GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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 valve 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 valve ON open, allowing engine vacuum to be applied to the EVAP canister. With the EVAP vent valve OFF open, fresh air will be drawn through the valve and 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 valve into the intake manifold to be consumed during normal combustion. The EVAP system is capable of detecting a leak as small as 0.04 inch. 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 will command the EVAP vent valve ON closed and command the EVAP purge valve ON open with the engine running, allowing engine vacuum in the EVAP system. The control module monitors the fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor 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 valve OFF closed, 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 is more than a calibrated level on 2 consecutive tests, DTC P0440 will set.

Small Leak Test

If the large leak test passes, the control module will test for small leaks by continuing to monitor the FTP sensor for a change in voltage over a period of time. If the decay rate is more than a calibrated value, the control module will rerun the test. If the test fails again, DTC P0442 will set.

Canister Vent Restriction Test

After the small leak test has passed, a vacuum is retained in the EVAP system. The control module tests for a restricted vent path by commanding the purge valve OFF closed and the vent valve OFF open. The FTP sensor is monitored for a decrease in EVAP system vacuum. If the vacuum does not decrease to near 0 inch H2O in a calibrated time, DTC P0446 will set.

Purge Valve Leak Test

If the EVAP purge valve 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 valve OFF, closed and vent valve ON, closed, sealing the system, and monitoring the FTP for an increase in vacuum. If the control module detects that EVAP system vacuum increases above a calibrated value, DTC P1441 will set.

EVAP System Components

EVAP System Overview


Object Number: 678941  Size: LF
(1)EVAP Canister Purge Solenoid
(2)EVAP Canister
(3)Fuel Fill Neck/Fill Cap
(4)Rollover Valve/Fuel Tank Pressure (FTP) Sensor
(5)Fuel Tank
(6)EVAP Canister Vent Solenoid
(7)Vent Hose/Pipe
(8)EVAP Vapor Pipe
(9)EVAP Purge Pipe
(10)EVAP Service Port

EVAP canister


Object Number: 12722  Size: LH

The EVAP canister is a sealed unit with 3 ports.

    • Purge pipe
    • Vapor pipe
    • Vent pipe

Object Number: 730716  Size: SH

The canister is filled with carbon pellets used to absorb and store fuel vapors. Fuel vapor is stored in the canister until the control module determines that the vapor can be consumed in the normal combustion process.

EVAP Purge Valve

The EVAP purge valve controls the flow of vapors from the EVAP system to the intake manifold. This normally closed valve is pulse width modulated by the control module to precisely control the flow of fuel vapor to the engine. The valve will also be opened during some portions of the EVAP testing, allowing engine vacuum to enter the EVAP system.

EVAP Vent Valve

The EVAP vent valve controls fresh airflow into the EVAP canister. EVAP valve is normally open. The control module will command the valve closed during some EVAP tests, allowing the system to be tested for leaks.

Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor

The FTP sensor measures the difference between the pressure or vacuum in the fuel tank and outside air pressure. The control module provides a 5-volt reference and a ground to the FTP sensor. The FTP sensor provides a signal voltage back to the control module that can vary between 0.1-4.9 volts. As fuel tank pressure increases, FTP sensor voltage decreases, high pressure = low voltage. As fuel tank pressure decreases, FTP voltage increases, low pressure or vacuum = high voltage.

EVAP Service Port

The EVAP service port is located in the EVAP purge pipe between the EVAP purge valve and the EVAP canister. The service port is identified by a green colored cap.

EVAP Pressure/Purge Diagnostic Station

The J 41413 EVAP Pressure/Purge Diagnostic Station is used to help locate leaks in the EVAP system. The station provides a clean, dry, regulated supply of nitrogen to pressurize the EVAP system. Refer to the directions on the cart for proper operation.

The J 41415-40 Fuel Tank Cap Adapter is used to adapt the J 41413 to the fuel filler neck. Pressurizing the EVAP system at the fuel filler neck allows testing of the filler neck and the fuel fill cap on vehicles with onboard refueling vapor recovery (ORVR).

The J 41416 Ultrasonic Leak Detector is then used to pinpoint the source of the leak.