What Is EVAP?

There are many different reasons why your car’s “check engine” or “service” light might start flashing. One such example is Trouble Code P0456, which is an indication of a small leak in your evaporative emissions system (EVAP for short).

Here’s some information from a mechanic in Madison, TN about the EVAP system, the trouble code and what you should do to address it.

About the EVAP system and potential troubles you’ll face

The EVAP system is a closed system in your vehicle that is designed to capture vapors from the fuel tank and keep them from leaking out into the atmosphere. This makes the vehicle more environmentally friendly to operate. If the check engine light comes on due to a problem or specific failure within that system, it’s very unlikely you’ll notice any difference in the actual operation of the vehicle. That’s because the EVAP system doesn’t affect your driving, it only effects your emissions.

There are a variety of potential causes for EVAP system issues, including leaks, a missing or loose fuel cap, an incorrect type of fuel cap used on the vehicle or leaks in the fuel tank, evaporative emission canister, evaporative emission system hose, purge valve or vent valve.

So, what should you do if your check engine light does come on?

Your first step should always be to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual. This will contain a quick overview of many of the most common diagnostic codes that are likely to be displayed when you read the check engine warning. Keep in mind that you won’t know whether the light comes on because it’s an EVAP failure or because there’s another problem in your vehicle’s system, unless you go through an emissions test lane or go to an auto parts store that can get the diagnostic trouble code for you.

If you do get the diagnostic codes, those codes will tell you which system is having the problem and causing the light to come on, at which point you can test some of the specific components within that system to figure out exactly where the problem is coming from. If you have an EVAP emissions code there, the next step would be to test for leaks in the fuel cap area, the filter hose, the fuel tank, the fuel lines, the EVAP hoses and canister, the purge or vent valve and other areas. At that point, the mechanic will be able to tell you what’s going on in your vehicle, what needs to be done to repair the issue and how much you can expect those repairs to set you back.

If you’re interested in learning more about your EVAP system of the potential troubles that can affect that system in your vehicle, we encourage you to contact a mechanic in Madison, TN at Rivergate Muffler & Auto Repair for more information. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have, or to run a diagnostic check on your vehicle when your check engine light suddenly comes on in your car.

Categorised in: Mechanic

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