Each code in your car carries a different message which can indicate a severe problem in your car or just a minor mishap. Therefore, getting one of those codes can be disturbing, especially when you don’t know what it means. Take, for example, code p1450 in your Ford Focus which can appear anytime and may need to be resolved as quickly as possible depending on the part that is affected.
If you have experienced this code recently and are wondering what it means, you are in the right place. This article will look at what the code p1450 in your Ford Focus means, what causes it, its symptoms and how you can fix it. So, without wasting much of your time, let’s look at it!
What does Ford Focus p1450 mean?
All modern cars have a component called the power control module (PCM). This module monitors and manages all information in your car. If your Ford’s PCM detects excessive vacuum in the Evaporative Emissions Control System (EVAP) or fuel tank, the Ford Focus p1450 code will be shown.
This code implies that one of the parts related to the EVAP or fuel tank has malfunctioned, and wrong or no signals are being conveyed to the PCM. Although the Ford Focus p1450 isn’t always considered a big issue. There are times when receiving it should make you stop the car and have it inspected. This is explained below:
What are the symptoms of Ford Focus p1450?
There aren’t many symptoms that accompany Ford Focus p1450. However, when you start noticing the following, there is a high chance that your Ford is receiving code p1450:
i. Illuminated check engine light
The check engine light normally comes on when onboard diagnostic systems (OBD II) detect an issue with any system in your car, such as the EVAP. As such, if you are careful enough, you will observe that the check engine light comes on when there is code p1450. This is the main symptom associated with a malfunctioned EVAP or fuel tank; hence you should always pay attention to it. But if the illuminated check engine light is the only symptom you observe, the issue with those parts may not be severe. Hence you don’t have to stop your car and have it checked immediately.
ii. More hydrocarbons emissions
Code p1450 in your Ford Focus is associated with the release of more hydrocarbons into the environment. Since hydrocarbons have a unique smell, you can easily notice it when stepping out of your car while the engine is still running. As you are aware, a car that emits more hydrocarbons to the environment may not pass an emissions test, resulting in it being declared road unworthy. That being the case, you should identify its root cause and fix it as soon as possible.
iii. Engine takes some time to start
In rare circumstances, your Ford’s engine may take some time to start after refilling the fuel tank. This is because you may have overfilled the tank, and since some parts have malfunctioned there, the vacuum pressure will not be balanced. Draining some fuel may temporarily fix the problem. However, that confirms you have a Ford Focus p1450 code.
Causes and Fixes of Ford Focus p1450 code
Are you wondering what causes the Ford Focus p1450 code and how you can quickly identify it? Look no more. This code can be activated if one of the following parts linked to the EVAP system gets damaged.
1. Leaking EVAP Canister
The EVAP system has a component called the EVAP Canister. It’s usually rectangular and is located somewhere in your Ford. Its purpose is to absorb and store fuel vapor, which is transmitted to the engine when it is running. However, the canister can leak due to loose O-rings and seals. As a result, little or no vapor will reach the engine. The sensors will detect this and relay information to the PMC. The PMC will react by activating code p1450.
Fortunately, a canister leak can be identified by checking if the car has poor fuel economy. If it consumes a lot of fuel, you can resolve the problem by replacing the O-rings and seals with new ones. But bear in mind that the cause may be more complicated than that; hence, it may need someone with more skills to solve it.
2. Clogged vent line
The tank vent line connects the EVAP Canister with the engine. Therefore, it acts as a mechanism through which the vapor travels to the engine. However, it can be blocked by debris and dust in the vapor. When that happens, the fuel vapor will not reach the engine but will be released into the atmosphere. Consequently, you will observe more hydrocarbons coming out of your car. You can unclog it by disconnecting it and blowing air through it.
3. The Purge Valve or Solenoid is stuck open
The PCM regulates the amount of vapor that enters the engine by opening and closing the purge valve or solenoid. Therefore, if the purge valve is held open by charcoal debris, vapor will flow into the vacuum chamber at an inappropriate rate resulting in an imbalance of pressure in the engine. This will, in turn, make the PCM activate code p1450 in your Ford Focus. The good news is that it’s easy to test a purge valve that is stuck open. That can be done by following these steps:
i. Disconnect the electric supply to the valve.
ii. Remove the vent line.
iii. Place your thump on its mouth.
Iv. Do you feel your thump is being sucked?
If your thump gets sucked, you probably have a purge valve stuck open. Now you can go ahead and replace it or clean it using Mass Airflow Cleaner.
4. Electric issues
The PCM controls the purge valve electronically. However, the cables that transmit the electrons can get faulty due to high temperatures in the engine area. This results in low or no transmission of the electric charge, making it impossible for the PCM to regulate the Purge valve. But you can easily check if the cables are bad by examining them. If the cables are peeled off, they are faulty. Replacing them will eradicate the Ford Focus c1450 code in your car.
5. Defective fuel tank Pressure sensor
The fuel tank pressure sensor is linked to the PCM. Its function is to read, record, and relay information about the fuel system, which determines if there is a leak in the EVAP. Extreme temperature, excess vibration, exposure to water, and fuel vapors can damage the pressure sensor. Apart from the Ford Focus c1450 code, the other symptoms that can tell if the fuel tank Pressure sensor is bad are:
i. Difficulty in starting the car.
ii. The car will stall suddenly.
iii. Reduced car speed.
However, if you cannot identify those symptoms, you must test the pressure sensor using a multimeter. If the multimeter reads less than 4.5 volts, you have a faulty fuel tank Pressure sensor. You will have to replace it since it is impossible to repair it. Unfortunately, to do so; you need to remove the gas tank since it’s located inside it. This is not only a tedious process but also requires skills. As such, you may need a mechanic expert to do it for you.
6. An issue with the gas cap
An issue with the gas cap can also make the OBD II show code c1450 in your Ford. This component performs a vital role in the fuel system. When it opens, it lets fresh air into the fuel tank, which replaces the space created when fuel is burned. This ensures that optimal air-fuel mixture is maintained at all times.
On top of that, the gas cap ensures that no fuel vapor is released into the environment. But like any other part, the gas cap can encounter problems. Such issues can be due to poor calibration or installation of the gas gap.
Overheating can also make the gas cap expand hence becoming loose. That being the case, the gas cap should be checked when code c1450 appears. To diagnose it, tighten it and check if it is firm. If it’s not, get a new one to fix code c1450 completely. But when buying it, remember that the type of gas cap depends on the design of the fuel tank.
7. Malfunctioned PCM
Sometimes you don’t have to go far, as what is causing code c1450 in Ford Focus is the PCM itself. That happens when water damages its circuits. A malfunctioned PCM will show erratic shifting. Unlike the components above, which don’t present a major concern, a bad PCM should be fixed since it controls many aspects of your car. Fortunately, you don’t necessarily have to replace it since most of its parts can easily be repaired.
In conclusion,
Observing code c1450 in your Ford Focus doesn’t usually imply a major defect in the car. However, if you start noticing symptoms like the release of huge hydrocarbons, engine misfires, or poor fuel economy, you may want to identify its root cause and solve it. Issues with the gas cap, PCM, tank pressure sensor, purge valve, vent line, and EVAP canister normally cause this code. Therefore, you should check all that when looking for its cause. But remember that doing so may be a tedious task; hence you may want to call a specialist to help you.