What Is the P1450 Code?

At some point in your adventure as a car driver and owner, you’re likely to find yourself in a situation where a Check Engine light appears on your dashboard. Sometimes, you’ll have a pretty good idea of what may have caused that, but other times, using an OBD-II scanner will be necessary to find the root of the problem.

Doing so may result in getting the P1450 code, which means your car is experiencing issues with the Evaporative Emission Control System. What does it mean, and how to fix it? We explain it below. 

What Does the P1450 Code Mean?

P1450 code appears when the engine control module (ECM) detects issues with the Evaporative Emission System. The evaporative emission system is responsible for controlling fuel vapors from the fuel tank as well as the carburetor bowl, allowing them to be burned in the engine. 

When there are malfunctions with this system, it can cause fuel to enter the atmosphere. Code P1450 is manufacturer-defined and can apply to producers like Ford, Kia, BMW, Mercedes, and others. 

What Are The Symptoms of P1450?

What are the common symptoms of the P1450 Ford code? Essentially, there are two main scenarios in which you can suspect there are some issues related to the EVAP system. Here is what you should be looking out for. 

Check Engine Light 

First, and the clearest signal that it is the P1450 Ford code that you need to address is your Check Engine light. Of course, there is more than one reason for this light to be signaling, and if you’re unsure of what the cause might be, reaching for an OBD-II scanner tool is the best approach to find out what exactly is going on. 

If your scanner confirms that it is Ford P1450 Code and you’re having trouble with the evaporative emission system, you can take the next step to fix it.

Unstable Motor Operation

Another instance in which you may be dealing with this code is when the engine of your car misfires. This can cause a faulty reading in the oxygen sensor, triggering the code. A delayed start-up time after filling the tank can also cause the same issue. 

It’s important to know that if you’re frequently experiencing unstable motor operation, it’s not something worth ignoring. You should contact your mechanic and address the issue immediately, as this problem can have more serious implications in the future.

What Are The Causes of P1450?

There are a few possible reasons why you see the Code P1450 on the dashboard of your car. These could be:

• malfunctioning fuel tank pressure sensor;
• blockage in the EVAP canister or vent solenoid;
• faulty connection hose that causes the fuel vapor transfer from the fuel tank to the EVAP to slow down;
• a defective charcoal canister;
• defective, corroded, or shorted wiring and connectors;
• stuck fuel filter cap that obstructs vacuum relief.

As you can see, the P1450 Code can be triggered by something like a stuck fuel filter cap, which means it cannot vent adequately, or collapsed hose between the canister and fuel tank, which causes leaks from the EVAP system in the fuel tank. 

You can’t be sure what causes the problem just by looking at the Engine Light, so using a diagnostic tool and consulting with a technician might be the best way to tackle the problem. 

How Serious Is the P1450 Code?

Ford Code P1450 does not indicate any serious problems that would signal or cause drivability issues and further substantial damage to the vehicle’s systems. Still, if you see this code a lot, it might be a good idea to look into it. In the long run, driving a malfunctioning car can cause you more headaches and additional expenses. 

Since the Ford P1450 Code does not represent major issues, you can safely ignore it and bring it up on your next checkup with a mechanic. 

How to Diagnose the P1450 Trouble Code?

Diagnosing various OBD-II issues can be a challenging task if you’re not experienced in such malfunctions and the ins and outs of how your vehicle operates. For this reason, it is often better to reach out to a specialist who will be able to correctly diagnose the problem and address it in the best way possible. 

A technician might start the diagnosis process by checking if there are any blockages in the EVAP canister or vent solenoid. If that is not the case, the next step would be to see if collapsed hoses could block the passage. Another source of issues is the fuel tank. A mechanic will see if the fuel filler lid is closed and examine the state of the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor. 

After checking these areas and clearing the code, a technician will check if the Ford Code 1450 appears again. When that is the case, it’s necessary to download and read freeze-frame data on the PCM.

If you want to perform the diagnosis on your own, you can do so. You will need some equipment and basic knowledge of how the EVAP system works. Here’s what you should have at hand to perform the diagnostics.

