GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 387281  Size: LF
Engine Controls Components
Fuel Level and Fuel Tank Pressure Sensors
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice
Handling ESD Sensitive Parts Notice

System Description

The EVAP small leak test is based on applying vacuum to the evaporative emission (EVAP) system and monitoring vacuum decay. The powertrain control module (PCM) uses the input from the fuel tank pressure sensor to determine the rate of vacuum decay. At an appropriate time, the PCM commands the EVAP canister purge valve, and the EVAP vent valve ON. This opens the purge valve, and closes the vent valve. This allows engine vacuum to be applied on the EVAP system. At a calibrated time or vacuum level, the PCM turns the purge valve OFF, and monitors the EVAP system vacuum. If the system is unable to maintain a calibrated vacuum level, the PCM will set DTC P0442.

The EVAP System includes the following components:

    • The fuel tank
    • The EVAP vent valve
    • The EVAP canister purge valve
    • The EVAP canister
    • The fuel pipes and hoses
    • The EVAP vapor and purge pipes
    • The EVAP fresh air vent hose
    • The fuel fill cap

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • TP, IAT, FTP, ECT or MAP sensor DTCs are not set.
    • System voltage is between 10-18 volts.
    •  The DTC P0440 diagnostic test has Passed.
    • Startup ECT is not more than 4-30°C (39-86°F).
    • Startup ECT is not more than 8°C (14°F) more than IAT startup temperature.
    • Startup IAT not more than 4-30°C (39-86°F).
    • Fuel tank level is between 15-85 percent.
    • BARO is more than 75kPa.
    • IAT is less than 30°C (86°F).
    • TPS between 7-35 percent.
    • VSS below 129 km/h (80 mph).

Conditions for Setting the DTC

A vacuum decay condition indicating a small leak is detected during the diagnostic test.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The PCM will illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the first trip in which the diagnostic test has been run and failed.
    • The PCM will store conditions which were present when the DTC set as Freeze Frame and Failure Records data.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The PCM will turn the MIL OFF during the first trip in which the diagnostic has been run and Passed.
    • The history DTC will clear when the PCM turns off the MIL.
    • The DTC can be cleared by using a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

The following conditions will set DTC P0442:

    • Loose or malfunctioning fuel fill cap
    • Damaged EVAP purge or vapor pipes
    • Damaged EVAP fresh air vent hose
    • Malfunctioning EVAP vent valve
    • Damaged EVAP canister
    • Leaking fuel tank, fuel sender assembly O-ring or pressure relief valve
    • Leaking fuel filler neck or seal

Reviewing the Fail Records vehicle mileage since the diagnostic test last failed may help determine how often the condition that caused the DTC to be set occurs. This may assist in diagnosing the condition.

If the condition is intermittent refer to Intermittent Conditions .

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This test verifies that the EVAP purge valve can be commanded ON and OFF.

  2. This test verifies that the EVAP vent valve can be commanded ON and OFF.

  3. Refer to the information supplied with the EVAP pressure/purge diagnostic cart on proper setup and adjustment procedures.

  4. With pressure applied it may be necessary to disconnect the EVAP lines at the components to verify that a line or component is not restricted. A restriction would prevent a vacuum (or the step 9 test pressure) from forming in the fuel tank.

  5. An EVAP pressure sensor that does not correctly respond to vacuum (or pressure) will cause this DTC to set.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Powertrain On-board Diagnostic (OBD) System check?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

2

Are DTCs P0446, P0452, P0453, P0461, P0462, P0463, P1441 set?

--

Go to applicable DTC

Go to Step 3

3

Inspect the EVAP system for the following conditions:

    • A loose, incorrect, faulty or missing fuel tank cap
    • Improperly routed, kinked or damaged EVAP system purge lines
    • A damaged EVAP system component
    • A loose, missing or damaged service port dust cap and/or schrader valve

Repair the EVAP system if needed.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 27

Go to Step 4

4

Command the EVAP purge valve ON and OFF with the scan tool. Refer to

EVAP Purge Solenoid and ICM


Object Number: 634120  Size: MF
(1)Fuel Injector
(2)EVAP Purge Solenoid
(3)Ignition Control Moduel (ICM)
.

Do you hear an audible click as the EVAP purge valve is commanded ON and OFF?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 12

5

Command the EVAP purge vent valve ON and OFF with the scan tool. Refer to

EVAP Canister and EVAP Vent Valve (4DR Utility and Pickup)


Object Number: 235181  Size: LF
(1)Evaporative (EVAP) Vent Solenoid Valve
(2)Crossmember
(3)EVAP Canister
(4)Fuel Tank
(5)Fuel Tank Sender Assembly
.

Do you hear an audible click as the EVAP vent valve is commanded ON and OFF?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 15

6

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the EVAP purge line from the EVAP purge valve.
  3. Connect a vacuum gauge directly to the EVAP purge connection of the EVAP purge valve.
  4. Start the engine.
  5. Raise the engine speed to 1,500 RPM.
  6. Command the EVAP purge valve ON with a scan tool.

Is the vacuum at or above the specified value?

