The evaporative emission (EVAP) control system limits fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. Fuel tank vapors are allowed to move from the fuel tank, due to pressure in the tank, through the vapor pipe, into the EVAP canister. Carbon in the canister absorbs and stores the fuel vapors. Excess pressure is vented through the vent line and EVAP vent valve to atmosphere. The EVAP canister stores the fuel vapors until the engine is able to use them. At an appropriate time, the control module will command the EVAP purge valve ON, open, allowing engine vacuum to be applied to the EVAP canister. With the EVAP vent valve OFF, open, fresh air will be drawn through the valve and vent line to the EVAP canister. Fresh air is drawn through the canister, pulling fuel vapors from the carbon. The air/fuel vapor mixture continues through the EVAP purge pipe and EVAP purge valve into the intake manifold to be consumed during normal combustion. The Control Module uses several tests to determine if the EVAP system is leaking.

If the EVAP vent system is restricted, fuel vapors will not be properly purged from the EVAP canister. The Control Module tests this by commanding the EVAP purge valve ON, open; and commanding the EVAP vent valve OFF, open; and monitoring the FTP sensor for an increase in vacuum. If vacuum increases more than a calibrated value, DTC P0446 sets.

If the evaporative emission (EVAP) purge solenoid does not seal properly, fuel vapours may enter the engine at an undesired time, causing driveability concerns. The control module tests for this by commanding the EVAP purge solenoid OFF, closed; sealing the system, and monitoring the ECM for an increase in vacuum. If the control module detects that EVAP system vacuum increases above a calibrated value, DTC P0496 will set.

The control module sends a serial data message to the driver information center (DIC) illuminating the Check Gas Cap message when a malfunction in the evaporative emission (EVAP) system and a large leak test fails.

The EVAP system consists of the following components:

The canister is filled with carbon pellets used to absorb and store fuel vapors. Fuel vapor is stored in the canister until the Control Module determines that the vapor can be consumed in the normal combustion process.

The EVAP purge valve controls the flow of vapors from the EVAP system to the intake manifold. This normally closed valve is pulse width modulated (PWM) by the Control Module to precisely control the flow of fuel vapor to the engine. The valve will also be opened during some portions of the EVAP testing, allowing engine vacuum to enter the EVAP system.