GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0455:  Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Large Leak Detected

Circuit/System Description

The control module tests for a large leak or restrictions to the purge path in the Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System. When the enabling criteria has been met the control module commands the EVAP vent solenoid valve ON and the EVAP purge solenoid valve ON, allowing 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.

Control Module Command

EVAP Canister Purge Valve

EVAP Canister Vent Valve

ON

Open

Closed

OFF

Closed

Open

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • Before the PCM can report DTC P0455 failed, DTC P0496 must run and pass.
    • DTCs P0106, P0107, P0108, P0116, P0117, P0118, P0120, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0220, P0222, P0223, P0442, P0443, P0449, P0451, P0452, P0453, P0454, P0464, P0496, P0608, P0609, P0641, P0651, P1516, P2101, P2119, P2120, P2122, P2123, P2125, P2127, P2128, P2135, P2138 are not set.
    • The ignition voltage is between 11-18 volts.
    • The barometric pressure (BARO) is more than 74 kPa.
    • The fuel level is between 15-85 percent.
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is less than 35°C (95°F).
    • The intake air temperature (IAT) is between 4-30°C (39-86°F).
    • DTC P0455 runs once per cold start when the above conditions are met.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The EVAP system is not able to achieve or maintain a calibrated level of vacuum within a set amount of time.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0455 is a Type B DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

DTC P0455 is a Type B DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

    • A fuel fill cap that is left OFF after a fuel fill will cause this DTC to set.
    • A loose, missing, or damaged fuel fill cap can cause this DTC to set.
    • A blockage or restriction in the EVAP purge solenoid, purge pipe EVAP canister, or vapor pipe, can cause this DTC to set.
    • A temporary blockage in the EVAP purge solenoid, purge pipe, or EVAP canister could cause an intermittent condition. Inspect and repair any restriction in the EVAP system.
    • To help locate intermittent leaks, use the J 41413-200 to introduce smoke into the EVAP system. Move all EVAP components while observing smoke with the J 41413-SPT .
    • To improve the visibility of the smoke exiting the EVAP system, observe the suspected leak area from different angles with the J 41413-SPT .
    • Observe the Freeze Frame/Failure Records vehicle mileage since the diagnostic test last failed may help determine how often the condition occurs that caused the DTC to set . This may assist in diagnosing the condition.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

    •  Evaporative Emissions Hose Routing Diagram
    •  Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views
    •  Engine Controls Connector End Views

DTC Type Reference

Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Data Definitions
    •  Scan Tool Output Controls

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Special Tools Required

    • J 41413-SPT High Intensity White Light
    • J 41413-200 Evaporative Emissions System Tester (EEST)
    • J 41413-300 EVAP Cap and Plug Kit
    • J 41413-311 EVAP Plug
    • GE-41415-50 Fuel Tank Cap Adapter

Circuit/System Testing

Important: 

   • Larger volume fuel tanks and/or those with lower fuel levels may require several minutes for the floating indicator to stabilize.
   • Refer to the J 41413-200 operation manual for detailed instructions.

  1. Connect the J 41413-200 to the vehicle service port.
  2. Seal the EVAP system and use the flow meter on the J 41413-200 , calibrated to 0.51 mm (0.02 in) to determine that there is no leak in the EVAP system.
  3. If a leak is detected, use the J 41413-200 to apply smoke to the EVAP system at the service port until the leak is located.
  4. To test for a restriction, connect the J 41413-200 nitrogen/smoke hose to the J 41413-311 brass cone adapter. Disconnect the hose at the fuel cap end of the GE-41415-50 . Connect the J 41413-311 to the disconnected hose on the GE-41415-50 . Install the GE-41415-50 filler neck end only to the vehicle.
  5. Allow the engine to idle.
  6. Use the Purge/Seal function to seal the system with a scan tool.
  7. Command the EVAP canister purge solenoid valve to 30 percent.
  8. The vacuum/pressure gage on the J 41413-200 and the FTP parameter on the scan tool should both show vacuum.
  9. If the vacuum/pressure gage shows vacuum, but the FTP parameter does not show vacuum, replace the FTP sensor.
    If neither the FTP parameter nor the vacuum/pressure gage shows vacuum, repair the restriction in the purge path. Refer to Evaporative Emissions Hose Routing Diagram .
  10. Verify that the vacuum increases to the abort limit on the scan tool or more than 3.2 volts, and the value is closely similar between the scan tool and the vacuum/pressure gage on the J 41413-200 .
  11. If the values are not similar or the voltage did not reach 3.2 volts, replace the FTP sensor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Replacement
    •  Evaporative Emission Canister Purge Solenoid Valve Replacement
    •  Evaporative Emission Canister Vent Solenoid Valve Replacement
    •  Evaporative Emission Canister Replacement
    •  Evaporative Emission System Hoses/Pipes Replacement