers, including GP Sorensen, Dorman, and Bosch. When purchasing a new sensor, make sure it is compatible with your vehicle's model and year.

To relieve the fuel system pressure in a Ford Edge, follow these steps:

• For 2.0L models manufactured in 2014 or earlier, remove the charge air cooler inlet and middle tubes, drive belt, and power steering pump.
• For 2.0L models manufactured in 2015 or later, remove the engine cover and alternator.
• For 2.7L V6 models, remove the left-hand fuel rail.

Fuel tank pressure sensor replacement

The fuel tank pressure sensor in your Ford Edge is part of the evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system, which helps to migrate fuel vapors from the gas tank and fuel filler neck and sends them to the engine to be burned off. The sensor detects when there is too much pressure in the fuel tank, which is a measure of air pressure and not fuel pressure. When the pressure is too high, the check engine light comes on and the error code P0453 is displayed.

Diagnosing the Problem

If you are experiencing the above issues, there are a few things you can do to diagnose the problem. Firstly, check the wiring to the fuel tank pressure sensor to see if it looks frayed or damaged. You can also try opening the gas cap somewhere quiet after driving for a while to listen for the sound of air escaping, which could indicate a bad vent valve or charcoal canister. If you don't notice any obvious issues, you may need to use a mechanic's scanner to capture the fuel pressure sensor data and inspect the wiring.

Replacing the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor

If the fuel tank pressure sensor needs to be replaced, follow these steps:

• Remove the fuel tank.
• Inspect the fuel pump module and take note of the part number found on the top of the module.
• If the part number is CT43-9H307-CE, proceed to replace the fuel pump module and O-ring seal. If the part number is CT43-9H307-CF, reinstall the fuel tank and continue with normal diagnostics.
• Install the new fuel pump module and O-ring seal. You can find the part numbers for these components online or at your local Ford dealership.
• Reinstall the fuel tank.
• Clear any error codes and confirm that the issue has been resolved.

Please note that this process may vary depending on the model and year of your Ford Edge. Always refer to the owner's manual or seek assistance from a qualified mechanic if you are unsure about any of the steps.

Fuel pressure test

The fuel pressure sensor on the Ford Edge is an integral part of the vehicle's fuel system, playing a crucial role in measuring and diagnosing fuel tank pressure and railing. This sensor communicates with the vehicle's internal computer, providing data that helps adjust engine timing for optimal performance and fuel efficiency.

Symptoms of Fuel Pressure Issues

If your Ford Edge is experiencing hard start-ups or reduced fuel economy, it could be an indication of a faulty fuel pressure sensor. In some cases, you may also notice the smell of fuel, which can be a sign that the EVAP system is not properly purging fuel vapors.

Testing Fuel Pressure

To test the fuel pressure in your Ford Edge, follow these steps:

• Prepare the Necessary Tools: You will need a fuel pressure gauge capable of reading up to 100 psi, as well as a hose and an adapter suitable for teeing into the fuel system.
• Locate the Fuel Pressure Test Port: On 2007 models, the fuel pressure test port is located on the fuel rail. For 2008 and later 3.5L and 3.7L SFI systems, you will need to disconnect the quick-connect fitting at the connection between the fuel delivery hose and the fuel rail. For 2.0L and 2.7L DI systems, disconnect the quick-connect fitting between the fuel delivery hose and the high-pressure fuel pump.
• Relieve the Fuel System Pressure: It is important to relieve the fuel system pressure before proceeding. Refer to the Fuel Pressure Relief Procedure for your specific vehicle model.
• Connect the Fuel Pressure Gauge: Screw off the cap from the fuel pressure test port and connect the fuel pressure gauge.
• Turn the Key On, Engine Off (KOEO): Check for any fuel leaks from the fuel pressure test adapter fittings.
• Start the Engine: Allow the engine to idle and note the gauge reading once the pressure stabilizes. Compare this reading to the specified operating range for your fuel system.
• Check for Fuel System Restrictions: If the fuel pressure is not within specifications, inspect the fuel system for any restrictions, such as a kinked fuel line, plugged fuel pump inlet strainer, or clogged fuel filter.
• Address High Fuel Pressure: If the fuel pressure is higher than specified, replace the fuel pump module.
• Observe Fuel Pressure After Turning Off the Engine: Fuel pressure should not drop more than 8 psi over five minutes after turning off the engine. A more significant drop could indicate issues such as a leaky fuel injector, fuel line leak, or faulty fuel pump module.
• Relieve Fuel System Pressure Again: After completing the test, remember to relieve the fuel system pressure, disconnect the fuel pressure gauge, and wipe up any spilled gasoline.

Professional Diagnostics

In some cases, you may need to seek professional assistance. If you encounter a trouble code such as P00C6 or P0453, it indicates an issue with the fuel system. A mechanic will have the necessary tools to capture fuel pressure sensor data and diagnose the problem accurately. They may also need to inspect and replace components like the vent valve, charcoal canister, or fuel tank pressure sensor.

Fuel pressure sensor data

The fuel pressure sensor data is important for diagnosing issues with the Ford Edge's fuel system. The fuel pressure sensor, also known as the fuel tank pressure sensor, plays a crucial role in measuring and diagnosing fuel tank and railing pressure in the vehicle. This data is then transmitted to the car's internal computer, which adjusts the engine timing accordingly for optimal performance.

The fuel pressure sensor can be found on top of the gas tank, the fuel pump, or the fuel level sending unit. It is responsible for detecting abnormal fuel vapour levels that are not being purged into the recycling system, and this information aids the PCM in monitoring any differential.

In some cases, the fuel pressure sensor may need to be replaced. This can be due to faulty sensors, which can cause issues such as hard start-up and reduced fuel economy. It can also lead to severe engine damage if left unattended. Therefore, proper maintenance and replacement of these sensors with OEM parts are crucial.

When diagnosing issues with the fuel system, capturing fuel pressure sensor data is essential. This data helps determine if the sensor is detecting a vacuum in the fuel tank. Mechanics can also command the vent valve to open and close to assess its functionality. If the fuel tank pressure data falls outside the specified range, the mechanic will inspect the wiring to the fuel pressure sensor. If the wiring is intact, the sensor will need to be replaced.

Additionally, certain diagnostic codes, such as P0453, may be triggered when the pressure inside the fuel tank is too high. This can illuminate the check engine light, indicating that there may be an issue with the evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system. However, this code does not indicate a risk of the vehicle breaking down, as the EVAP system's function does not directly impact the engine's performance.

Frequently asked questions