Evaporative Systems Diagnosis: Section 5
Evaporative Systems Diagnosis: Section 5
Vapor Pressure
Sensor Tank Pressure Valve
To Manifold Vacuum
Purge Valve
Filtered Air
Canister
Learning Objectives: 1. Determine the condition of the EVAP system operation based on
engine data and the EVAP pressure tester.
2. Determine the condition of the vapor pressure sensor.
3. Determine EVAP monitor status using Readiness Tests and
CARB modes.
EVAP System
Service Port
Vapor EVAP (Purge) VSV
Pressure
Sensor
Bypass
VSV
CCV
Fig.5-1
TL874f501
Overview There are a variety of EVAP systems in use with different monitoring
strategies. It is essential that the EVAP system be correctly identified
before beginning diagnosis (the Repair Manual is the best source). The
following information covers the different systems.
Check mode does not work for EVAP codes. Use the Readiness Test
Confirmation procedure.
A common failure is a leak in the system, but restrictions will also set
EVAP related DTCs.
Vapor Pressure
Sensor Tank Pressure Valve
To Manifold Vacuum
Purge Valve
Filtered Air
Canister
Late Type
EVAP Pressure
in Fuel Tank
Fuel vapor pressure is
vented into the charcoal
canister when vapor
pressure forces the tank
pressure control valve
open.
Fig. 5-3
TL874f503
Late Type
EVAP Vacuum
in Fuel Tank
Vacuum in the tank can
be relieved by allowing
air to enter through the
charcoal canister or fuel
tank cap.
Fig. 5-4
TL874f504
Late Type
EVAP Purge Mode
During purge, vapors are
drawn out of the canister
and burned in the
engine.
Fig. 5-5
TL874f505
Fig. 5-6
TL874f506
Evaporative Regulations require that the EVAP system be monitored for system
Systems performance and leak detection. Leaks, restrictions, and many
Monitoring components are checked by measuring the pressure of the EVAP system
at various stages.
Early EVAP systems had to detect a 1mm (0.040 in.) hole and greater. It
is often called the early type or non-intrusive system.
Beginning with 2000 model year, a new EVAP monitor system was
implemented to meet the new, mandated standard of detecting a hole
down to .5mm (0.020 in.). This new system is referred to as the Late
Type or Intrusive Type. The intrusive system is being phased in.
Early-Type The ECM relies on the VP sensor signal to accurately measure pressure
(Non-Intrusive) in the EVAP system and the purge side of the charcoal canister. The
Pressure changes in the pressures being measured are very small, often 15.5
Detection mmHg (0.3 psi) or less. For the VP sensor to measure tank pressure and
canister pressure, a three-way VSV is connected to the VP sensor, fuel
tank and lines, and charcoal canister. When there is no power to the
three-way VSV VP sensor, the VP sensor measures canister purge
pressure. When the ECM turns on the VSV, the VP sensor measures
fuel tank pressure.
To Manifold Vacuum
Purge Valve
Filtered Air
Canister
20 Minutes
Fig. 5-8
TL874f508
The leak could be a filler cap not properly tightened, a hole in the lines,
charcoal canister, or fuel tank. A visual inspection of the EVAP is
performed for most EVAP diagnostic procedures. Inspection begins with
the filler cap, hoses and tank.
P0440: If DTC P0440 is present, the leak is on the fuel tank side of the EVAP
Evaporative system. This also includes the lines between the fuel tank and part of
Emission System the canister. When the VP sensor is measuring tank pressure, the ECM
Malfunction is observing changes in pressure and comparing tank pressure to
atmospheric pressure. No difference in pressure indicates a leak. The
ECM may take 20 minutes or more to complete testing the fuel tank side.
Fig. 5-9
TL874f509
Early Type
EVAP Tank Side
If a leak is suspected,
the shaded areas
should be checked.
