Emission controls · Powertrain · generic (SAE-defined)
P0452: Evaporative Emission System Pressure Sensor Low Input
P0452 means the fuel tank pressure sensor in the evaporative emission (EVAP) system is sending a signal voltage below its normal operating range.
Standard title per SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6 · Updated 2026-11-07 · By CarWhere Research
How P0452 sets
The powertrain control module (PCM) supplies a reference voltage to the fuel tank pressure sensor and reads the returned signal. If the signal remains below the minimum valid value for a set time, typically from a short to ground or open reference, the PCM sets P0452. Voltage limits vary by manufacturer.
Common causes of P0452
Roughly most likely first; the actual cause depends on the vehicle and needs testing to confirm.
- Failed fuel tank pressure sensor
- Signal wire shorted to ground
- Open 5-volt reference circuit
- Corroded or damaged connector
- Damaged harness near the fuel tank
P0452 symptoms
- Check engine light on
- No drivability symptoms in most cases
How P0452 is diagnosed
- Check for other sensor reference voltage codes that share the same supply
- Inspect the connector and wiring at the tank for damage or corrosion
- Verify reference voltage and ground with key on
- Read the sensor signal in live data with the fuel cap removed and compare to specification
- Check the signal wire for a short to ground
Typical fixes for P0452
- Replace the fuel tank pressure sensor
- Repair shorted or open wiring
- Clean or replace the connector
Replace parts only after testing confirms the cause — a code names the circuit or condition that failed a check, not necessarily the faulty part. We don’t publish per-repair prices; for what households actually spend on upkeep, see car repair costs.
Manufacturer notes
Definitions can vary by manufacturer; check factory service information.
Related codes & warning lights
P0452 FAQ
What does code P0452 mean?
P0452 means the fuel tank pressure sensor in the evaporative emission (EVAP) system is sending a signal voltage below its normal operating range. The standard definition is "Evaporative Emission System Pressure Sensor Low Input."
Can I drive with a P0452 code?
Yes. The engine should run normally, but the EVAP leak tests cannot run correctly until the sensor circuit is repaired.
Does P0452 mean my fuel tank has low pressure?
Not necessarily. It means the sensor's electrical signal is reading low, which is far more often a sensor or wiring fault than an actual pressure condition.
Will P0452 affect fuel economy?
Typically no. It mainly prevents the EVAP system from being tested properly.
Keep researching
More emission controls codes
Sources
- SAE J2012 — Diagnostic Trouble Code Definitions (standard code titles)
- ISO 15031-6 — Road vehicles: communication between vehicle and external equipment for emissions-related diagnostics, Part 6: Diagnostic trouble code definitions
- U.S. EPA — Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) programs
- U.S. EPA, 40 CFR 86.1806-17 — Federal onboard diagnostics requirements for light-duty vehicles
- California Air Resources Board — On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) Program
General information written by CarWhere Research, not a diagnosis of your vehicle. Manufacturers can add their own sub-definitions and test conditions; confirm with the factory service information for your year, make and model. Before paying for a repair, check NHTSA for open recalls and your warranty booklet: federal law requires an emissions warranty on major emission-control parts such as the catalytic converter and engine computer.