GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2008 🢒 G8 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls and Fuel - 2.8L, 3.0L, 3.2L, or 3.6L 🢒 DTC P0496

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 P0496 : Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) System Flow During Non-Purge

Circuit Description

This DTC tests for continuous 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 greater than a predetermined value within a predetermined time, this DTC sets.

FTP Sensor Signal Voltage

Fuel Tank Pressure

High, Approximately 1.5 Volts or More

Negative Pressure/Vacuum

Low, Approximately 1.5 Volts or Less

Positive Pressure

Conditions for Running the DTC
    • Before the engine control module (ECM) can report DTC P0496 failed, DTCs P0450, P0451, P0452, and P0453 must run and pass.
    • DTC P0100, P0101, P0102, P0103, P0111, P0112, P0113, P0116, P0117, P0118, P0119, P0443, P0446, P0449, P0450, P0451, P0452, P0453, P0458, P0459, P0496, P0498, P0499, P0560, P0562, P0563, P0700, P2122, P2123, P2127, P2128, P2138, P2227, P2228, or P2229 is not set.
    • The fuel system is in closed loop.
    • The engine run time is greater than 10 minutes or the long term fuel trim is stable.
    • The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) is less than 3 km/h (2 mph).
    • The engine is idling.
    • The ignition voltage is between 10-18 volts.
    • The fuel tank pressure (FTP) is between -10.0 and +5.0 in. H2O (-18.7 and +9.8 mm Hg).
    • The ambient air temperature is between 2-32°C (36-90°F).
    • The start-up engine coolant temperature (ECT) is within 10°C (18°F) of ambient air temperature
    • The fuel tank level is between 12-88 percent.
    • The barometric pressure (BARO) is greater than 68 kPa.
    • The above conditions are met for greater than 30 seconds.
    • DTC P0496 will attempt to run up to 10 times or the test completes successfully once per ignition cycle.

Conditions for Setting the DTC
    • The control module detects vacuum during a non-purge condition.
    • The condition exists for greater than 4 seconds or for a cumulative of 30 seconds.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

DTC P0496 is a Type A/B DTC.

Conditions for Clearing the DTC

DTC P0496 is a Type A/B DTC.

Diagnostic Aids
    • 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.
    • The EVAP system tests run when 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 or restriction in the EVAP canister purge solenoid valve.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Evaporative Emission Control System Description

DTC Type Reference

Powertrain Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) Type Definitions

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Testing
  1. Disconnect the EVAP purge solenoid valve electrical harness connector.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Command the EVAP vent closed with a scan tool.
  4. Increase the engine speed to 1,200-1,500 RPM.
  5. Observe the scan tool fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor in. H2O, or mm Hg Parameter.
  6. Verify the scan tool FTP sensor parameter is -0.9 to +0.9 mm Hg (-0.5 to +0.5 in. H2O).
    7. ⇒If the scan tool FTP sensor parameter is not within the specified range, replace the EVAP purge solenoid valve.
  7. With the engine OFF and the ignition ON, disconnect the EVAP purge solenoid valve pipe.
  8. Observe the scan tool FTP sensor in. H2O, or mm Hg Parameter.
  9. Verify the FTP sensor parameter is -0.9 to +0.9 mm Hg (-0.5 to +0.5 in. H2O).
    10. ⇒If the scan tool FTP sensor parameter is not within the specified range, replace the FTP sensor.

Repair Instructions
    •  Evaporative Emission Canister Purge Solenoid Valve Replacement
    •  Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for engine control module replacement, setup, and programming

Repair Verification
  1. Start the engine.
  2. Command the EVAP vent solenoid closed with a scan tool.
  3. Increase the engine idle to 1,200-1,500 RPM.
  4. Observe the scan tool FTP sensor in. H2O, or mm Hg Parameter.
  5. Verify the FTP sensor parameter is -0.9 to +0.9 mm Hg (-0.5 to +0.5 in. H2O).
  6. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.