What are some probable causes for an emissions leak. I'm going to try the gas cap first, but what else is linked to the "emissions" that may have thrown a code.
Suggestions?
Gotta keep on livin', L-I-V-I-N
what kind of code did you get.......do you fill your tank up while the car is running.???
The code was PO440. I got a new gas cap, and the guy said that the computer would reset itself. Hasn't yet though. The CEL says evap system leak I think. I shut the car off when I get gas, but when I have the cash, I do tend to "top off" the tank. Don't know if that had anything to do with it or not, but autozone dude also said that it is against the law for them to rest the computer code. Is this true?
Gotta keep on livin', L-I-V-I-N
I have the same problem. I have the PO440 code too. I went to advance auto parts and reset the code. It comes up as evaporative emissions. I put a new gas cap on and the light has come on 3 times and I reset the computer 3 times. It keeps coming on. I have no idea what the deal is. It is a 2003 cavalier automatic with 67,000 miles on her. It still runs great. I get 31 mpg still. Any ideas would be great.
I found this but it doesnt apply to my year. Not sure what year your cars are.
File In Section: 06 - Engine/Propulsion System
Bulletin No.: 02-06-04-044
Date: August, 2002
TECHNICAL
Subject:
Service Engine Soon (SES) Light Illuminated, DTC P0440 Set (Replace Fuel Tank Evaporative Emissions Control System (EVAP) Vent Solenoid Harness)
Models:
2000-2002 Chevrolet Cavalier
2000-2002 Pontiac Sunfire
Condition
Some customers may comment that the SES light is/was illuminated.
A technician may find DTC P0440 is stored in the PCM.
Cause
The EVAP solenoid harness may be misrouted around the rear antilock brake (ABS) wire harness causing a chaff/damage to the EVAP vent solenoid harness, setting DTC P0440.
Correction
Follow the service procedure below to diagnose and correct this condition.
1. Install a Tech 2 scan tool and select the appropriate vehicle. Verify that a DTC P0440 is stored in the PCM.
2. Raise the vehicle on a hoist. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information (SI Document ID # 512922).
3. Locate and inspect the EVAP vent solenoid harness (3) routing. The harness may be routed below the ABS wiring harness (4) at the right rear corner of the fuel tank, causing stress on the EVAP solenoid harness (3).
4. Disconnect the EVAP vent solenoid harness (3) from the EVAP vent solenoid (2) and connector C313 (1). Discard the EVAP vent solenoid harness (3).
5. Connect the new EVAP vent solenoid harness (3), P/N 22687059, to the EVAP vent solenoid (2), route the harness above the rear ABS harness (4) and connect the EVAP vent solenoid harness (3) to connector C313 (1).
6. Lower the vehicle.
7. Clear the DTC's with the Tech 2 scan tool.
yea i have the same prob. 01 cavi. 2200. i reset mine all the time. but the thing is it only comes on when i drive for a long period of time. then i reset it till it comes on again
DRIVE HARD OR DONT DRIVE AT ALL!!!
It could be all kinds of things. I had mine for 6months before finally getting rid of it. I had to wait until warm weather because I wasn't going to get under the car during winter (I don't have a garage). Anyhow, I checked for leaks in exhaust pipes, checked for breaks in EVAP canister harnesses, and finally decided to replace the 2nd O2 sensor. I went to go buy the socket for removing the O2 sensor, none in stock. As I am leaving I see gas caps. They were only $10 so I decided I would try that. Not a big expense if it doesn't fix the problem. Well, it fixed the problem and haven't seen the code in a month. Before replacing the gas cap, if I cleared the code, it would be back within a day or two.
MORAL: Try the cheapest fix first. :-)
