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 OFF and the EVAP canister vent solenoid valve ON. 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 solenoid and the EVAP canister vent solenoid 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 Emission (EVAP) System Flow During Non-Purge

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0106, P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0117, P0118, P0122, P0123, P0125, P0442, P0446, P0452, P0453, P0502, P0601, P0602, P0606, P0641 are not set.
    • The ignition voltage is between 11-18 volts.
    • The barometric pressure (BARO) is more than 74 kPa.
    • The fuel level is between 15-85 percent.
    • The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is between 5-32°C (41-90°F).
    • The intake air temperature (IAT) is between 5-32°C (41-90°F).
    • The start-up ECT and IAT are within 9°C (16°F) of each other.
    • The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) is less than 121 km/h (75 mph).
    • The FTP sensor is less than -2.5 inches H2O at ignition ON.
    • DTC P0496 runs once per cold start for 60 seconds.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The control module detects vacuum greater than 4 inches H2O, during a non-purge condition for 4 seconds.

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 solenoid valve or an EVAP canister purge solenoid valve that is temporarily stuck open
    • For intermittent conditions, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .

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?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

Is DTC P0443 also set?

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Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Remove the fuel fill cap.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Observe the fuel tank pressure with a scan tool.

Is the fuel tank pressure parameter within the specified range?

-1 to +1 in H2O

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

  1. Disconnect the evaporative emission (EVAP) purge pipe from the EVAP canister purge solenoid valve.
  2. Install a hand held vacuum gage to the purge port on the EVAP canister purge solenoid valve.
  3. Disconnect the EVAP canister purge solenoid valve harness connector.
  4. Monitor vacuum on the vacuum gage.
  5. Start the engine.

Does the gage indicate an increase in vacuum?

--

Go to Step 7

Go to Diagnostic Aids

5

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 6

6

Replace the FTP sensor. Refer to Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 8

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7

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

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 8

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8

  1. Review and record the Freeze Frame/Failure Records data with a scan tool.
  2. Clear the DTC with a scan tool.
  3. Start the engine.
  4. Observe the fuel tank pressure with a scan tool.

Is the fuel tank pressure parameter within the specified range?

-1 to +1 in H2O

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 3

9

Observe the Capture Info with a scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

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Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List - Vehicle

System OK