Engine Light code P0442

[Lomey]

My check engine light came on and I took it to Autozone to have it checked. It came back P0442. Here is a short list of things it could be.



1. Fuel cap not on right. (I checked it and it was fine)

2. EVAP canister or hose cracked.

3. Purge or vent solenoid defective.

4. Vaccum leak of engine.



I am 3 months over my warrenty period so I'm hoping it won't be anything major. Anybody have any ideas or had experiences with this code? Also, the guy at Autozone said it was fine to drive, is this true?



I had the oil changed at the Ford dealership two days before it came on.



Thanks for your help,

Lomey

 

[Kevin Palmer]

P0442 Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected



If it is the cap. It may take as many as eight key cycles where the engine goes from cold to running temp. Just turning the key on and off will not reset it. It must go thru the complete cycle so it can re-test itself.



Also, there is a recall on an emissions tube that runs by the drivers side inner fender area. Not likely to cause this code as it has to do with the venting of the fuel tank.

 

[Kevin Palmer]

Here is a decent link to get additional info.



P0442 OBD Trouble Code

Technical DescriptionEvaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak)



What does that mean?This indicates a fuel vapor leak in the EVAP control system. It means a very small leak has been detected. In fact, the leak can be from a hole as small as 0.04" in diameter. The (EVAP) emission control system prevents the escape of fuel vapors from a vehicle's fuel system. Fuel vapors are routed by hoses to a charcoal canister for storage. Later, when the engine is running a purge control valve opens allowing intake vacuum to siphon the fuel vapors into the engine.



SymptomsYou likely won't notice any drivability problems.



CausesA code P0442 most likely means one or more of the following has happened:



A loose or improperly affixed gas cap

A non-conforming gas cap (i.e. not factory/original brand)

A small leak/hole in a fuel vapor hose/tube

Other small leak in EVAP system

Faulty vent o-ring seal

Possible SolutionsWith a P0442, the most common repair is to:



Remove and reinstall the gas cap, clear the codes, and drive for a day and see if the codes come back.

Otherwise, replace the gas cap, or

Inspect the EVAP system for cuts/holes in tubes/hoses

Need more help?If you still need help regarding this trouble code, please post your concern in the forums.

 

[Dana OBrien]

The disconnecting the battery method after trying each fix will turn the light off.

I had my light come on after filling with e85 (2003 st) and after I filled with regular, I disconnected the pos battery cable for a minute, and when I put it back on the light was off, and still is

try to fix each of the potential problems, cheapest first, undo the battery after each one, and that may narrow down the problem.

 

[Lomey]

Thanks all, I will try the above when I get back home from visiting my folks this weekend.



Lomey