
P0442: Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected
- The Code. If your OBD-II diagnostic scanner communicates an evaporative emission system leak detected code, you must understand what the code means.
- Your Vehicle’s EVAP System. As you likely know, modern vehicles have a way to minimize emissions. ...
- Warning Signs. ...
- Possible Reasons. ...
- Potential Simple Resolutions. ...
- Potential Advanced Resolutions. ...
What's causing this p0442 code?
Causes of the P0442 Code The most common cause of a P0442 code is that you let your car engine run at the gas station with the fuel cap removed. It can also be a leaking fuel cap or a broken hose. Defective bleed and vent control valves.
How do you reset code p0442?
What repairs can fix the P0442 code?
- Tightening the gas cap & remove the trouble code.
- Replace gas cap
- Replace EVAP control valve
- Replace EVAP hoses
- Replacing charcoal canister
- Replace Fuel tank
How to fix p0442 code Mercury Grand Marquis?
P1299 MERCURY Possible Causes
- Low engine coolant
- Faulty Thermostat
- Faulty Cylinder Head Temperature (CHT) Sensor
- Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor harness is open or shorted
- Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor circuit poor electrical connection
What does check engine code p0442 mean?
What the P0442 code means P0442 is present in vehicles that have a small leak in the EVAP system. The ECU carefully monitors the EVAP system for any leaks or irregularities, when a small leak is detected the ECU set a Check Engine Light to be displayed on the dashboard. What causes the P0442 code? Faulty or loose fuel cap EVAP system line leak

How much does it cost to fix code P0442?
Depending on the shop's labor rate, this typically costs somewhere between $75-$150. Many, if not most, shops will apply this diagnosis fee to any required repairs if you have them perform the repairs for you.
Can you drive with code P0442?
If you see a P0442 evaporative emission system leak detected code, you may be able to resolve the problem without much effort. The easiest solution may be to remove and reaffix the gas cap. Once you do, clear the code on the OBD-II diagnostic scanner and drive for a few days.
What would cause a P0442 code?
What Does the P0442 Code Mean? Diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0442 stands for “Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (Small Leak)”. Your car's computer will set the code when it determines there's a minor leak somewhere in the evaporative emission control (EVAP) system.
How do you fix an evaporative emissions leak?
O-Ring Seals are located in many parts of the EVAP system and usually cost less than $2. Simply remove the old O-ring with a pick tool, spray clean the area with carburetor cleaner and allow to dry. Use spray silicone lubricant on the new O-ring and sealing surface, then reinstall.
How do I fix code P0442 small leak?
What repairs can fix the P0442 code?Replacing the gas cap.Replacing the fuel tank.Replacing the charcoal canister.Replacing the EVAP system lines.Replacing the purge or vent valves.
Is P0442 serious?
How serious is the P0442 engine code? The P0442 engine code is a minor problem and will not affect your car's performance. However, it should be resolved before your next emissions test or you could risk failing the emissions inspection.
How do you check for a gas cap leak?
2:526:10Check Gas Cap Light Fix - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut some actually use pressure instead such as dodge BMW. And subaru there's a pump that forces airMoreBut some actually use pressure instead such as dodge BMW. And subaru there's a pump that forces air into the tank. And then sensors tests for the ability of the evap system to hold pressure.
What are the symptoms of an EVAP leak?
The most common symptom of an EVAP leak is fuel smell from your car and a check engine light on your dashboard. You may also notice issues like poor engine performance or a failed emission test in rare cases.
Is EVAP code serious?
But because an EVAP leak can potentially be a severe and environmentally damaging problem, it's not a good idea to keep driving with the check engine light on. Whatever condition your vehicle is in—whether it's showing symptoms of a fuel leak or not—aim to have the codes pulled as soon as possible.
How do I find an EVAP leak in my car?
5:4613:06How to find a Small EVAP leak without a smoke machine - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's fairly easy to access and it's usually under the hood. The canister vent valve is the sameMoreIt's fairly easy to access and it's usually under the hood. The canister vent valve is the same thing a simple open or closed cell noid but it's not so easy to access it's usually under the vehicle.
Where is the EVAP system located?
In most cars, the EVAP vent valve is located underneath the vehicle, close to or at the charcoal canister near the fuel tank, see the photo. For that reason, it often fails due to corrosion. The most common problem with the vent valve is when it sticks open or fails.
What happens if you don't fix an EVAP leak?
If damage to the solenoid continues, it can also lead to your engine stalling out completely. The EVAP controls vapor. A leak within the system can impact how well your vehicle starts and stays running. Any issue with interrupted internal combustion may cause your engine to stall or refuse to start altogether.
The Code
Your Vehicle’S Evap System
- As youlikely know, modern vehicles have a way to minimize emissions. Yours probablyhas hoses that direct fuel vapors into a charcoal canister. When the canisterbecomes full and your vehicle’s engine engages, a purge control valve opens.The purged fuel vapors enter the engine where they burn off, decreasing overallemissions. As with any system of hoses, valves and vacuums, leaks …
Warning Signs
- Unlike some other vehicle problems, a leaky EVAP system may not reveal itself by causing your vehicle to run poorly. Instead, you are likely only to see an illuminated check engine light. Depending on the location of the leak and its size, though, you may smell fuel fumes. That said, using an OBD-II diagnostic scanner to read your vehicle’s codes is the best way to diagnose prob…
Possiblereasons
- If yourOBD-II diagnostic scanner registers a P0442 EVAP leak detected DTC, you knowthere is likely a leak in the EVAP system. There are a few possible reasonsthis code may appear, though. Here are some common ones: 1. Your gas cap is either loose or incorrectly attached 2. Your gas cap does not meet vehicle manufacturer standards 3. You have a tiny...
Potential Simpleresolutions
- Now that youunderstand the trouble code technical description, you need to know how torepair your vehicle. If you see aP0442 evaporative emission system leak detected code, you may be able toresolve the problem without much effort. The easiest solution may be to removeand reaffix the gas cap. Once you do, clear the code on the OBD-II diagnosticscanner and drive for a few days. I…
Potential Advanced Resolutions
- As you maysuspect, sometimes tinkering with the fuel cap and visually inspecting the EVAPsystem do not resolve a P0442 DTC. If that is the case, you may need to doadditional work to find the leak. An advanced scan tool allows you to performan EVAP leak examination. This process may help you find leaks that areimperceptible to the naked eye. Alternatively,check the f…