GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

System Description

This DTC tests for undesired intake manifold vacuum flow to the evaporative emission (EVAP) system. The control module seals the EVAP system by commanding the EVAP canister purge solenoid valve Closed and the EVAP canister vent solenoid valve Closed. The control module monitors the fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor to determine if a vacuum is being drawn on the EVAP system. If vacuum in the EVAP system is more than a predetermined value within a predetermined time, this DTC sets.

The following table illustrates the relationship between the ON and OFF states, and the Open or Closed states of the EVAP canister purge and vent solenoid valves.

Control Module Command

EVAP Canister Purge Solenoid Valve

EVAP Canister Vent Solenoid Valve

ON

Open

Closed

OFF

Closed

Open

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

DTC P0496 Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Flow During Non-Purge

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0116, P0117, P0118, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0125 if applicable, P0442, P0443, P0446, P0449, P0452, P0453, P0455, P0502, P1106, P1107, P1111, P1112, P1114, P1115, P1121, P1122 are not set.
    • The ignition voltage is between 10-18 volts.
    • The barometric pressure (BARO) is more than 74 kPa.
    • The fuel level is between 15-85 percent.
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is between 4-30°C (39-86°F).
    • The intake air temperature (IAT) is between 4-30°C (39-86°F).
    • The start-up ECT and IAT are within 9°C (16°F) of each other.
    • The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) is less than 121 km/h (75 mph).
    • DTC P0496 runs once per cold start when the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The control module detects vacuum during a non purge condition.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

The EVAP system tests run when the engine is first started and meets the Conditions for Running the DTC. An intermittent condition could be caused by an improperly installed or damaged EVAP canister purge solenoid valve, or by a temporary blockage in the EVAP canister purge solenoid. Refer to Evaporative Emission Canister Purge Solenoid Valve Replacement .

For intermittent conditions, refer to Intermittent Conditions .

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Evaporative Emissions Hose Routing Diagram

Connector End View Reference: Engine Controls Connector End Views or Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

2

  1. Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records for this DTC.
  2. Perform the Service Bay Test. Refer to Service Bay Test .

Does the scan tool indicate that the Service Bay Test passed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the purge line from the evaporative emission (EVAP) purge solenoid. Refer to Evaporative Emission Canister Purge Solenoid Valve Replacement .
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Is the Fuel Tank Pressure sensor parameter within the specified range?

-1 to +1 in H2O

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

  1. Install a hand held vacuum gage to the EVAP purge port.
  2. Disconnect the EVAP canister purge solenoid valve.
  3. Monitor vacuum on the vacuum gage.
  4. Start the engine and allow the engine to idle.
  5. Increase the idle to 1,200-1,500 RPM.

Does the vacuum gage indicate an increase in vacuum?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Diagnostic Aids

5

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

6

Replace the FTP sensor. Refer to Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 8

--

7

Replace the EVAP canister purge solenoid valve. Refer to Evaporative Emission Canister Purge Solenoid Valve Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 8

--

8

Perform the Service Bay Test. Refer to Service Bay Test .

Does the scan tool indicate that the Service Bay Test passed?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 3

9

Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle in Vehicle DTC Information

System OK