Purge Valve Leak Test
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Sunfire and 2004 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
If the EVAP purge solenoid valve does not seal properly, fuel vapors could enter the engine at an undesired time causing driveability concerns. The control module tests for this by commanding the EVAP purge solenoid valve OFF, closed, and vent solenoid valve ON, closed, sealing the system, and monitoring the FTP for an increase in vacuum. If the control module detects that EVAP system vacuum increases above a calibrated value, DTC P0496 will set.