P0452: EVAP System Pressure Sensor/Switch A Circuit Low
A generic powertrain (engine and transmission) trouble code, same meaning on every brand.
Yes.
Symptoms
- Check engine light only
Likely causes, most common first
- Fuel tank pressure sensor drifting low
- Wiring fault
- Sensor connector corrosion
Read P0452 yourself before paying for diagnosis
A basic Bluetooth OBD-II scanner ($20-40) plugs into the port under the dashboard and shows this code with live sensor data on your phone - useful both for confirming the fix and for talking to a shop from an informed position.
What is going on and how it gets diagnosed
P0452 means the fuel tank pressure sensor - the referee of all EVAP leak tests - is reading below its plausible range. A lying referee fails matches that were actually fine, so fix this before believing any other EVAP codes.
On many cars the sensor rides on the fuel pump module; labor is the real cost, and shops often suggest pairing it with any planned pump work.
Repair options and cost
Typical US independent-shop ranges, parts and labor. Dealers run higher; regional labor rates vary.
Owner reports mentioning P0452
“The fuel gauge in my vehicle is not functioning correctly. It is showing that my fuel level is very low/empty even with a full tank of gas. I took it to the repair shop and the it had the codes P0452 for the fuel tank pressure sensor circuit and P0463 for the fuel level sensor. The repair shop replaced the fuel pump module which did not fix the problem. They suggested it appears to have an ECM issue. This exact problem is a recall on the 2014 Chevy Traverse however my vehicle is not included in this recall.”2014 Chevrolet Traverse · Sep 2024
“A stuck CPV is leading to excessive vacuum in the fuel vapor system, causing the plastic fuel tank to deform, resulting in an inaccurate or erratic fuel gauge indication, inaccurate distance to empty (DTE), and/or other drivability concerns. The vehicle also is exhibiting an illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) with diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) P0420, P1450, P0443, P0452, P0456, P0460 and/or P2196”2016 Ford Focus · Jul 2021
“Engine stalls while driving after fuel fill up. P0452 code is active until fuel level gets to about 3/4 tank then code goes stored.”2013 Dodge Dart · Feb 2020 · 154,000 mi
Show 1 more owner reports
“Electronic door locks have failed on three of the 4 doors on this truck. Check engine light on due to code p0452, which is fuel tank pressure sensor defective. I called the dealership and they said it was not covered under the warranty and it would cost around $500 to repair. Spoke with my brother-in-law today who has a 2002 avalanche and he had the same problem with fuel sensor and his repair was covered under the warranty. The door handle of my vehicle is plated in chrome. This chrome is now coming undone, and is razor sharp. *tr”2008 Chevrolet Avalanche · Jan 2012 · 41,000 mi
Cars that report P0452 most often
Based on mentions of this code in NHTSA owner complaints.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive with P0452?
Yes.
How much does it cost to fix P0452?
Typical US repair costs range from $80 for the simplest fix (tank pressure sensor) to $350 in the worst case. The right number depends on which cause your car has - see the causes list.
Definition per SAE J2012 standard nomenclature. Symptoms, causes and costs are editorial guidance - always confirm with a diagnosis of your specific vehicle.