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P0442 Code: How to Fix It? All Questions Answered from Causes to Cost!

  • Car Care Tips
  • Silas Smith
  • 7 minutes

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If you drive cars, you might likely have come across the P0442 code. Although it is not something to be seriously worried about, you can’t simply neglect that either, as it can take a toll on your car’s fuel efficiency. Today, we’ll find all answers to your engine code P0442 queries in this article. 

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What is a P0442 code?

The P0442 is an OBD-II code that indicates an evaporative emission control (EVAP) system leak. The Engine Control Module (ECM) sets this code when it senses a leak in the EVAP system.

It is not a very serious concern as far as the short-term drivability of the car is concerned, as you can keep driving your vehicle for a few miles before getting it repaired. That being said, code P0442 is not something to be totally neglected either. If ignored, it can make your car an excessive drinker, i.e. It can lead to high fuel consumption. 

What is the EVAP system? 

The Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) system is installed in a car in order to keep fuel vapors from escaping into the air. This is made possible by absorbing these vapors and storing them in charcoal pellets inside the charcoal canister installed within the car. 

Two control valves help in this process. One is a Vent Control Valve which controls the flow of vapors using the ECM of the car. The ECM opens the vent control valve, which lets air into the charcoal canister, where it’s burned together with any remaining gas fumes before the air enters the engine. In addition, A purge volume control valve regulates the rate at which gas vapors escape from the charcoal canister and enter the engine’s air intake.  

The vent control valve is open during normal engine operation. The purge volume control valve is active when the ECM is ready to burn off the accumulated fuel vapors. Overall, this helps the car to emit less.  

The ECM performs a leak test to check that the evaporative emission control system is operational. This is by shutting the vent control valve and the purge valve during the leak test to seal the evaporative system. The ECM detects an evaporative emission control leak if the EVAP system fails to maintain pressure. This leads to the P0442 code indication.

P0442 is a medium-sized leak measuring up to 0.040″ in diameter.

How serious is a P0442 code?

The issue indicates a leak in the EVAP system. Though it’s not a serious issue, it could become critical if not fixed on time.

via GIPHY

What could cause a P0442 code?

Some of the reasons behind the P0442 indication popping up are:  

  • A damaged or improperly affixed gas cap. (possibly an aftermarket gas cap that fits loose) 
  • A leak/ hole or disconnection of the EVAP hose  
  • Leakage in the charcoal canister  
  • Fuel tank leakage
  • Damaged vent control valve 
  • Damaged purge volume control valve 
  • Defective vent valve  
  • Purge valve malfunction
  • Defective leak detection pump 

How to fix a P0442 code

You can fix the P0442 code with the following methods:

  • Putting on a new gas cap or putting in a new gas tank
  • Changing out the charcoal container
  • Putting in new lines for the EVAP system
  • Change the air or purge valves

With an ODB-II reader, you can clear the code. It should also work itself out after a few drives.

Diagnosing P0442 code 

P0442 code repair
Photo by Sten Rademaker on Unsplash

Besides the check engine light being illuminated to indicate the P0442 error, drivers can notice an unusual fuel odor and a drop in the fuel economy of the car if there is an issue with the EVAP system. In addition, the car will also return high values on an emission test in this condition.  

Though a P0442 error does not affect your car’s drivability, we recommend you resolve it as soon as possible to avoid potential damage.  

What should I expect to pay to fix a P0442 error? 

As discussed above, the P0442 error can arise due to various damaged components and mismatches, like defective valves, incompatible gas caps, and fuel tank leaks. Having said that, the cost of fixing the P0442 error depends upon which of these parts have to be fixed. This can only be ascertained after a thorough vehicle diagnosis by a mechanic. However, A diagnosis can set you back by approx. $50 – $1,000, after which they’ll fix the required part for you. 

The cost of the parts to fix the P0442 error can range between $10 to $600. Some parts and their costs are: 

  • Gas Cap: $10 to $100 
  • Purge Control Valve: $160 to $181 
  • Vent Control Valve: $150 to $200 
  • EVAP lines: $50 and above 
  • Fuel tank pressure sensor: $40 to $300 
  • EVAP canister/ Charcoal Canister: $150-$600 

Having said that, you can even save some money by finding usable parts from a junkyard at a fraction of the price of a new one.

Can you diagnose code P0442 at home? 

There is no one-solution-fits-all for diagnosing the P0442 code on your car, as diagnostic procedures depend upon the car’s make.  

You can try rectifying the P0442 error code yourself if you’re confident enough and don’t want to spend on expensive repairs. However, note that this is not a task for novices since it requires some expertise to diagnose and repair. If you have basic to intermediate knowledge regarding the working of automobiles, you can try the following: 

  • Remove and replace the gas cap, drive for a day or two after clearing the codes and observe if the codes pop up again 
  • If the issue persists, consider replacing it with a new original gas cap 
  • Inspect the EVAP system for holes or cracks in hoses 

In case you’re adept at vehicle mechanics, you can try the following:

  • Do a smoke test to identify where the leak is 
  • Consider performing an EVAP leak test using a scanning tool 
  • Inspect the EVAP purge valve/solenoid 

Is it OK to drive with the P0442 code?

via GIPHY

You can drive if you have a P0442. But remember that your gas mileage will decrease, and your car will give off more pollution.

What are the symptoms of a P0442 code Chevy?

These are symptoms of a P0442 code Chevy.

  • The check engine light turned on.
  • Higher vehicle emissions.
  • Decrease in fuel economy.
  • Obvious fuel odor.
  • The emission test gives high values.

FAQs

What is the most common cause of the P0442 code?

The most common causes of engine code P0442 are leakage in the EVAP system, a faulty fuel cap, a damaged purge valve or vent valve, a charcoal canister, a defective FTP sensor, or a faulty leak detection pump.

Can a bad purge valve cause a P0442 code?

Yes, a bad purge valve can lead to engine code P0442. A damaged canister purge valve (CPV) might allow gas vapors to enter the engine rather than escape into the environment. It will deplete the engine’s fuel supply, possibly resulting in poor fuel economy.

Can a bad gas cap cause a P0442 code?

Yes, a loose, missing, faulty, or incorrect gas cap can lead to code P0442.

What is the code P0442 on a Toyota engine?

The P0442 code on a Toyota engine indicates a slight leak in the EVAP system. The ECM logs this code when it notices a tiny leak in the EVAP system.

What is Ford code P0442?

P0442 code Ford specifies a small leak in the EVAP system. P0442 code Ford means that the EVAP system will not hold a specific vacuum level for a defined time when performing its leak test.

What is the code P0442 on a GMC Sierra?

This engine error code on the GMC Sierra implies a small leak in the EVAP system.

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