12  in Hg

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 20

7

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the fuel tank vapor and the EVAP purge line from the EVAP vapor canister.
  3. Plug the canister fitting for the fuel tank vapor line.
  4. Connect a hand vacuum pump to the EVAP purge line canister fitting.
  5. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  6. Command the EVAP vent valve ON (closed) with the scan tool.
  7. Use the hand vacuum pump in order to apply vacuum up to the specified value.

Can the specified value be obtained and held?

5 in Hg

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

8

  1. Disconnect the vent line at the EVAP vent valve.
  2. Plug the vent line.
  3. Use the hand vacuum pump in order to apply vacuum up to the specified value.

Can the specified value be obtained and held?

5 in Hg

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 9

9

  1. Inspect the EVAP vent line from the canister to the EVAP vent valve for leaks.
  2. Replace if necessary.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 27

Go to Step 23

10

Important: The following steps require the EVAP pressure/purge diagnostic station J 41413 and the ultrasonic leak detector J 41416 .

Always zero the EVAP pressure and vacuum (in. H2O) gauges on the EVAP pressure/purge diagnostic station before proceeding with diagnosis.

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the plug and the hand vacuum pump.
  3. Reconnect the EVAP vapor canister purge and tank vent lines.
  4. Connect the EVAP pressure/purge diagnostic station to the EVAP system service port.
  5. Use a scan tool in order to command the EVAP vent valve Closed.
  6. Important: Do Not apply more than 15 inches H2O of pressure to the EVAP system.

  7. Continuously attempt to pressurize the EVAP system by leaving the EVAP pressure/purge diagnostic station control knob in the pressurize position.
  8. Use the ultrasonic leak detector in order to locate and repair EVAP system leak.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 27

Go to Step 11

11

Inspect the EVAP system for restrictions. Refer to test description.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 27

Go to Step 24

12

  1. Disconnect the EVAP purge valve harness connector.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with engine OFF.
  3. Connect a test lamp between the purge valve ignition voltage circuit and a known good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 18

13

  1. Connect the test lamp between the EVAP purge valve ignition voltage circuit and the EVAP purge valve control circuit.
  2. Command the EVAP purge valve ON, with a scan tool.

Does the test lamp illuminate when the EVAP purge valve is commanded ON?

--

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 14

14

Test the EVAP purge valve control circuit for an open or short to B+. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 27

Go to Step 26

15

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Disconnect the EVAP canister vent valve harness connector.
  3. Connect a test lamp between the EVAP canister vent valve ignition voltage circuit and a good ground.

Is the test lamp illuminated?

--

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 19

16

  1. Connect the test lamp between the EVAP canister vent valve ignition feed circuit and the EVAP canister vent valve control circuit.
  2. Command the EVAP canister vent valve ON, with a scan tool.

Does the test lamp illuminate when the EVAP vent valve is commanded ON?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 17

17

Test the EVAP vent valve control circuit for an open or short to B+. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 27

Go to Step 26

18

Repair the EVAP purge valve ignition voltage circuit for an open or short to ground. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 27

--

19

Repair the EVAP vent valve ignition voltage circuit for an open or short to ground. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 27

--

20

Inspect the vacuum source to the EVAP purge valve for damage or a disconnect.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 27

Go to Step 21

21

Important: : 

   • Inspect the EVAP purge valve and the purge line for carbon contamination. If carbon release is present, replace the EVAP canister and clean the EVAP system. Refer to Evaporative Emission Canister Replacement and Evaporative Emission System Cleaning .
   • Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the EVAP purge valve.

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

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 27

--

22

Important: Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the EVAP vent valve.

Replace the EVAP vent valve. Refer to Evaporative Emission Vent Valve Replacement .

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 27

--

23

Replace the EVAP vapor canister. Refer to Evaporative Emission Canister Replacement .

Is the replacement complete?

--

Go to Step 27

--

24

  1. Relieve the EVAP system pressure.
  2. Use the scan tool EVAP system performance function in order to command the EVAP purge valve ON, and the EVAP purge vent valve ON.
  3. Compare the EVAP pressure/purge diagnostic station vacuum gauge (in H2O) to the fuel tank pressure sensor value on the scan tool.

Does the EVAP pressure/purge diagnostic station vacuum gauge reading correspond to the fuel tank pressure sensor value displayed on the scan tool ?

--

Go to Intermittent Conditions

Go to Step 25

25

Replace the fuel tank pressure sensor. Refer to Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 27

--

26

Important: Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the PCM.

Replace the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Replacement/Programming .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 27

--

27

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Command the EVAP vent valve ON with a scan tool.
  3. Pressurize the EVAP system to the specified value with the EVAP pressure/purge diagnostic station.
  4. Place the control knob on the EVAP pressure/purge diagnostic station to the hold position.
  5. Monitor the EVAP system pressure for 5 minutes.

Does the EVAP system pressure stay constant?

10 in Hg

Go to Step 28

Go to Step 3

28

With a scan tool, observe the stored information, Capture Info.

Does the scan tool display any DTCs that you have not diagnosed?

--

Go to applicable DTC

System OK