GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Table 1: DTC P0440, P0442-EVAP System

Circuit Description

The powertrain control module (PCM) tests the evaporative emission (EVAP) system for the following conditions:

    • Large and small leaks
    • Excess vacuum
    • Purge flow during non-commanded conditions
    • Fuel level and fuel pressure sensor faults
    • EVAP purge and vent valve faults

The PCM monitors the fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor in order to determine the level of vacuum or pressure in the EVAP system. The PCM commands both the EVAP purge solenoid and the EVAP vent valve ON when the Conditions for Running the DTC are met in order to apply an engine vacuum to the EVAP system. The PCM commands the EVAP purge solenoid OFF once the system has reached a predetermined level of vacuum. The EVAP system should HOLD the vacuum in the sealed system. The PCM sets this DTC in order to indicate a small leak if the EVAP system fails to hold a predetermined level of vacuum for a predetermined length of time. This DTC sets after failing the above test twice.

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0107, P0108, P0110, P0112, P0113, P0115, P0117, P0118, P0121, P0122, P0123, P0125, P0440, P0443, P0449, P0452, P0453, P1106, P1107, P1111, P1112, P1114, P1115, P1121, or P11212 are not active.
    • The ignition voltage is between 10-18 volts.
    • The barometric pressure is more than 75 kPa.
    • The fuel level is between 15-85 percent of full capacity.
    • The throttle position (TP) sensor angle is less than 75 percent.
    • The vehicle speed is less than 102 km/h (65 mph).
    • 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.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The vacuum in the EVAP system decays or leaks at too fast a rate.

Important: This DTC does NOT report a first failed test. A first fail of this DTC will have a scan tool status as Not Run. Use the scan tool data display parameter of EVAP test result to determine if this DTC has failed or passed for this ignition cycle.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) when the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The control module stores this information in the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

Important: 

   • Remove any debris from the PCM connector surfaces before servicing the PCM. Inspect the PCM connector gaskets when diagnosing or replacing the PCM. Ensure that the gaskets are installed correctly. The gaskets prevent water intrusion into the PCM.
   • An accurate indication of fuel level is required for the PCM to properly pass or fail this DTC. Always diagnose fuel level sensor DTCs before performing this DTCs diagnostic table. Always inspect for fuel level sensor DTCs stored as History.
   • The Service Bay Test may have to be performed in cold ambient air temperatures when the vehicle is running a winter grade fuel. The scan tool displays a message when the service bay test does not run.
   • Inspect for charcoal release from the vapor canister. Refer to the Evaporative Emission System Cleaning procedure.

Conditions for Running the Service Bay Test

    • The battery voltage is between 10.5-17.5 volts.
    • The fuel level is between 15-85 percent of the full capacity.
    • The engine temperature is between 3.5-35°C (38-95°F).

Perform a physical inspection of the EVAP system. Inspect for the following conditions:

    • A loose, missing, defective, or incorrect fuel tank cap
    • Incorrectly routed or defective EVAP system vacuum and vapor lines
    • A malfunctioning or damaged vapor canister
    • Charcoal release from the vapor canister--Refer to Evaporative Emission System Cleaning .

The vacuum and pressure in the EVAP system is measured in inches of water (H2O). Most gauges measure vacuum in inches of mercury (Hg) and pressure in pounds per square inch (psi). The following shows how the values compare:

in H2O

in Hg

psi

1in H2O

0.07 in Hg

0.0361 psi

5 in H2O

0.36 in Hg

0.180 psi

10 in H2O

0.73 in Hg

0.361 psi

15 in H2O

1.10 in Hg

0.541 psi

Test Description

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

  1. You may need to partially lower the fuel tank in order to inspect the upper portion of the tank and the EVAP line connections.

  2. An intermittent leak or restriction is indicated if the vehicle passes the Service Bay Test. A fuel tank cap that is loose or off causes this DTC to set.

    If the Service Bay Test cannot be run, proceed to Step 5. If a fault is not currently present, the diagnostic table steps will return you to Step 3.

  3. This step tests for a leak at the top of the fuel tank, at the fuel filler hose, and the fuel cap. Place the Ultrasonic Leak Detector in these areas. Refer to the information supplied with the EVAP pressure and purge diagnostic cart on proper setup and adjustment procedures.

  4. Tests for restrictions in EVAP system.

  5. A fuel tank pressure sensor that does not correctly respond to pressure, or vacuum, causes this DTC to set.

DTC P0440, P0442-EVAP System

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Emission Hose Routing Diagram and Engine Controls Schematics

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

Are any other EVAP system DTCs stored in history?

--

Go to the applicable DTC table

Go to Step 3

3

Inspect the EVAP system for the following conditions:

    • A loose, incorrect, defective, or missing fuel tank cap
    • Disconnected, improperly routed, kinked, or damaged EVAP system purge lines
    • A damaged EVAP system component
    • A loose, missing, or damaged service port dust cap or schrader valve--Refer to the test description for additional information.

Repair the EVAP system if needed.

Did you find and repair the condition?

--

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 4

4

Important: Ensure that the Conditions for Running the Service Bay Test are met before proceeding with this diagnostic. Refer to Diagnostic Aids.

Perform the EVAP system Service Bay Test using a scan tool.

Does the EVAP diagnostic pass the Service Bay Test?

