If you’ve got the P0442 error code showing up on your OBD scanner, don’t worry, as it is easily fixable.
Here is a quick brief to let you know what you’re facing and what to expect.
- P0442 Definition: Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (Small Leak).
- Code Type: Generic – P0442 indicates the same problem whether you’re having a Chevy, Ford, or Toyota, etc.
- Can I drive with the P0442 code? Yes. There is almost no danger to the driver.
- Easy to fix: Beginner to intermediate DIY skills.
- Cost: $10 – $20 (common)
Luckily, P0442 is safe to drive with!
But to avoid more harm to the car’s fuel economy and environment, let’s read on to know the possible causes, how to fix the issues, and the replacement costs.
Table Of Contents
What Does The P0442 Code Mean?
P0442 is an OBD-II generic code triggered when the engine control unit (ECU) detects a fuel vapor leak (small) somewhere in the evaporative emission control (EVAP) system.
The EVAP is a closed system, consisting of several valves, lines, and a charcoal canister.
Its purpose is to help prevent any fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere.
What happens if there is any leak in the EVAP system?
If there are any EVAP leaks, the fuel odor can enter the car’s interior and cause performance issues, triggering P0442.
You can continue to drive your car in the short run, but it’ll negatively affect the car’s mileage and the environment.
P0442 Causes Identification: Quick View
The EVAP system is built around several components, and most of the leaks are hard to detect as they could be present in any of these parts.
The table below will help identify possible causes for the leaks and their solutions.
| Codes Combination | Causes | Solutions |
|---|---|---|
| Only P0442 | Loose and faulty gas cap. Cracked or disconnected EVAP lines. | Tighten or replace the gas cap. Use a smoke test to identify the leak and replace the EVAP lines. |
| P0442 + P0457 | Loose and faulty gas cap. | Tighten or replace the gas cap. |
| P0442 + P0455 | Leak in the charcoal canister. Leak in the fuel tank. | Replace the charcoal canister. Replace the fuel tank. |
| P0442 +P0446 | Failed EVAP vent. | Replace EVAP vent. |
| P0442 + P0441/P0443/P0445 | Failed EVAP purge valve. | Replace the EVAP purge valve. |
Note: The causes for each code combination are the most common ones. There can be some uncommon issues hidden under those codes.
P0442: Causes, Symptoms, And How To Fix
It is important to understand what is causing the underlying problem to determine a solution.
Let’s look at some of the common causes of the P0442 error code and how you may go about fixing them.
Cause #1: Loose Or Faulty Gas Cap
Check your car’s gas cap first before moving on to further diagnosis.
Although a fuel cap may look pretty simple, it does play a vital role in preventing dirt, dust, and other particles from entering the fuel tank. The gas cap also acts as a seal, stopping the fuel vapors from escaping.
A faulty gas cap can cause the fuel vapors to leak into the atmosphere, resulting in the illuminated check engine light.
Cause #2: Cracked Or Disconnected EVAP Lines
You may be seeing the P0442 error code because of cracked or disconnected EVAP lines.
A running car can experience certain vibrations, causing the EVAP hose to disconnect and trigger the P0442 fault code.
On the other hand, cracked hoses are not so common as they’re not exposed to excessive heat. However, it can experience wear and tear due to age.
Symptoms of a faulty/disconnected EVAP line include:
- P0442 error code.
- Check engine light on.
- Poor engine performance.
- Hard start.
- Failed emissions test.
Check for any disconnected EVAP lines. If there are any, make sure to reconnect the lines and replace the clamps that hold the hoses in place.
However, it can be challenging to identify if you have a cracked EVAP line. You would need to conduct a smoke test to determine the leakage.
Cause #3: Leak In The Charcoal Canister
The charcoal canister captures the fumes in the EVAP system, which is then used to power the car’s engine.
After years of use, a charcoal canister may start to leak due to wear and tear, and if that occurs, it may cause the following symptoms:
- Combination of P0442 and P0455 error codes.
- Check engine light on.
- Failed emissions test.
- Reduced vehicle performance.
- Fuel smell coming from the vehicle.
A leaky charcoal canister can cause performance issues and require replacement. Buying a new one is relatively inexpensive.
You can even carry out the job at home with basic DIY skills. It’s just a matter of disconnecting the hoses and electrical connectors, removing the canister, and reconnecting everything.
Cause #4: Leak In The Fuel Tank
A gas tank is a durable car component and is placed in a protective area.
However, it can sustain damage from accidents or get punctured by road debris, resulting in a leak.
Here are some common signs that your fuel tank is leaking:
- Combination of P0442 and P0455 error codes.
- Fuel smell coming from the vehicle.
- A wet spot under the car.
- High fuel consumption.
You can repair the gas tank by using epoxy putty on smaller leaks and welding on larger leaking spots. But before you start welding, empty the fuel tank of any fuel and vapors.
It can often be a hassle to seal a fuel tank. It’s best to replace a leaky fuel tank with a new one.
Cause #5: Failed EVAP Vent
The vent assists the EVAP system by allowing air into the charcoal canister.
A faulty EVAP vent can prevent fresh air from entering the EVAP system, affecting its operations.
Some of the symptoms of a failed EVAP vent include:
- Combination of P0442 and P0446 error codes.
- Check engine light on.
- Pressure in the gas tank.
- Failed emissions test.
If your car has a failed EVAP vent, it’s time to buy a new one.
Cause #6: Failed EVAP Purge Valve
The EVAP purge valve is responsible for “purging” the EVAP system by acting as a switch that holds the fuel vapors in the charcoal canister and prevents them from leaking.
A failed EVAP purge valve will negatively affect the car’s emission output levels, indicating an evaporative emission system leak.
If you have a bad EVAP purge valve, you may experience the following symptoms:
- A combination of P0442 with either P0441/P0443/P0445.
- Rough idle.
- Poor engine performance.
- Difficulty starting.
- Low fuel economy.
- Check engine light on.
To fix this issue, purchase a new EVAP purge valve and replace it with the old one.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix P0442?
The most common cause of the P0442 is a faulty gas cap which can cost anywhere between $10 and $20, depending on your car’s make and model.
Other causes can set you back up to $1000 if the fuel tank is the problem. Below, we’ve broken down the repair costs (DIY or mechanic) according to the solutions.
The Estimated Repair Cost Of P0442
| Solutions | Cost |
|---|---|
| Replace gas cap | - DIY: $10 - $20 - Repair shop: not recommended |
| Replace EVAP lines | - DIY: $8 - $15 - Repair shop: $60 - $65 |
| Replace charcoal canister | - DIY: $80 - $250 - Repair shop: $130 - $350 |
| Replace fuel tank | - DIY: $600 - $800 - Repair shop: more than $1000 |
| Replace EVAP vent | - DIY: $30 - $150 - Repair shop: $60 - $250 |
| Replace EVAP purge valve | - DIY: $35 - $100 - Repair shop: $85 - $220 |
Note: The data in this table is collected in June 2022. The actual price depends on many factors, such as your car’s make and year, mechanic’s rate, etc.
You Ask, I Answer
Although a small leak in the EVAP system is not dangerous to drive with a P0442 error code for the short term, it is best to get it fixed.
I would like to thank you for sticking with me to the end.
If you have any questions or concerns about the error code P0442, please let me know in the comments section below, and I’ll try my best to answer your concerns.
See ya!
Read more: The 9 Best OBD2 Scanners for 2022: The Only Review You Need
