Dtc P0442 Code

[az'03Silverado]

This morning I got the 'small EVAP leak' code P0442 at start-up. I cleared it and it hasn't come back but is there anything that could potentially be failing?

 

 

 

 

i know the system vacuums out air during cold start ups 15-85% fuel level etc. and that was probably my hiss right?

 

Not right, the system should not be doing anything when you are at a stop.

 

EVAP System Operation

The evaporative emission (EVAP) control system limits fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. Fuel tank vapors are allowed to move from the fuel tank, due to pressure in the tank, through the vapor pipe, into the EVAP canister. Carbon in the canister absorbs and stores the fuel vapors. Excess pressure is vented through the vent line and EVAP vent solenoid to the atmosphere. The EVAP canister stores the fuel vapors until the engine is able to use them. At an appropriate time, the control module will command the EVAP purge solenoid ON, allowing engine vacuum to be applied to the EVAP canister. With the EVAP vent solenoid OFF, fresh air is drawn through the vent solenoid and the vent line to the EVAP canister. Fresh air is drawn through the canister, pulling fuel vapors from the carbon. The air/fuel vapor mixture continues through the EVAP purge pipe and EVAP purge solenoid into the intake manifold to be consumed during normal combustion. The control module uses several tests to determine if the EVAP system is leaking.

 

Large Leak Test

This tests for large leaks and blockages in the EVAP system. The control module commands the EVAP vent solenoid ON and commands the EVAP purge solenoid ON, with the engine running, allowing engine vacuum into the EVAP system. The control module monitors the fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor voltage to verify that the system is able to reach a predetermined level of vacuum within a set amount of time. The control module then commands the EVAP purge solenoid OFF, sealing the system, and monitors the vacuum level for decay. If the control module does not detect that the predetermined vacuum level was achieved, or the vacuum decay rate is more than a calibrated level on 2 consecutive tests, DTC P0455 will set.

 

Small Leak Test

The engine off natural vacuum (EONV) diagnostic is the small-leak detection diagnostic for the EVAP system. While previous leak detection methods were performed with the engine running, the EONV diagnostic monitors the EVAP system pressure or vacuum with the key OFF. Because of this, it may be normal for the control module to remain active for up to 40 minutes after the engine is turned OFF. This is important to remember when performing a parasitic draw test on vehicles equipped with EONV.

 

The EONV utilizes the temperature changes in the fuel tank immediately following a drive cycle to use the naturally occurring vacuum or pressure in the fuel tank. When the vehicle is driven, the temperature rises in the tank. After the vehicle is parked, the temperature in the tank continues to rise for a period of time, then start to drop. The EONV diagnostic relies on this temperature change and it's corresponding pressure change to determine if an EVAP system leak is present.

 

The EONV diagnostic is designed to detect leaks as small as 0.51 mm (0.020 inches). The diagnostic can determine if a small leak is present based on vacuum or pressure readings in the EVAP system. When the system is sealed, a finite amount of pressure or vacuum will be observed. When a 0.51 mm (0.020 inches) leak is present, often little or no pressure or vacuum is observed. If the test reports a failing value, DTC P0442 will set.

 

Canister Vent Restriction Test

If the EVAP vent system is restricted, fuel vapors will not be properly purged from the EVAP canister. The control module tests this by commanding the EVAP purge solenoid ON, commanding the EVAP vent solenoid OFF, and monitoring the FTP sensor for an increase in vacuum. If the vacuum increases more than a calibrated value, DTC P0446 will set.

 

Purge Solenoid Leak Test

If the EVAP purge solenoid does not seal properly fuel vapors could enter the engine at an undesired time, causing driveability concerns. The control module tests for this by commanding the EVAP purge solenoid OFF and the vent solenoid ON, sealing the system, and monitors the FTP for an increase in vacuum. If the control module detects that the EVAP system vacuum increases above a calibrated value, DTC P0496 will set.

 

 

The 15 to 85% value you are speaking of refers to a perameter that must be met for the self diagnostics to run. But they will not run every time your fuel level is between those values. The vehicle must meet the following criteria.

 

DTC P0106, P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0116, P0117, P0118, P0120, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0125, P0131, P0132, P0133, P0134, P0135, P0137, P0138, P0140, P0141, P0147, P0151, P0152, P0153, P0154, P0155, P0157, P0158, P0160, P0161, P0167, P0220, P0442, P0443, P0449, P0452, P0453, P0455, P0502, P0503, P1111, P1112, P1114, P1115, P1120 are not set.

The ignition voltage is between 10-18 volts.

The barometric pressure (BARO) is more than 75 kPa.

The fuel level is between 15-85 percent.

The startup engine coolant temperature (ECT) is between 4-30°C (39-86°F).

The startup intake air temperature (IAT) is between 4-30°C (39-86°F).

The startup ECT and IAT are within 9°C (16°F) of each other.

 

And even if all these things look right it still might not run. I have cleared some out that didn't run a month later.

LONG long long story short, your vehicle was hissing because you had a vent restriction, it looks like you fixed that restriction and no longer have the hiss or the light. You can get someone to check the IM status to see if the p0446 has ran and passed since cleared this should ease your mind. In most states the smog test is a quick check of codes to make sure there are no stored codes and that all I/M flags have run and passed.