Smoke Procedure - Locate the Leak
WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.
- Turn OFF any fans that may cause air movement around or near the vehicle.
- Connect the nitrogen/smoke hose to the vehicle as directed in the service procedures. Some vehicles require that the nitrogen/smoke hose be connected at the front of the EVAP system at the EVAP service port. An adapter may be necessary. Other vehicles require the connection be made at the rear of the system using an adapter at the fuel fill cap. Consult the service procedures for DTCs that relate to evaporative emission (EVAP) system leaks for vehicle specific instructions regarding connection location and adapters.
- Open the nitrogen tank valve and turn the nitrogen/smoke valve on the control panel to smoke.
- Press and release the remote switch to activate the tester and inject smoke into the EVAP system.
- Verify smoke has filled the EVAP system by opening the system opposite the end where smoke is injected. When injecting smoke at the service port, remove the fuel fill cap until smoke is observed. Then close the system and continue testing. If using a special tool fuel fill cap adapter at the filler neck, vent the system at the service port, with special tool EN 41413-VLV EVAP Service Port Vent Fitting, until smoke is observed then remove the vent fitting tool and close the system to continue with the test.
- Press and release the remote switch to deactivate the tester.
- Introduce smoke into the system for an additional 60 s. Continue introducing smoke at 15 s intervals, as necessary.
- Using a high-intensity white light, inspect the entire EVAP system path, and look for the source of the leak indicated by the exiting smoke. Introduce smoke at 15 s intervals, as needed, until leak source is identified.
NOTE:
It is not recommended to use the tester in an outside repair bay area because wind and sunlight may affect temperature and your ability to see the smoke.
NOTE:
Completely unwind the nitrogen/smoke hose from the bracket to optimize the tester's performance.
NOTE:
The remote switch operates on a push ON, push OFF fashion.
NOTE:
Inject smoke in less than 2 min cycles for optimum tester performance.
NOTE:
For optimum visual smoke performance, deactivate the smoke flow and allow the system pressure to drop. Allowing the smoke to exit small holes at a low flow rate greatly enhances visibility.