P0453 on Pontiac: How to Diagnose & Fix
Evaporative Emission Control System Pressure Sensor High Input
1 Pontiac model · 1 documented issue · 1 critical
P0453 on Pontiac by model: symptoms, diagnosis and fix
NHTSA campaign 03V238000/GM 03038 covers certain 2002-2003 Pontiac Bonneville SSEi vehicles equipped with the supercharged 3.8L V6. The fuel-tank pressure sensor may malfunction and allow excessive vacuum during self-diagnostic testing; resulting fuel-system damage can permit a leak during refueling and create a fire risk in the presence of an ignition source. NHTSA lists 102,212 total vehicles across the multi-make campaign, not 102,212 Bonnevilles. The campaign record does not establish the frozen page's added inaccurate-gauge, tank-noise, poor-driveability or P0452/P0453 symptom set.
Common Symptoms
- VIN checked for campaign 03V238000/GM 03038
- fuel odor or leakage during refueling treated as a stop condition
- campaign population separated from total multi-make units
- non-recall EVAP symptoms diagnosed independently
How to Fix
Check the VIN in the NHTSA and GM recall systems for campaign 03V238000/03038 completion or an open remedy. If fuel odor or leakage is present, stop refueling, shut the vehicle off away from ignition sources, do not restart it, and arrange qualified inspection. The campaign remedy is dealer replacement of the fuel-tank pressure sensor; current availability and any charge for a vehicle of this age must be confirmed with GM rather than promised here. Do not buy a pressure sensor or other EVAP/fuel-system part from this page; recall eligibility, leak condition, part number and VIN fitment must be established first.
Sources for this issue (2)
P0453 code reference
General diagnostic-code context. The code alone does not confirm a cause for your vehicle; use the applicable issue card and its sources.
Frequently asked questions
What does P0453 mean on a Pontiac?
P0453 stands for "Evaporative Emission Control System Pressure Sensor High Input." P0453 is the opposite of P0452: the Evaporative Emission (EVAP) fuel-tank pressure sensor is reporting a signal that is too high — above the expected range. This sensor reads tank pressure/vacuum so the computer can detect fuel-vapor leaks and control venting and purging. A constantly high signal tells the PCM the data isn't believable, usually from a sensor fault or a wiring short to voltage. It generally doesn't affect how the car drives but illuminates the check engine light and will cause an emissions failure. On Pontiac it is documented across 1 model: Bonneville.
What are the most common causes of P0453?
The most common causes of P0453 are: Failed fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor, Short to voltage in the sensor signal wiring, Open or high-resistance sensor ground circuit, Corroded or damaged sensor connector, Damaged or chafed wiring in the EVAP sensor harness, Faulty PCM (rare). The specific cause varies by vehicle.
How much does it cost to fix P0453 on a Pontiac?
Repair costs vary widely with the root cause and Pontiac model; each issue on this page carries its own estimate where one is published.
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Content compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, and owner reports. May contain errors. Always verify with your vehicle's service manual.