Evaporative leak code

louda · 07-13-2007, 03:07 PM

Bah! I'm continously getting this stupid P0442 (small evaporative leak detected) in my p.o.s 97 Sunfire (2.2L). I tried replacing the fuel cap but that didn't help. CEL went off for a week and it came back. I notice nothing abnormal about performance or fuel mileage. I got the schematics of the evaporative system and it looks like there are 16 different parts that can trigger this code. Mechanic checked it out, no vacuum leak, says the only way to figure this out is do a smoke test. Were there any TSBs about this issue? I'm just trying to narrow it down. Can this code throw off the emissions because I need to get an e-test later this year.
Spanks for any help!

louda · 07-13-2007, 03:12 PM

I should also mention that the CEL would disappear after a while, about 2 weeks usually. It will stay off for a few days and then come back.

73ChevelleSS · 07-13-2007, 09:10 PM

You need to have someone use a smoke machine to properly diagnose the vehicle.I have seen plenty of of small evap leaks come from the sending unit seal.This is one thing to look for,but you can have a leak from anywhere in that evap system.

louda · 07-14-2007, 12:33 AM

Yeah that's what I've been told, now if I can only figure out how much the dealership charges for it.

Buicktech · 07-14-2007, 03:44 PM

It may also be a purge solinoid, but like everybody else said, you really need to smoke test it, or you will just be throwing parts (and $$$) at it.

07-13-2007, 03:07 PM	#1 (permalink)
louda 2.4 Liter SIDI ECOTEC Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 154	Evaporative leak code Bah! I'm continously getting this stupid P0442 (small evaporative leak detected) in my p.o.s 97 Sunfire (2.2L). I tried replacing the fuel cap but that didn't help. CEL went off for a week and it came back. I notice nothing abnormal about performance or fuel mileage. I got the schematics of the evaporative system and it looks like there are 16 different parts that can trigger this code. Mechanic checked it out, no vacuum leak, says the only way to figure this out is do a smoke test. Were there any TSBs about this issue? I'm just trying to narrow it down. Can this code throw off the emissions because I need to get an e-test later this year. Spanks for any help! Last edited by louda : 07-13-2007 at 03:13 PM.

07-13-2007, 03:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
louda 2.4 Liter SIDI ECOTEC Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 154	Re: Evaporative leak code I should also mention that the CEL would disappear after a while, about 2 weeks usually. It will stay off for a few days and then come back.

07-13-2007, 09:10 PM	#3 (permalink)
73ChevelleSS 2.8 Liter Turbocharged V6 Join Date: Mar 2005 Drives: 2008 Impala Posts: 817	Re: Evaporative leak code You need to have someone use a smoke machine to properly diagnose the vehicle.I have seen plenty of of small evap leaks come from the sending unit seal.This is one thing to look for,but you can have a leak from anywhere in that evap system. __________________ GM World Class Certified ASE Master Tech ASE Advance Engine Performance L1 GM MOE 2005 Gold Gm MOE 2006 Gold

07-14-2007, 12:33 AM	#4 (permalink)
louda 2.4 Liter SIDI ECOTEC Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 154	Re: Evaporative leak code Yeah that's what I've been told, now if I can only figure out how much the dealership charges for it.

07-14-2007, 03:44 PM	#5 (permalink)
Buicktech 6.0 Liter L76 V8 Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Ottawa, ON/Daytona Beach, FL Drives: 2000 Regal Posts: 2,267	Re: Evaporative leak code It may also be a purge solinoid, but like everybody else said, you really need to smoke test it, or you will just be throwing parts (and $$$) at it. __________________ 2000 Buick Regal

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