It’s super important that your vehicle is taken care of and you are up to date with standard maintenance procedures such as tune-ups and oil changes. However, there are some cases where a part may go bad without any prior warning signs.
A fuel tank pressure sensor is responsible for monitoring the pressure inside the fuel tank. This information is then sent to the engine control unit so that it can make the necessary adjustments. If the sensor malfunctions, it will cause the engine to run leaner than normal. This can lead to a number of problems such as decreased fuel economy, increased emissions, and engine damage.
This article will discuss what happens when the fuel tank pressure sensor goes bad.
What Happens When the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Goes Bad?
The fuel tank pressure sensor works by measuring the pressure in the fuel tank. If the sensor goes bad, it will send a wrong signal to the engine control unit. This will cause the engine to run leaner than normal. As a result, you may experience decreased fuel economy and increased emissions from your vehicle. In extreme cases, engine damage may also occur.
If you suspect that your fuel tank pressure sensor is going bad, it’s important to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repairs. Don’t let a faulty sensor ruin your engine!
5 Symptoms of a Bad Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor
If your fuel tank pressure sensor is going bad, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms:
1. Check Engine Light Turns On
One of the first indicators that something is wrong with your fuel tank pressure sensor is that the check engine light turns on. The check engine light coming on is never a good sign, but it’s especially serious if it’s accompanied by other symptoms on this list.
2. Hard to Start the Vehicle
A little more difficult to notice, but if your fuel tank pressure sensor is going bad it can cause your vehicle to be harder to start. This is because the sensor is responsible for sending a signal to the engine control unit that tells it how much fuel is in the tank.
If the sensor is not working properly, the engine will not be able to get the correct amount of fuel and will run leaner than normal. As a result, it may be difficult to start your vehicle.
3. Vehicle is Stalling
Car stalling is one of the more serious consequences of a bad fuel tank pressure sensor. If your vehicle stalls, it means that the engine has shut off unexpectedly. This can be extremely dangerous if it happens while you’re driving!
A faulty fuel tank pressure sensor can cause your vehicle to stall because it’s not sending the correct information to the engine control unit. As a result, the engine may not be getting enough fuel and will shut down.
4. Consuming too much fuel
If you’ve noticed that you’re going through fuel at an unusually fast rate, it could be a sign that your fuel tank pressure sensor is going bad. This is because the sensor is responsible for sending a signal to the engine control unit that tells it how much fuel is in the tank.
If the sensor is not working properly, the engine will use more fuel than it should. As a result, you’ll notice that you’re filling up your tank more often than normal.
5. Weak Acceleration
A common symptom of a bad fuel tank pressure sensor is weak acceleration. This is because the sensor controls the amount of fuel that’s sent to the engine. If the sensor is not working properly, the engine may not be getting enough fuel and will have trouble accelerating.
Also Read: Bad Fuel Pressure Regulator Cause No Start
What Causes a Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor to Go Bad?
The following are some common causes of a fuel tank pressure sensor going bad:
1. Extreme Conditions
More often than not, the most common cause of a fuel tank pressure sensor going bad is exposure to extreme conditions. This could be anything from extreme heat to cold weather or rough driving conditions.
2. Overfilling the Gas Tank
One of the most common ways that people damage their fuel tank pressure sensor is by overfilling the gas tank. When you overfill the tank, gasoline can seep into the evaporation system and cause damage to the sensor.
3. Accidental Damage
Accidental damage is another common cause of a fuel tank pressure sensor going bad. This could be anything from dropping the gas tank to getting into a minor fender bender.
Also Read: How much does it Cost to Replace a Fuel Pump
How Do You Check a Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor?
In order to check if your fuel tank pressure sensor is going bad, you’ll need to take it to a qualified mechanic. They will hook up a special diagnostic tool for your vehicle and run a series of tests. Once they’ve determined that the sensor is bad, they’ll be able to replace it for you.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor?
Every vehicle is different, so it’s hard to give an exact price for replacing a fuel tank pressure sensor. However, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50-$200 for the parts and labor.
Conclusion
A fuel tank pressure sensor is a vital piece of equipment in your vehicle. It’s responsible for sending a signal to the engine control unit that tells it how much fuel is in the tank. If the sensor is not working properly, it can cause a variety of problems, from weak acceleration to difficulty starting your vehicle.
If you think your fuel tank pressure sensor is going bad, it’s important to take it to a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. They’ll be able to run some tests and determine if the sensor needs to be replaced. Depending on your vehicle, you can expect to pay anywhere from $50-$200 for the parts and labor.
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