Temperature Variation Instructions

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2015 Chevrolet Trax and 2015 Buick Encore. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The Concern

Ideal circumstances for conducting the EVAP flow meter test require equal temperatures between the Nitrogen gas and the vehicle EVAP system. Significant differences in temperature between them can result in a flow or pressure change during testing, causing misleading results. Typically, the evaporative emission system tester is stored indoors, approximately 21°C (70°F). Vehicles brought in for diagnosis may have an EVAP system at significantly different temperatures.

For Example

NOTE:

With no temperature difference between the Nitrogen gas and EVAP system, the resulting vehicle EVAP system pressure will remain stable at 13 in. H2O (0.5 PSI) once pressurized, providing no leaks are present.

When the EVAP flow meter tests are performed with significant differences in temperature between the Nitrogen gas and the vehicle EVAP system, the following results can occur:

An increase in flow during the flow meter test can be caused by a vehicle's warm EVAP system cooling down.
A decrease in flow during the flow meter test can be caused by a vehicle's cool EVAP system warming up.

The Solution

When working on a vehicle with significant temperature differences between the vehicle EVAP system and the Nitrogen gas, allow the vehicle EVAP system temperature to stabilize as close as possible to the temperature of the Nitrogen gas before conducting the flow meter test.