What Does Code P0452 Mean?
- P0452 definition: Evaporative Emission Control System Pressure Sensor Low Input
- Issue Severity: LOW – Continued driving for a short period of time is okay.
- Repair Urgency: Get this fixed within the next month.
- Diagnosis: This trouble code doesn’t affect how the car runs but does cause excessive emissions. In rare cases, you may smell a fuel vapor smell. Driving with this code won’t damage anything, but it is recommended to repair it to get your vehicle back to optimum running condition.
The evaporative emission control (EVAP) system prevents fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. This system stores the vapors in a charcoal canister and purges the vapors into the engine to burn them. The EVAP system pressure is checked by either an EVAP pressure sensor or a fuel tank pressure sensor (depending on your manufacturer). When ambient air temperatures go up this pressure goes up. When the Engine Control Module (ECM) purges the stored fuel vapors the pressure goes down. When code P0452 is triggered the ECM has detected an abnormally low voltage for an extended period of time. This can be caused by a faulty sensor, wiring or an EVAP system leak.
P0452 Causes
- Faulty Evap Pressure Sensor
- Faulty Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor
- Loose/leaking gas cap
- Cracked evaporative line
- Leaking evaporative seals
- Open/shorted wiring
- Poor connection at sensor
P0452 Symptoms
- Check Engine Light
- Possible fuel vapor smell
*No noticeable adverse conditions in some cases
How Do I Fix Code P0452?
With a P0452 code, the first step is to get it properly diagnosed to figure out what is causing the malfunction related to the EVAP system. Using the live data function of the FIXD sensor and app allows you to read and analyze engine data to properly diagnose a P0452 code.
If the sensors are all reading correctly and you’re not comfortable further diagnosing this issue at home, we recommend finding a RepairPal-certified shop to pinpoint the problem and give an accurate estimate for repairs.
These shops can not only help you figure out what’s going wrong before you waste time and money on the wrong parts, but they also offer a minimum 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty and stand behind all their estimates with guaranteed fair pricing.
> Find a RepairPal Certified Shop Near You
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Code P0452?
If you take your car to a shop for diagnosis, most shops will start with an hour of “diag time” (the time spent in labor diagnosing your specific issue). Depending on the shop’s labor rate, this typically costs somewhere between $75-$150. Many, if not most, shops will apply this diagnosis fee to any required repairs if you have them perform the repairs for you. From there, a shop will be able to give you an accurate estimate for repairs to fix your P0452 code.
Possible Repair Costs for P0452
When it comes to making repairs associated with the P0452 code, one or more of the below repairs may be needed to solve the underlying issue. For each possible repair, the estimated cost of repair includes the cost of the relevant parts and the cost of labor required to make the repair.
- Gas Cap $20-$60
- EVAP Line $20-$100
- EVAP Pressure Sensor $280-$330
- Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor $280-$330
DIY Steps to Diagnose Code P0452
If you’d like to try to fix code P0452 at home without throwing money at parts, you’ll want to follow the steps below for proper diagnosis. Complete diagnosis may require some specialized equipment beyond what the FIXD Sensor can provide, but for the most part, this diagnosis and repair can be attempted by beginner DIYers.
DIY difficulty level: Intermediate
This repair requires mechanical knowledge and is not recommended for beginners.
Tools/parts needed (our top picks from Amazon):
- FIXD
- Basic Hand Tools
- Vehicle Specific Service Manual
- EVAP smoke machine leak checker
- Multimeter
STEP 1: USE FIXD TO ENSURE NO OTHER ENGINE CODES ARE PRESENT.
Scan your vehicle to verify P0452 is the only code present. If other codes are present, they must be addressed first.
STEP 2: INSPECT GAS CAP.
Check your gas cap to see if it is loose or damaged. If your gas cap is loose, tighten it and clear the code. Inspect your gas cap for physical damage or deterioration. However, it should be noted that damage to the gas cap or deterioration of its components is not always noticeable. If your gas cap was not loose and you do not see any indications of failure, try replacing the gas cap anyway and clearing the codes. Gas caps are relatively inexpensive and are often the fix for code P0452.
STEP 3: PERFORM EVAP SYSTEM SMOKE TEST.
Pinch off the vent tube to the EVAP Vent Control Valve. Pressurize the EVAP system with an EVAP smoke machine leak checker. Check to see if you see any smoke leaking out from any hoses or seals. If there are any leaks, repair leaks, clear the check engine light, and check to see if the concern is resolved.
STEP 4: CHECK VOLTAGE.
If you found no leaks, check the signal voltage at the EVAP pressure sensor or fuel tank pressure sensor (depending on your manufacturer), and compare it to your vehicle’s specifications. Now apply a slight amount of pressure, using the smoke machine tester, and monitor the voltage of the pressure sensor. Compare it to the manufacturer’s spec; if it’s out of specification, replace the sensor.
STEP 5: CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL.
If at this point the vehicle is still setting the same code, you may have a more serious problem with your car’s EVAP system, and you should bring the vehicle to a certified shop to have further diagnostic work performed.
Common P0452 Diagnosis Mistakes
Replacement of parts without checking for a loose, damaged, or missing gas cap.
Still Need Help Fixing Code P0452?
If you’ve followed the steps above and are still experiencing issues with the oxygen sensor system and code P0452, please contact the FIXD Mechanic Hotline if you’re a FIXD Premium subscriber or find a RepairPal certified shop near you to get the right repairs at a fair price.
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Lifelong automotive enthusiast with a soft spot for offroading. Wrencher turned writer, but I still love to tinker on just about anything with an engine. Dream car: tie between a ‘71 Hemi ‘Cuda and a ’91 GMC Syclone. #GirlDad #SaveTheManuals
