P0442 Small Evap leak 2003 Tips needed to correct

[YellowAztekinNEOhio]

Been working hard to correct this one. P0442 is small leak in Evap system
I had a bad vacuum hose on the Purge Vent solenoid, so I replaced vacuum hose . But light came right back
I checked gas cap but seals looks good , I did not do pressure test . I put some grease on it to see if it would seal and make light go out it didn’t.
Disconnected battery for twenty minutes light returned

I felt hose on purge valve and it was pulsing so it was tested with vacuum pump and did not hold so I disconnected the battery and replace the purge vent solenoid . Reconnect the battery and started ,and check engine light came back on .

I wish I could Do a leak test ,

any tips

background of other fixes p0301, p0135
p0301 change coil ,corrected
p0135 change bank one o2 sens, corrected. but p0442 appeared after I changed o2 sensor

 

[melsg5]

these are the standard causes and corrections, smoke test is what is needed

P0442 Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak)

How to easily diagnose, repair, and info on causes of a P0442 trouble code which indicates a small EVAP emissions leak has been detected.

www.obd-codes.com

 

[YellowAztekinNEOhio]

Here’s an update on yellow fever
1. Replaced easy stuff first ,replaced purge solenoid valve vacuum hose , Code p0442 remained
2. Tested purge solenoid for leaks with vacuum pump ,found it leaks . Change out failed purge solenoid with after market auto part equivalent , results still have code 0442 retested new purge solenoid for leaks , it did not . Have another leak somewhere . Note always test new purge solenoid valve , they have been known to leak right out of box .

3. I Study up on testing Evaps for p0442 is do a smoke test to find . Don’t have a smoke tester. Can’t afford one , so I copied the best how to make one on you tube . Tested , Found leak coming from evap vent solenoid over tank. Ugh on to top of fuel tank. Ugh
4. Carefully Lowered fuel tank( after I ran it out of fuel ,to low fuel light came on ) to access area where smoke test observed leak. Retested . Sure enough ,leak coming from evap solenoid vent valve . Ordered after market replacement. Installed replacement . Raised fuel tank and reattached hardware .
5. Reconnected battery and started Aztek, Check engine light is out so hopeful all the above is what I had to do to correct. Took a week to do . If you ever know what it’s like to work on a Northeast Ohio rust belt car. I hope you never have the experience.
I attached some photos to hopefully help someone else .
Smoke tester is made from
quart paint can
barbed hose fittings I had treaded into can lid and sealed with rtv
asked the wife nicely to please get some incense for smoke source .
turn down regulator on air compressor for minimum air flow into evap test at purge valve ,cut off old purge hose nipple to attach smoke hose to evap system to test.

did not take picture of evap vent valve nor did it test it ,was to anxious to get it going .
This is added will help you troubleshoot
also I noticed the purge valve u shape hose had a rapid pulse . If the purge valve is doing that there’s still a leak in the evap system . So it you squeeze that evap purge solenoid hose and feel pulsing ,or valve is cycling it there a leak ,it not holding vacuum .

 

[melsg5]

Thanks for the update and very creative on the smoke test

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[YellowAztekinNEOhio]

Well still have leak in the same area using my smoke tester . Ugh I replace that valve , I should have tested it again after I installed it. But I didn’t now I have to repeat the tank lower and retest for leaks with smoke to pin point where the leak is . Can’t see it. . I hope it not the new valve.
could it be electrical?

 

[melsg5]

It could be electrical but you need an advanced scan tool that can activate components.

 

[YellowAztekinNEOhio]

It could be electrical but you need an advanced scan tool that can activate components.

I was under today and used contact cleaner on the 8 point connector .
i Just don’t see how I could have a leak in same area , Just have to run the gas way low and lower tank and retest

 

[YellowAztekinNEOhio]

Anyone have a electric diagram of the connector under the front left door buy gas tank. I like to use vom meter to test continuity

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[melsg5]

Have you tried Google to see if what you need is out there?

 

[YellowAztekinNEOhio]

Here’s the photo of went solenoid valve and where’s it leaking smoke doing smoke test .What could I be doing that’s wrong both valves leaked here. Old and new replacement. This is now suppose to leak to atmosphere the way I see it or under stand evap

 

[melsg5]

Was the replacement a new or used part?

 

[YellowAztekinNEOhio]

Was the replacement a new or used part?

Brand new aftermarket

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[YellowAztekinNEOhio]

Wish I could find a electric diagram of the circuit. The part pt1123 and male I would to test the wire continue. Went to library nothing in chiltons on line no all data no Haynes

 

[YellowAztekinNEOhio]

Was the replacement a new or used part?

ClearEd the codes . serveice engine Light came back on p0449

 

[melsg5]

You don't appear to have that one before, some suggestions here

P0449 Evaporative Emission Control System Vent Valve/Solenoid Circuit Malfunction

Detailed information on diagnosing and repairing a P0449 DTC code which refers to a malfunction with the EVAP vent valve solenoid circuit.

www.obd-codes.com