GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Object Number: 889461  Size: MF

Circuit Description

The evaporative emission (EVAP) system is used to store fuel vapors as to reduce the amount of unburned fuel from escaping into the atmosphere. The EVAP system consists of the EVAP canister, fuel tank pressure sensor, EVAP lines and hoses, EVAP purge solenoid (normally closed), EVAP service port, EVAP vent solenoid (normally open) and fuel tank. The ECM monitors the EVAP system for circuit faults in the fuel tank pressure sensor, EVAP purge solenoid and EVAP vent solenoid circuits. The ECM also monitors the EVAP system for small and large leaks. During the DTC P0440 diagnostic, the ECM monitors the fuel tank pressure sensor for an atmospheric pressure reading when all of the DTC parameters have been met. The ECM will then command the EVAP vent solenoid On (close valve) and command the EVAP purge solenoid to a fixed duty cycle (pulses valve). The ECM will let the pressure drop in the fuel tank for a certain length of time, after which it will turn Off the EVAP purge solenoid. If a correct amount of vacuum is achieved, the ECM will run the DTC P0455 diagnostic, which will monitor the decay in vacuum of the sealed system over a calibrated amount of time. DTC P0455 sets when the vacuum decay is greater than the calibrated amount for a certain length of time due to a large leak.

DTC Parameters

DTC P0455 sets when the vacuum decay is greater than the calibrated amount for a certain length of time due to a large leak when:

    • Vehicle speed = 0 mph.
    • Engine speed at idle.
    • Engine load less than 35%.
    • MAP is greater than 40 kPa.
    • Battery voltage is greater than 11.0 volts.
    • ECT at engine startup is between 8°C and 75°C (46° and 167°F).
    • IAT is between 8°C and 50°C (46° and 122°F).
    • Long term fuel cells not cleared (if cleared, engine must run longer than 16 minutes and 45) ยท Fuel level between 1.3 and 12.7 gallons (5-48 liters).
    • Altitude less than 9842 ft.
    • No battery voltage, ECM internal fault, ECT, EGR, EVAP purge control, EVAP vent control, fuel tank pressure, HO2S, IAC, MAP, misfire, TP or VSS DTCs have been set.

DTC P0455 diagnostic is run once (usually for 40 seconds if no faults exist) during the EVAP diagnostic test once the above conditions have been met.

P0455 is a (type B) DTC.

Diagnostic Aids

Important: The ECM uses the fuel tank pressure sensor to detect the vacuum decay of the EVAP vent solenoid diagnostic. Make sure the fuel pressure sensor is not skewed by verifying FUEL TANK PRESS. SENSOR on Scan tool is between 2.35 and 2.85 volts with ignition On and fuel cap removed.

Check the following for possible causes of large leak:

    • Missing, improperly installed (loose) or faulty fuel cap.
    • Disconnected or damaged EVAP vent hose.
    • Disconnected, damaged, or blocked fuel tank vapor lines.
    • Damaged or leaking EVAP canister.
    • EVAP service port valve leak.
    • Stuck open EVAP purge solenoid.