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P0450 is a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) for "Evaporative Emission Control System Pressure Sensor Malfunction". This can happen for multiple reasons and a mechanic needs to diagnose the specific cause for this code to be triggered in your situation. Our certified mobile mechanics can come to your home or office to perform the Check Engine Light diagnostic for $154.99 . Once we are able to diagnose the problem, you will be provided with an upfront quote for the recommended fix and receive $50.0 off as a credit towards the repair. All our repairs are backed by our 12-month / 12,000-mile warranty.
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If a vehicle has stored a P0450 code, it means there has been a malfunction with the evaporative emission control system pressure sensor.
The evaporative control EVAP system in a vehicle is responsible for capturing any raw fuel that evaporates from the fuel storage system (this would be the fuel tank, fuel cap and the filler neck). This system is designed to react to three specific variables – namely the speed of the vehicle, its engine temperature and the engine load. After assessing a reading on these three, the EVAP system can proceed with storing and purging the fuel vapors it has captured, putting them back into the vehicle’s combustion process.
As you can imagine, the EVAP system is prone to changes in pressure. It is constantly relaying this information to the PCM (Powertrain Control Module). If the PCM senses that a pressure change has taken place which is below the manufacturer's specifications for an acceptable range, the P0450 code is stored.
There are three main reasons that a vehicle would store this problem code:
Of course, it’s also worth considering that the PCM is simply not working correctly. This is pretty rare, but if none of the three seem to be responsible, you’ll want to look into the possibility.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any noticeable symptoms that are associated with the P0450 code. Therefore, if the Check Engine Light fails to come on right away, it could be a while before the driver figures out something is wrong.
That being said, sometimes, they’ll notice a fuel odor. This is being caused by the release of fuel vapors the EVAP system is failing to retrieve.
Due to the lack of symptoms that go along with a P0450 code, a mechanic will need to do the following to get an accurate diagnosis:
Sometimes, the problem is as simple as a faulty fuel cap. This is an easy and affordable fix, so much so that it often doesn’t get considered at all. The same goes for the purge and vent valves of the EVAP system. Again, these can be extremely easy fixes that clear the code and don’t cost much, so they definitely need to be addressed.
It’s not a dangerous problem, but it does mean that the vehicle’s engine is working sub-optimally, which is never the type of issue you want to leave for long. As we’ve explained above, the underlying source is often a pretty easy fix too, so there’s no reason to let this one persist long enough to cause something worse.
Common repairs include:
Although this problem isn’t nearly as bad as others represented by their own trouble codes, it should be fixed right away to avoid further damage. Make sure any related-trouble codes are investigated too.
YourMechanic will actually send a certified mobile mechanic to your home or place of business to assess and repair your vehicle. We’re happy to provide you a quote upfront or schedule an appointment online to learn more about our services. We also invite you to speak with a service advisor by calling us at 1-800-701-6230.
Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.