Fig. 5-10
TL874f510
Fig. 5-11
TL874f511
Restricted Vapor During purging under normal conditions, pressure pulsations are
Purge Flow generated by the cycling of the purge VSV and canister pressure drops. If
the VP sensor does NOT detect these pulsations and pressure drop in the
canister, the ECM determines the EVAP system is not working. Possible
causes are, the purge VSV is stuck closed, a restricted purge line, a hole
or disconnected purge line.
Both vapor purge flow conditions set DTC P0441 and the technician must
diagnose the system to find which condition is present.
NOTE DTC P0441 may indicate a leak. If the VP sensor does NOT detect a
pressure drop when the purge control is turned on, a leak may be a
possible cause; for example, a disconnected purge hose.
Early Type
EVAP Vapor Purge
Flow Detection
If a purge flow problem
is suspected, check the
shaded areas. The
purge VSV should
also be checked.
Fig. 5-12
TL874f512
P0446: If DTC P0446 is present, a leak present on the canister purge side may
Three-Way VSV set this code.
NOTE This code can also be set by a malfunctioning three-way VSV. If there is
atmospheric pressure in the canister after the purge VSV is shut off, the
ECM concludes there is a problem with the system.
Fig. 5-13
TL874f513
Early Type
EVAP Canister
Leak Detection
If a leak is suspected in
the canister, check the
shaded areas.
Fig. 5-14
TL874f514
The three-way VSV is connected to the VP sensor, canister, and fuel tank.
This VSV allows the VP sensor to detect either canister or tank pressure.
There are two modes the ECM can use to determine if the three-way VSV
is malfunctioning. The three-way VSV is judged to be normal if there is
pressure difference between the tank and canister when the three-way
VSV is switched.
If there isn’t any pressure difference between the tank and canister, the
ECM looks for the following conditions:
Summary of
Early Type
Evaporative
System DTC(s)
P0440: The fuel tank pressure is atmospheric pressure after the vehicle is
Evaporative driven for 20 minutes. (two trip detection logic)
Emission
Control System
Malfunction
P0441: The pressure in the charcoal canister does not drop during purge
Evaporative control. (two trip detection logic)
Emission
Control System During purge cut-off, the pressure in the charcoal canister is very low
Incorrect Purge compared with atmospheric pressure. (two trip detection logic)
Flow
P0446: When VSV for vapor pressure sensor is OFF, the ECM judges that there
Evaporative is a leak between the vapor pressure sensor and charcoal canister. (two
Emission trip detection logic)
Control System
Vent Control When VSV for vapor pressure sensor is ON, ECM judges that there is a
Malfunction leak between the pressure sensor and fuel tank. (two trip detection
logic)
After the purge cut off operates, the pressure in the charcoal canister is
maintained at atmospheric pressure. (two trip detection logic)
NOTE When diagnosing a P0446 DTC, check the Freeze Frame data. If the
DTC sets at 0 mph, check for a hole in the canister. If a vehicle speed is
recorded, check the 3-way VSV.
To Manifold Vacuum
Purge Valve
Filtered Air
Canister
Closed Valve
Canister
Late Type The late type, also known as intrusive type, was developed to meet the
(Intrusive) very stringent, mandated standard of detecting a hole 5mm (0.020˝). This
Monitor system uses many of the same components as the early type. Purge,
System vacuum relief, pressure relief, and ORVR operations are identical to the
early type. However, the following items have been changed:
The vapor pressure sensor is connected to the tank and is not switched to
the canister.
The three-way VSV has been replaced with a bypass VSV which connects
the canister and tank during monitor operation.
A closed canister valve (CCV) has been added on the air inlet line allowing
the system to be sealed.
The monitoring for leak detection is different. This system applies a very
small vacuum to the EVAP system. The ECM determines if there is a
problem in the system based on the vapor pressure sensor signal. All
EVAP DTCs require two trips.
• The monitor sequence begins with a cold engine start. The IAT and
ECT sensors must have approximately the same temperature
reading.
• The ECM will purge the charcoal canister at the appropriate time.
With the bypass VSV closed, pressure will continue to rise in fuel
tank.
