GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Description

The evaporative emission (EVAP) small leak test applies vacuum to the EVAP system and monitors vacuum decay. The control module monitors the fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor signal in order to determine the vacuum decay rate. At an appropriate time, the control module turns the EVAP canister purge valve ON, open, and the EVAP vent valve ON, closed. This allows the engine to draw a vacuum on the EVAP system. At a calibrated time, or vacuum level, the control module turns the purge valve OFF, closed, sealing the system, and monitors the FTP sensor input in order to determine EVAP system vacuum decay. If the system detects a leak larger than a calibrated amount, DTC P0442 will set.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0116, P0117, P0118, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0125, P0443, P0449, P0452, P0453, P1112, P1114, P1115, P1121, or P1122 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 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).

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The EVAP system can achieve vacuum, but a vacuum decay is detected during the diagnostic test.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module will illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the second consecutive trip in which the diagnostic test ran and failed.
    • The control module will store conditions which were present when the DTC set as Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The control module will turn the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) OFF during the first consecutive trip in which the diagnostic has been run and passed.
    • A last test failed (current DTC) clears when the control module turns OFF the MIL.
    • The history DTC will clear after the control module runs and passes 40 consecutive warm up cycles with no failure.
    • The DTC can be cleared by using a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

To aid in locating intermittent leaks, use the J 41413 EVAP Pressure/Purge Diagnostic Station to pressurize the EVAP system. Move all EVAP components while testing with the J 41416 Ultrasonic Leak Detector.

Test Description

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

  1. This step verifies that a failure condition is present.

  2. This step verifies that repairs are complete and that no other condition is present.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Evaporative Emissions Hose Routing Diagram

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

Does the scan tool indicate DTC P0443 or DTC P0449 are also set?

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Inspect the EVAP system for the following conditions:
  2. • Loose, missing, or damaged service port dust cap and/or schrader valve
    • Loose, incorrect, missing, or damaged fuel fill cap
    • A damaged EVAP canister purge valve
  3. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  4. Inspect the EVAP system for the following conditions:
  5. • Disconnected, improperly routed, kinked, or damaged EVAP pipes and hoses
    • A damaged EVAP canister vent valve or EVAP canister

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 4

4

  1. With a scan tool, clear the DTCs.
  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 5

5

  1. With the J 41413 EVAP Pressure/Purge Diagnostic Station, continuously pressurize the EVAP system.
  2. Important: The fuel tank may need to be partially lowered in order to inspect components located in the upper portion of the tank.

  3. With the J 41416 Ultrasonic Leak Detector, inspect for leaks in the following locations:
  4. • The EVAP system purge pipe--Refer to Evaporative Emission Hoses/Pipes Replacement - Chassis/Canister .
    • The EVAP vent hose/pipe
    • The fuel fill pipe/hose and fuel fill cap--Refer to Filler Tube Replacement .
    • The EVAP canister--Refer to Evaporative Emission Canister Replacement .
    • The EVAP canister vent valve--Refer to Evaporative Emission Canister Vent Solenoid Valve Replacement .
    • The EVAP canister purge valve--Refer to Evaporative Emission Canister Purge Solenoid Valve Replacement .
    • The fuel sender assembly and/or seal--Refer to Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement .
    • The FTP sensor seal--Refer to Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Replacement .
    • The fill limiter vent valve, pressure relief valve, rollover valve, or fuel tank--Refer to Fuel Tank Replacement .

Did you locate and repair the system?

Go to Step 6

Go to Diagnostic Aids

6

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

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

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 2

7

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

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

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK