We all know that getting a flat tire can be a frustrating experience. But what if you were stranded on the side of the road with a dead battery? That’s what happened to one unlucky driver in Colorado last year, according to CBS Denver. The driver had just filled up their gas tank at a station when they realized they had a flat tire. They called a tow truck, but it was too late – the battery had died and the car was stranded. Fortunately, this story has a happy ending: the driver was able to get back home safely thanks to a fuel tank pressure sensor. As explained by CarInsuranceComparison.com, these sensors “tell your car how much fuel is left in the tank… so if there is not enough fuel remaining, your car will not start.” Since this particular sensor helps prevent car accidents, it’s likely that more drivers will install them in the future in order to stay safe on the roads!
What is a Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor?
A fuel tank pressure sensor (FTPS) is an electronic device used on some cars to measure the air pressure in a fuel tank. If the air pressure in the fuel tank falls below a certain level, the car’s computer will cause the engine to shut off to protect the engine and fuel system.
A common problem with FPSs is that they can fail. If the FPS fails, it may not detect when the air pressure in the fuel tank falls below the threshold required by the car’s computer, and this could lead to a car battery dying. In many cases, symptoms of a failing FPS include a loss of power and/or poor driving performance.
If you’re experiencing any problems with your car that you think may be related to a failing FPS, it’s important to get it checked out by a professional.
How Does a Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Work?
A fuel tank pressure sensor works by sensing the pressure of the fuel in the tank. If the fuel pressure falls below a certain level, the sensor will activate and send a signal to the car’s computer. This signal will tell the car to turn off the engine to prevent it from running out of gas.
What are the Effects of a Failed Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor?
When a fuel tank pressure sensor fails, the car’s electronic control module (ECM) may not be able to correctly meter the fuel pump’s output. As a result, the car may not get the amount of fuel it needs and its battery may die.
In some cases, a failed sensor will cause an “out of range” error code on the car’s instrument panel. If this happens, you’ll need to take your car in for service.
If you’re experiencing intermittent problems with your car that seem to be related to a failed pressure sensor, it’s best to have it checked out by a mechanic. Otherwise, you may end up causing more damage to your vehicle by trying to fix it yourself.
How to Test for a Failed Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor
A fuel tank pressure sensor is a common cause of car battery die. When the sensor fails, the fuel lines can become overpressured, which can lead to car battery failure. To test for a failed fuel tank pressure sensor, first check the fuel levels in the car. If there’s no indication of a problem with the fuel lines, you can test the sensor by removing it and measuring the resistance between the sensor and the car’s fuel rail. If there’s an excessive resistance, then the sensor is likely broken and needs to be replaced.
Fixing a Failed Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor
If your car’s battery dies when you’re driving, there’s a good chance it was caused by a failed fuel tank pressure sensor. This common issue is usually easy to fix, and can save you lots of money in repairs.
When your car’s fuel tank is full, the pressure inside it is higher than the atmospheric pressure outside. This difference in pressure creates a force that holds the gas inside the tank and prevents it from leaking.
A fuel tank pressure sensor monitors this pressure difference and sends a signal to your car’s control system. If the pressure inside the tank drops below a certain threshold, the system assumes there’s still gas in the tank and starts supplying power to your car’s engine.
If the fuel tank pressure sensor fails, the control system won’t know there’s still gas in the tank, and your car will start dying as soon as you try to drive it. In most cases, this problem can be fixed by replacing the sensor.
If replacing the sensor isn’t an option, you can usually solve the problem by adding more gas to the tank. This will raise the pressure inside the tank above the threshold set by the failed sensor, and your car will once again start running properly.