Hey, guys, welcome, so, in this article; we’re going to look at some of the common symptoms of a bad fuel tank pressure sensor.
A car Fuel Tank Pressure (FTP) Sensor plays a crucial role in the vehicle’s evaporative emissions control system. The FTP Sensor is designed to monitor the pressure and vacuum levels in the fuel tank, detect any leaks and prevent unburnt fuel vapours from being released into the environment.
Usually, the FTP sensor informs the Engine Control Unit (ECU) of any leaks, causing the ECU to activate a “Check Engine” light. This system is in place to help maintain the integrity of the fuel system and reduce emissions, making the FTP sensor a vital component of a vehicle’s overall health.
Common symptoms of a bad fuel tank pressure sensor
So here are the common signs or symptoms of a bad fuel tank pressure sensor.
1. Fuel Pressure Sensor.
The fuel pressure sensor is also referred to as the fuel rail pressure sensor, and shouldn’t be confused with the fuel tank pressure sensor, which is located in a completely different part of the car. As the full name of this sensor implies, the fuel pressure sensor is located in the fuel rail and monitors the fuel pressure within the rail. Along with the data received from airflow sensors, throttle position sensors, and the various other sensors within the fuel management system, the ECU (engine control unit) uses the data it gets from the fuel pressure sensor to make adjustments to the amount of fuel being sent to the cylinders and the ignition timing.
2. Check Engine Light comes on.
If you see the engine warning light illuminate your dashboard, it could be a sign that your fuel pressure sensor is bad. Sometimes the engine control unit will sense a problem with the signal from the fuel rail sensor. Then it will activate the check engine light to let you know there is some kind of problem that is related to the engine.
Of course, there are a large number of other reasons why the check engine light would turn on besides having a bad fuel pressure sensor.
3. Low vehicle Power.
If you step on the gas pedal and notice a lack of acceleration, then it could be due to the fuel pressure sensor. If the sensor is bad, then it will interfere with the air and fuel ratio. This will cause a noticeable loss of power from your vehicle as you’re driving.
4. Problems Starting your car.
If you try to start your vehicle’s engine and don’t start on the first attempt, your fuel pressure sensor may not send a good signal to the engine’s computer.
At first, the engine will eventually start after cranking a few times. But eventually, it may get to the point when it doesn’t start at all.
5. Engine Stalling.
If your engine continues to run lean as a result of your bad fuel pressure sensor, you could run the risk of stalling while idling or in the middle of driving.
This, of course, can happen if the amount of fuel making it to the engine isn’t enough to sustain the load of the engine.
If your engine stalls while you’re idling, that’s one thing, but if it stalls when you’re on the move, it can present a pretty serious safety risk.
If you’re at the point where your engine is stalling because of fuel issues, you need to take your car in for repairs as soon as you can.
6. Bad Fuel Economy.
With a bad fuel pressure sensor, the engine will not receive the correct amount of fuel for its On the other hand, if a bad fuel pressure sensor is causing your engine to run rich, you’ll most likely notice it when you’re all of a sudden spending way more money than normal on your gas.
That’s why it’s important to have a good understanding of your car’s normal mileage, so you’re not caught too badly off guard if this should happen.
Other signs that your car is running rich include smelling gas when driving, especially when your engine is at idle.
So, letting your engine run rich for too long can damage some of the surrounding parts of your exhaust system, parts like your catalytic converter. So it’s always a good idea to fix the issue as soon as possible if you notice it.
If you suspect that your fuel tank pressure sensor is bad, it’s a good idea to have it checked out by a professional. A skilled mechanic can diagnose the problem quickly and accurately so you can get back on the road in no time.
Uchenna is a Radiographer and Auto parts mechanic who recently got his automotive diploma as an auto repair technician, and since then, has worked on fixing various car problems.
Working as just a radiographer, Uchenna didn’t just get all the fulfillment he desired, because he truly loved doing things tilted toward cars. As a kid, he would take apart his toy cars to see how they worked and would spend hours tinkering with his bike.
So, in 2017 he made the tough decision to become an auto mechanic. He threw himself into his studies and now loves every aspect of what he does.
He gets to work with his hands, solving problems and bringing cars back to life, and sharing his knowledge and easy quick-fix guide online are all part of what makes him feel fulfilled.