Evaporative Monitor
Fig. 5-16
TL874f516
Late Type
EVAP Monitor
Beginning Stages
After a period of driving,
5-20 minutes, the ECM
cycles the purge VSV.
Fig. 5-17
TL874f517
P0441: At a predetermined point, the ECM closes the CCV and opens the
Purge VSV bypass VSV causing a pressure drop in the entire EVAP system.
Operation
The ECM continues to operate the purge valve until the pressure is
lowered to a specified point at which time the ECM closes the purge
valve.
If the pressure did not drop, or if the drop in pressure decreased beyond
the specified limit, the ECM judges the purge VSV and related
components to be faulty.
P0440 & P0442: The rate of pressure increase, as detected by the vapor pressure signal,
HC Leak indicates if there is a leak and if it is a large or small leak.
Detection
After purge valve operation, the purge VSV is turned off sealing the
vacuum in the system and the ECM begins to monitor the pressure
increase. Some increase in pressure is normal. A very rapid, sharp
increase in pressure indicates a leak in the EVAP system and sets the
DTC P0440.
CCV Operation
The CCV is commanded
open by the ECM. The
vapor pressure sensor
will measure a rapid
pressure increase.
Fig. 5-18
TL874f518
P0446: This stage checks the CCV and vent (air inlet side) operation. When the
Vent Control, vapor pressure rises to a specified point, the ECM opens the CCV.
CCV Operation Pressure will increase rapidly because of the air allowed into the system.
and Bypass VSV No increase or an increase below specified rate of pressure increase
Operation indicates a restriction on the air inlet side.
In the next stage, the ECM closes the bypass VSV. This action blocks air
entering the tank side of the system. The pressure rise is no longer as
great. If there was no change in pressure, the ECM will conclude the
bypass VSV did not close.
Late Type
(Intrusive)
EVAP Monitor
Sequence
Fig. 5-19
TL874f519
P0450 & P0451: These two DTCs indicate a faulty VP sensor or circuit on Early and Late
VP Sensor type EVAP systems. These DTCs are not set instantly, for the ECM
measures VP sensor signal under a variety of conditions and may require
the EVAP monitor to complete. Both DTCs require two trips.
To set DTC P0450, after starting, the ECM monitors the VP sensor for
10 seconds. If the VP sensor measures over 4.5V or under 0.5V for at
least 7 seconds of the 10 seconds after starting in both the canister and
tank, the VP sensor is judged to have failed.
For DTC P0451, after 10 seconds, the voltage criteria is 4.9V and 0.10V.
If the VP sensor exceeds these specifications for over 7 seconds, the VP
sensor is judged as faulty. Within a 10 seconds period, between 5 to 15
seconds after stopping the vehicle, the tank pressure is monitored. If
the VP sensor output fluctuates beyond the programmed specifications,
the VP sensor is judged to have failed. For example, 3.83V (+5 mmHg)
and 2.77V (-5 mmHg) have occurred more than 7 times within the 10
seconds period.
Vapor Pressure Though there are different styles of vapor pressure sensors, they use
Sensor Circuit the same style circuit.
The Vapor Pressure Sensor (VPS) measures the vapor pressure in the
evaporative emission control system. The vapor pressure sensor may be
located on the fuel tank, near the charcoal canister assembly or in a
remote location.
Atmospheric
Vapor Pressure Pressure
Types of
Vapor Pressure Sensors
Vapor Pressure
Atmospheric Pressure Vapor Pressure
Atmospheric Pressure
Vapor Pressure
Vapor Pressure Atmospheric Pressure
Fig. 5-21
Type A Type B TL874f521
VPS
Electrical Circuit
The ECM receives this
voltage signal at the
PTNK terminal. This
sensor receives 5 volts
from the ECM on the VC
line. The ground for the
sensor is through a
ground wire to the ECM
(usually
terminal E2).