OBD-II Scan Tool

Just as we mentioned before, the first step in identifying the problem with most diagnostic trouble codes is to use an OBD-II scan tool. This piece of equipment allows you to understand what systems in your car are malfunctioning, therefore making it much easier to address the issue. 

There are many different OBD-II scanners available on the market today. Some are suitable for performing surface-level diagnostics, which might be what you need if you’re not a specialist. You can also find more advanced scanners designed for professionals. 

Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor

You will need a fuel tank pressure sensor to measure the pressure in the fuel tank. The engine control module uses the information to determine the amount of fuel that should be injected into the cylinders. 

Multimeter

This instrument is used to measure the current, voltage, and resistance. A multimeter will be useful to measure the fuel tank pressure sensor for the correct resistance. 

Common Mistakes In the Diagnostic Process 

The most common oversight made by technicians who perform the diagnosis of the Code P1450 is not looking thoroughly enough into all the components, hoses of the EVAP system, charcoal canister, and/or fuel tank. Sometimes the issues causing P1450 Code to appear are not visible at first glance.

Fortunately, in most cases, there is an easy fix to EVAP system malfunctions. Sometimes all you need to do is clean the components and remove any blockages in the hoses; other times, replacing broken parts is necessary. 

How Can I Fix the Engine Code P1450?

Once you have identified the problem, the next step is to address it. Your strategy will heavily depend on what type of malfunction you’re dealing with. Like we’ve said earlier, if you don’t have much experience in car repairs, it’s advisable to consult a mechanic. You can perform the simple repairs on your own, and this would include: 

• checking the hoses and fuel lines for leaks and blockages; 
• ensuring the fuel cap is sealed properly and replacing it if needed;
• replacing the charcoal canister, if necessary.

After you’re done with the repair, you’ll need to clear the code. Some vehicles may require a tuning-up to accomplish that. 

How Much Does It Cost to Diagnose the P1450 Code?

The cost of the diagnosis and the repair will depend on a few factors, your location and the reputation of your mechanic included. Some specialists need an hour to diagnose the problem, and you can expect to pay anywhere from $70 to $150 for this service. 

Can You Drive With Code P1450?

Yes, it is possible to drive with the P1450 Ford Code and not experience issues with how the vehicle operates. Most problems with the EVAP system can be fixed later, during your regular checkup with the mechanic or whenever you have the time to attend to them. 

Small leaks and blockages will be easy to ignore, but you should try and fix the more substantial issues in a timely manner, as they might affect your car’s performance. 

Code P1450 FAQs

What causes fuel in EVAP canister?

Fuel can get into the EVAP canister when you frequently overfill your fuel tank. This is not a desirable situation since the canister is only meant to store vapor. In this scenario, the fuel that gets trapped in the canister can cause some clogging, which ultimately leads to dealing with issues with the faulty canister. 

To avoid that, you should avoid overfilling your fuel tank and perform regular maintenance to ensure the EVAP canister is not failing. 

What happens if you don’t fix the EVAP?

The main obstacle that you’ll face with a faulty EVAP system is the fact that you won’t be able to pass an emissions test, which is a procedure required in most states. In order to drive a car, you must meet those requirements, ergo, your EVAP system must be working correctly. 

As we’ve said, a malfunctioning EVAP system will not cause any major safety risks while driving, but still, it is worth looking into and fixing issues with the system, primarily to improve your car’s performance and meet the formal requirements. 

In Conclusion

If you see your Engine Lights on and your OBD-II scanner confirms you’re dealing with the Ford Code 1450, it’s more or less a welcomed sight. EVAP malfunctions are relatively easy to fix and don’t cause significant problems for the driver, so in many cases, there is no need for immediate intervention. 

Of course, it is always advisable to consult a technician, especially if you’re unsure what is causing the problem and how to fix it. If you want to perform the diagnosis at home, you can do so by reaching for simple tools, like OBD-II diagnostic tool and fuel tank pressure sensor.

Investing in a proper OBD-II scanner can save you a lot of trouble and money. Check out our review of the top OBD-II scanners to find the best tool for your needs and budget.