EVAP Purge Solenoid Valve Leak Test
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2004 GMC Envoy XUV, 2004 GMC Envoy XL, 2004 GMC Envoy, and 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
If the evaporative emission (EVAP) canister 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 canister purge solenoid valve OFF, closed; and EVAP canister vent solenoid valve ON, closed; sealing the system, and monitoring the fuel tank pressure (FTP) for an increase in vacuum. If the control module detects that EVAP system vacuum increases above a calibrated value, DTC P0496 will set.