VPS Diagnosis Check all hoses for proper connection, restrictions, and leaks. Check
the VC and E2 voltages. Apply the specified pressure and read sensor
voltage output. The vapor pressure sensor is calibrated for the
pressures found in the EVAP system, so apply only the specified amount
to prevent damaging the sensor.
NOTE Check the Freeze Frame data. Typically, when ENGINE RUN TIME is
less than 200 seconds, carefully check the Vapor Pressure Sensor.
EVAP The common tools for diagnosis are the Diagnostic Tester and Pressure
Diagnostic tool. Procedures will vary with application. The worksheet attached to this
Tools and section will provide you with a general procedure.
Procedures
The nature of the EVAP system makes it difficult to confirm the repair.
Please refer to the Readiness Confirmation Test.
NOTE When the Intrusive EVAP system is pressurized through the service port,
the EVAP system is pressurized EXCEPT for the fresh air intake line
between the CCV and canister. The CCV and intake line must be
pressurized separately to check for a leak.
(Instructors’Copy)
Vehicle Year/ Prod. Date Engine Transmission
Worksheet Objectives
This worksheet will guide you in testing and confirming if there is a leak in the Intrusive EVAP system. It will
also show you how to isolate the canister side from the tank side.
• Vehicle
• Diagnostic Tester
• DVOM
• Test leads
2. DIAGNOSTIC TESTER SETUP: Go to setup menu on the tester and select UNIT CONVERSION.
3. Under VAPOR PRESSURE, select ABS for absolute pressure, and mmHg for millimeters of mercury. This is
to match RM specs.
6. Using a test lead, ground the Closed Canister Valve (CCV) at the ECM and listen for a clicking sound at the
CCV.
7. Using a test lead, ground the Bypass (Pressure Switching Valve) VSV (TBP) at the ECM and listen for a
clicking sound at Bypass VSV.
8. What will grounding the CCV and Bypass VSV do to these valves and what does it verify?
The CCV closes the air inlet passage. The Bypass VSV opens the bypass passage.
10.Start the engine, activate the EVAP (Purge) VSV. Observe the vapor pressure reading and DVOM. Pressure
should drop to approximately 740mmHg or 1.2 volts (this will vary with altitude and condition of system).
Turn OFF or disconnect EVAP (Purge) VSV.
11.Observe the Vapor Pressure Sensor and DVOM. How long should the EVAP system maintain a vacuum?
13.Create a small leak by opening the gas cap, or at another point as directed by the instructor. Observe DT
and DVOM.
14.What happened to the DT Vapor Pressure Sensor reading and DVOM readings? Which reacted faster?
Both showed an increase in pressure, though the DVOM is more sensitive and reacted faster.
15.Is the vacuum test more useful for locating a leak or verifying a leak exists?
P0440, P0442
17.Restore vehicle to normal condition.
Review this sheet as you are doing the worksheet. Check each category after completing the
worksheet and instructor presentation. Ask the instructor if you have questions. The comments
section is for you to write where to find the information, questions, etc.
Topic Comment
(Instructors’Copy)
Vehicle Year/ Prod. Date Engine Transmission
Worksheet Objectives
In this worksheet, you will use the Diagnostic Tester and EVAP Pressure Tester (Miller) to test system integrity
and determine the condition of the EVAP system and components. When finished, you will know how to
diagnose the EVAP system and components.
• Repair Manual
• Vehicle EWD
• Diagnostic Tester
• DVOM
2. Under VAPOR PRESSURE, select ABS for absolute pressure, and mmHg for millimeters of mercury. This is
to match RM specs.
2. With the key on and engine off, record Tank Vapor Pressure reading _______________mmHg. What does
a reading above or below atmospheric pressure (762 mmHg) indicate?
2. Using the Diagnostic Tester, go to ACTIVE TEST, EVAP (Purge) VSV test.
3. Start the engine. With engine warm @ idle, activate EVAP VSV.
4. Pump gauge should read between - 9 mmHg to - 499 mmHg (-5" H2O to -268" H2O) with the needle
fluctuating. Name two causes for the needle not to fluctuate.
