P0442 Explained - Medium EVAP leak (Simple Fix)

The FIXD wireless OBD2 scanner and free app for iPhone and Android translates your check engine light into plain English so you can rest easy. In this video, we explain what OBD2 code P0442 means and possible causes.
P0442 means an medium leak in your evaporative system. The evaporative emission control (EVAP) system prevents fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere.
The fuel vapors from the fuel tank are absorbed and stored by charcoal pellets in the charcoal canister. The vent control valve is controlled by the engine control module (ECM) and allows air to flow into the charcoal canister to purge the gas vapors into the engine air intake to be burned. The flow of the gas vapors from the charcoal canister to the engine air intake is controlled by a purge volume control valve. The vent control valve is usually open when the engine is at normal operating temperature, and the purge volume control valve is commanded on when the ECM is ready to burn the built-up fuel vapors.
However, when the vehicle is turned off the ECM performs a leak test to ensure the evaporative emission control system is working properly. During the leak test, the ECM closes the vent control valve and purge valve to seal the evaporative system. If the EVAP system does not maintain the pressure, the ECM recognizes an evaporative emission control leak. In the case of P0442, it is a medium-sized leak, between .020”-.040” in diameter.

0:00 P0442 - Medium EVAP Leak
0:04 P0442 is caused when there is a medium leak in the EVAP System
0:54 What is the EVAP System?
2:00 Results of a P0442 code
2:15 Possible Causes of P0442
2:34 Visit our blog to learn more about P0442
2:42 Happy Driving!

#FIXD #P0442 #checkenginelight

[kimchee]

When fixed, check engine light goes away with a full drive cycle but that may take a long time with 100 miles or more. With that said my check engine light went away but the evap monitor never in 7 years. Drove like new, maybe little more gas and with one remaining monitor will pass smog in CA. Replace with OEM gas cap, replaced with OE O2 sensors upstream both banks, replaced with OE spark plugs, clean throttle body and MAF sensor, changed PVC valve, change engine oil. Still evap monitor remains, next smoke test. EVAP problems not a simple issue for me, main thing is to pass smog test every 2 years.

[cynthiazibelin]

he P0442 code indicates that there is a small leak in the EVAP system

[aok]

Wow, great explanation! Best explanation for the code cause! Thank you!

[lukewilson]

My Jeep has been throwing this code for 3 plus years. Good thing I live in Florida and they don’t give a crap about inspections.

[evdallas]

I don't give a crap about gas fumes getting out but I can't get a tag if that freekin light is on

[kdakc]

My Volvo mechanic charges $142 an hour and is 25 miles away. My FIXD device was MUCH less and I don't have to book an appointment with it and wait. And wait. You guys obviously care about helping DIYers get it right.

[piratesacademy]

So i own a mustang and I am having a check engine light for this code but small leak! The car is under warranty.. the dealership service are unable to fix it they are saying they have replaced everything even fuel sensor. They are blaming my exhaust for the leak not sure what to do

[drewwoolsey]

CLEAR THE CODE AND REMOVE AND REINSTALL YOUR GAS CAP, IF YOU DON'T HAVE CODE READER JUST REINSTALL YOUR GAS CAP. MOST LIKELY A VAPOR LOCK.

[ShontilR]

I just took my car to the dealer and they put on a new gas cap. Check engine light went off for a week. Now it’s back on. Does it need another gas cap?

[markestrin]

Wow! Pretty impressive. So, if you are technically inclined and really want to understand what's going on in your engine, this is a fun fun video that explains it!

[rogerstikkers]

Turn the music either off or way down, all I can hear is the stupid music. Thank you. Just trying to help.

[Ganitros]

I came here for answers and I got question, but those questions being answered will lead to my problem, thank y'all.

[ktt]

Not sure about the gas cap not being tight on some vehicles because I’ve filled my truck up while it was running and it never caused the check engine light to come on. I’m thinking it must be something else on my truck.

[aldergate-ca]

I have an aversion to being schooled by cute girls but I must say very well done and accurate.

[marks]

Would the code 442 show up if you have a bad gasket for the intake manifold?

[argonaut]

your background music i too loud compared to your speaker's voice. almost impossible to hear thr speaker. i know the music sounds cool, but your speaker should be heard. - - -

[angelgjr]

Ok bought new gas cap for my Mustang GT, I will update if it fixes code.

[floridaboz]

This video made me happy to be honest. I just bought a truck, had a check engine light on, but noticed prior to checking the code, the truck has no gas cap, so i am hoping when i get the cap, the code will go away. I was worried it would be something major

[BranTheManPK]

So it doesn't mess my car up, just the air? No problem

[carlosk]

It's a scam on older 20-30 year old cars you are going to have so many problems. If you can't fix it yourself... Your gonna end up junking the car. because repairs will exceed value of old car.... And then you have to ask yourself is junking a WORKING drivable car REALLY helping the environment??