Carbon Canister
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 1995 Ford Windstar. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Carbon canister storage is used for evaporative emission control on all vehicles. The function of evaporative emission control systems is to store gasoline fumes from fuel tank in a carbon canister until fumes can be drawn into engine for burning during combustion process. For specific component application and vacuum hose routing, see VACUUM DIAGRAMS article in the ENGINE PERFORMANCE section.