DTC P0442: Evaporative Emission Control System - Small Leak Detected: Description

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire, 2003 Pontiac Grand Am, 2003 Oldsmobile Alero, and 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

This DTC tests the Evaporative Emission (EVAP) system for a small leak. The PCM monitors the Fuel Tank Pressure (FTP) sensor signal to determine the vacuum decay rate. At an appropriate time, the PCM turns the EVAP canister purge valve ON and the EVAP vent valve ON. This allows the engine to draw a vacuum on the EVAP system. At a calibrated time, or vacuum level, the PCM turns the EVAP canister purge valve OFF, sealing the system, and monitors the FTP sensor input in order to determine the EVAP system vacuum decay. If the PCM detects a leak larger than a calibrated amount, this DTC sets.

The following table illustrates the relationship between the ON and OFF states, and the Open or Closed states of the EVAP canister purge and vent valves. See EVAP CANISTER PURGE VALVE/ VENT VALVE RELATIONSHIP table.

EVAP CANISTER PURGE VALVE/ VENT VALVE RELATIONSHIP

Control Module Command	EVAP Canister Purge Valve	EVAP Canister Vent Valve
ON	Open	Closed
OFF	Closed	Open