P0441
6. From air cleaner side, temporarily plug the air inlet line. Pressure should decrease by -10mmHg (- 5" H2O)
or more.
Proceduce Resutls
1. Clamp air drain hose with supplied hose pliers. Condition 1. Pump gauge and vapor pressure
above atmospheric pressure. This indicates:
P0440, P0442
After completing the steps above proceed to checking the CCV and air inlet line. This must be done because
this section is not pressurized when the pump pressurizes the system through the service port.
4. Pressurize line, turn pump off. Pressure should hold. If not, check line and CCV.
6. Reconnect line.
P0446
Check Bypass (Pressure Switching Valve) VSV Operation
This tests the Bypass VSV for operation and restrictions.
Bypass VSV
7. Reconnect lines.
P0446
2. Remove clamp from air drain. Remove the plug and connect the Vapor Pressure Sensor hose.
Vapor pressure sensor with two hoses - preparation for leak testing
1. Disconnect Here
Fuel Hose
Figure 1
Canister Side
Figure 2
Tank Side
Figure 3
1. Disconnect the EVAP hose from the charcoal canister side and then pressurize the fuel tank to
30 mmHg (4 kPa/0.58psi).
2. Check that the internal pressure of the tank can hold for 1 minute. Check shaded areas for leaks
(soapy water detection). If it does, check the canister side.
3. With system pressurized, check shaded areas for leaks (soapy water detection). Inspect fuel tank cap for
leaks and if it is OEM.
Review this sheet as you are doing the worksheet. Check each category after completing the
worksheet and instructor presentation. Ask the instructor if you have questions. The comments
section is for you to write where to find the information, questions, etc.
Topic Comment
(Instructors’Copy)
Vehicle Year/ Prod. Date Engine Transmission
Worksheet Objectives
In this worksheet, you will use the Diagnostic Tester and EVAP Pressure Tester (Miller) to test system integrity
and determine the condition of the EVAP system and components.
• Repair Manual
• Vehicle EWD
• Diagnostic Tester
• DVOM
2. Under VAPOR PRESSURE, select ABS for absolute pressure, and mmHg for millimeters of mercury. This is
to match RM specs.
2. With the key on and engine off, record Tank Vapor Pressure reading _______________mmHg. What does a
reading above or below atmospheric pressure indicate?
2. Using the Diagnostic Tester, go to ACTIVE TEST, EVAP (Purge) VSV test
3. Start the engine. With engine warm @ idle, activate EVAP VSV
4. Pump gauge should read between - 9 mmHg to - 499 mmHg (-5" H2O to -268" H2O) with the needle
fluctuating. Name two causes for the needle not to fluctuate.
P0441
6. From air cleaner side, temporarily plug the air inlet line. Pressure should decrease by -10mmHg (- 5" H2O)
or more.
Proceduce Resutls
1. Clamp air drain line with supplied hose pliers. Condition 1. Pump gauge and vapor pressure
above atmospheric pressure. This indicates:
5. Compare your readings to one of the four results 4. Pump pressure gauge at zero, vapor
listed in the right column. Your vehicle had result pressure is at 762 mmHg. This indicates:
number _________________.
Multiple leaks on canister and tank sides or leak at a point
6. Next, in the right column, list a probable reason or common to both sides. Use the Canister and Tank Leak
area that can cause each result.
Detection Steps for diagnosis.
P0440
Return Vehicle to Service
1. After repairs, pressurize the EVAP system to be sure the system does not leak.
2. Remove clamp from air drain. Remove the plug and connect the Vapor Pressure Sensor hose.
Canister Side
Figure 1
1. With the system pressurized, check shaded areas for leaks (soapy water detection).
Tank Side
Figure 2
Review this sheet as you are doing the worksheet. Check each category after completing the
worksheet and instructor presentation. Ask the instructor if you have questions. The comments
section is for you to write where to find the information, questions, etc.
Topic Comment