GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

System Description

This DTC tests for undesired 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 more than a predetermined value within a predetermined time, this DTC sets.

The following table illustrates the relationship between the ON and OFF states, and the Open or Closed states of the EVAP canister purge and vent valves.

Control Module Command

EVAP Canister Purge Solenoid Valve

EVAP Canister Vent Solenoid Valve

ON

Open

Closed

OFF

Closed

Open

DTC Descriptor

This diagnostic procedure supports the following DTC:

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

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0106, P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0117, P0118, P0122, P0123, P0125, P0128, P0130, P0131, P0132, P0133, P0134, P0135, P0440, P0442, P0446, P0452, P0453, P0502, P0601, P0602, P1133, and P1621 are not set.
    • The ignition voltage is between 11-18 volts.
    • The barometric pressure (BARO) is more than 75 kPa.
    • The fuel level is between 15-85 percent.
    • The start-up engine coolant temperature (ECT) is between 4-30°C (39-86°F).
    • The start-up 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.
    • The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) is less than 137 km/h (85 mph).
    • The throttle position is between 7-35 percent.
    • DTC P0496 runs once per cold start drive cycle.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The control module detects vacuum of more than 5 inches H2O during a non-purge condition for 2 minutes.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the 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

    •  An intermittent condition could be caused by an improperly installed or damaged EVAP canister purge valve or a temporary blockage in the EVAP purge solenoid valve.
    • For intermittent conditions, refer to Intermittent Conditions .

Test Description

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

  1. This step inspects for a leaking EVAP purge solenoid valve.

  2. Removing the fuel fill cap will equalize the pressure inside the tank with atmospheric pressure. At 0 inches of H2O the FTP sensor should be near 1.5 volts. If the sensor is not, there is a concern with the sensor or related wiring.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Evaporative Emissions Hose Routing Diagram and Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine Controls Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Disconnect the purge pipe from the evaporative emission (EVAP) purge solenoid valve.
  2. Install a hand held vacuum gage to the EVAP purge solenoid valve purge port.
  3. Disconnect the EVAP purge solenoid valve harness connector.
  4. Monitor vacuum on the vacuum gage.
  5. Start the engine and allow the engine to idle.
  6. Increase the idle to 1,200-1,500 RPM.

Does the vacuum gage indicate an increase in vacuum?

--

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Connect the EVAP purge solenoid valve harness connector.
  2. Monitor vacuum on the vacuum gage.
  3. Increase the idle to 1,200-1,500 RPM.

Does the vacuum gage indicate an increase in vacuum?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove and then install the fuel fill cap.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Observe the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor parameter with a scan tool.

Is the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor parameter within the specified value?

-0.5 to +0.5 in H2O

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 8

5

Test the EVAP purge solenoid valve control circuit for a short to ground. Refer to Testing for Short to Ground and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the conditions?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 6

6

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the EVAP purge solenoid valve. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 7

7

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the control module. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

8

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

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 11

--

9

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

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 11

--

10

Replace the powertrain control module (PCM). Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 11

--

11

  1. Clear the DTCs with a scan tool.
  2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Operate the vehicle within the Conditions for Running the DTC. You may also operate the vehicle within the conditions that you observed from the Freeze Frame/Failure Records.

Did the DTC fail this ignition?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Step 12

12

Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

System OK