--

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 5

5

    Important: The DTCs must be cleared from the PCM in order to use the output control function on the scan tool.

  1. Clear the DTCs using a scan tool.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition.
  3. Remove the EVAP purge line from the EVAP purge solenoid valve.
  4. Connect the J 23738-A Hand-Held Vacuum Pump to the vacuum port of the EVAP purge solenoid valve.
  5. Attempt to apply a vacuum up to the specified value using the hand vacuum pump.

Can the value specified be obtained and held?

10 in Hg

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 15

6

Important: If an audible solenoid click cannot be heard and DTC P0443 is not set, inspect the EVAP canister purge solenoid circuits for high resistance.

  1. Connect a vacuum gauge to the EVAP purge solenoid valve.
  2. Idle the engine.
  3. Command the EVAP purge solenoid valve to 50 percent using a scan tool.

Is the vacuum measured on the gauge the same or more than the specified value?

12 in Hg

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the EVAP purge solenoid valve from the intake manifold.
  3. Connect a vacuum gauge to the vacuum source.
  4. Idle the engine.

Is the vacuum measured on the gauge the same or more than the specified value?

12 in Hg

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 14

8

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the EVAP purge line from the EVAP canister, the line from the EVAP purge solenoid valve, and plug the canister port.
  3. Connect the J 23738-A to the EVAP purge line from the EVAP purge solenoid valve.
  4. Use the J 23738-A in order to attempt to apply a vacuum up to the specified value.

Can the specified value of vacuum be obtained and held?

5 in Hg

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 18

9

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the fuel tank vapor line from the EVAP canister.
  3. Plug the EVAP canister port for the fuel tank vapor line.
  4. Connect the J 23738-A to the EVAP purge port on the EVAP canister.
  5. Turn ON the ignition.
  6. Command the EVAP vent valve ON, or closed, with a scan tool.
  7. Use the J 23738-A in order to attempt to apply a vacuum up to the specified value.

Can the specified value of vacuum be obtained and held?

5 in Hg

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 10

10

  1. Leave the system connected as in step 7.
  2. Disconnect the vent line at the EVAP vent valve.
  3. Plug the vent line.
  4. Attempt to apply a vacuum up to the specified value using the J 23738-A

Can the specified value of vacuum be obtained and held?

5 in Hg

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 11

11

  1. Inspect the EVAP vent line from the canister to the EVAP vent valve for leaks or missing or damaged O-ring seals.
  2. If you find a condition repair the EVAP system as necessary.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 17

12

Important: The following steps require theJ 41413 EVAP Pressure and Purge Diagnostic Station and the J 41416 Ultrasonic Leak Detector.

Always zero the EVAP pressure and vacuum (in H2O) gauges on the J 41413 before proceeding with diagnosis.

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the plug and the hand vacuum pump.
  3. Reconnect all the EVAP components.
  4. Connect the J 41413 to the EVAP system service port.
  5. Command the EVAP vent valve ON, or closed, using a scan tool.
  6. Continuously attempt to pressurize the EVAP system by leaving the EVAP pressure and purge diagnostic station control knob in the pressurize position.
  7. Use the J 41416 in order to locate and repair EVAP system leak.

Did you find and repair the condition?

--

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 13

13

    Important: You may need to apply pressure in order to disconnect the EVAP lines at the components . A restriction would prevent a vacuum, or the step 10 test pressure, from forming in the fuel tank.

  1. Inspect the EVAP system for restrictions.
  2. Repair as needed.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 19

14

Repair the vacuum source to the EVAP purge solenoid valve.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 21

--

15

Important: Inspect the EVAP purge solenoid valve and the purge line for carbon contamination. Refer to Diagnostic Aids .

Replace the EVAP purge solenoid valve. Refer to Evaporative Emission Canister Purge Solenoid Valve Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 21

--

16

Replace the EVAP vent valve. Refer to Evaporative Emission Canister Vent Solenoid Valve Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 21

--

17

Replace the EVAP vapor canister. Refer to Evaporative Emission Canister Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 21

--

18

Repair the EVAP line from the EVAP purge solenoid valve to the EVAP canister as necessary.

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 21

--

19

    Important: The fuel tank pressure sensor range is from +7.5 in. H2O of pressure to -17.5 in. H2O of pressure, or vacuum. In order to test the fuel tank pressure sensor for vacuum response, command the EVAP purge solenoid valve ON with the engine running and quickly SEAL the system. Leaving the EVAP purge solenoid valve ON for a longer period of time allows a greater level of vacuum to develop.

  1. With the EVAP system pressurized, compare the EVAP pressure and purge diagnostic station pressure gauge (in H20) reading to the fuel tank pressure sensor reading on the scan tool.
  2. Compare the readings with the system depressurized.

Does the fuel tank pressure sensor indicate the actual amount of pressure in the EVAP system?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 20

20

Replace the fuel tank pressure sensor. Refer to Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Replacement .

Is the action complete?

--

Go to Step 21

--

21

  1. Select the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) option and the Clear DTC Information option using the scan tool.
  2. Idle the engine at the normal operating temperature.
  3. Select the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) option and the Specific DTC option, then enter the DTC number using the scan tool.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC as specified in the supporting text, if applicable.

Does the scan tool indicate that this test ran and passed?

--

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 2

22

Select the Capture Info option and the Review Info option using the scan tool.

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

--

Go to the applicable DTC table

System OK