What is P0442 DTC? Common Symptoms, Causes, and Solution
Gasoline being a volatile liquid, can evaporate even at normal temperature conditions. So, the automakers have designed special systems to detect evaporation. However, the faults in EVAP can result in the evaporation of the fuel particles that can be detected by the OBDII module resulting in the DTC P0440 family.
The following are the key takeaways from this article:
P0442 is a low-intensity DTC indicating a medium leakage in the EVAP ranging between the sizes of 0.2″ -0.4″.
The major cause of this DTC includes a loosened fuel cap, a damaged fuel tank, faulty EVAP lining, and a faulty solenoid controlling purge/canister valve.
The common symptoms of this DTC include a decrease in the fuel mileage, fuel odor from the car, gasoline leakage, and check engine light.
The common solutions of this DTC include the replacement of faulty solenoids, fuel tanks, EVAP lining, and gas caps.
Introduction
No driver wants a leak in the vehicle’s emission system as it reduces the fuel average and increases the chances of a fire in the car. The evaporating fuel particles are also hazardous to the environment as they form a film blocking the sunlight and forming harmful chemicals in the air. To avoid the evaporation of fuel particles, the early cars came with a fuel cap that closed the fuel storage tank. The automakers further designed EVAP, a smart system comprising different components preventing the leakage of fuel particles (4). EVAP contains a carbon canister that absorbs the leaked fuel particles. The canister valve opens when these fuel particles must be purged inside the engine cylinder. However, certain faults in EVAP can result in the leakage/evaporation of fuel particles from the car (2). OBDII can detect this, and according to the leak size, the OBD sends a particular DTC to the vehicle’s ECU (1).
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DTC P0442 is one DTC that indicates the leak in the EVAP system, and the digit 42 indicates that the leakage is in between the size of 0.2″ -0.4″.
This article will further shed light on the causes, symptoms, and solutions of P0442 DTC.
How to Read P0442 DTC
The following table has read every character of P0442 DTC (2):
Number of Character
Specific Character
What does it Signify
First
P
The problem lies within the powertrain part of the vehicle. This means that the engine, transmission, or fuel system can malfunction.
Second
0
This means that the code is standardized, so the SAE manual can be used further to interpret the code instead of the instruction manual.
Third
4
This number illustrates that the problem lies within the vehicle’s emission system.
Fourth and Fifth
42
The specific fault index is 49, indicating a leak of 0.2″ -0.4″ in EVAP.
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P0442 means that the DTC code is an SAE-standardized code, and the problem lies within the vehicle’s emission system. Furthermore, the third, fourth, and fifth characters illustrate a leak in the EVAP of 0.2″ -0.4″.
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Causes of P0442 DTC
Loosened Gas Cap and Damaged Fuel Tank
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The major cause of the engine code P0442 is the loose gas cap. When the gas cap is not tightly closed, there is a probability that more dirt and debris will enter the engine and block the engine’s filters.
The engine air filter and fuel filter will be blocked, and the fuel vapors will be escaped into the air (5). Thus, as a result, the vehicle will fail the emission test, and the engine will illuminate to indicate the error with the evaporation system of the engine. Other than that, the fuel injectors will get damaged due to dirt and debris, and more fuel will be consumed by the engine (4).
Furthermore, another common cause of the code P0442 is the leaking fuel tank. Because of the damaged fuel tank, the fuel will accumulate beneath the system, creating a puddle. Thus, the fuel smell will be felt during driving.
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Leakage in Fuel Hose
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The other common cause of engine code P0442 is the leaked evaporation hose. The purpose of the evaporation emission hose is to retain the harmful chemical fumes inside the tank, and these chemicals are not released into the atmosphere.
But due to the leaked evaporation hose, harmful chemicals such as green gases, oxides, and sulfides are released into the air, and a rotten smell is observed (2). Moreover, the engine’s air-to-fuel ratio is also disturbed, and the ignition spark needs to be produced at the right time. Due to the delayed combustion process, the vehicle’s acceleration speed is slowed, and the engine’s performance becomes poor, rough, and idle. Due to these issues, the engine light is illuminated to avoid any harmful incident.
Defected canister vent control valve and purge volume control valve
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The other cause of the engine code P0442 is the defective canister vent control valve. The canister valve is present in the emission control system of the engine system.
The canister vent control valve’s purpose is to trap the fuel tank’s evaporative pollutants. The carbon canister recirculates the pollutants as fuel for the engine. Thus the harmful substances are not released into the air (3). But due to the defect in the system, the chemicals are released into the air, and harmful smells are observed. Also, the engine’s performance becomes idle as the canister purge control valve remains open. As a result, the issue of vacuum leakage is observed. This affects the engine’s overall performance, and as a result, the engine code P0442 is generated. Also, due to defected purge control valve, poor gas mileage will be observed as the fuel vapors will not reach the combustion chamber. Rather the vapors will release through the EVAP canister (5). Thus, the fuel gets burnt before the combustion process. This shows that the fuel will get wasted and more fuel will be used. To indicate this issue, engine code P0442 is turned on.
Symptoms of P0442
Decreased fuel economy
The major symptom of the engine code P0442 is decreased fuel economy. More amount of fuel is utilized. This issue may occur due to a damaged purge volume control valve.
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The fuel vapors will fail to reach the combustion chamber rather. Instead, they are evaporated through the carbon canisters (4). Thus, more fuel will be required for the combustion process. Also, due to leakage in the fuel tank, the fuel accumulates beneath the system, and a puddle is observed. Thus, due to leakage, more amount of fuel is required.
Increased vehicle emissions
Another major symptom of the engine code P0442 is the increased emission system. This issue occurs because a large amount of fuel will be burnt during combustion.
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Also, due to the leakage in the evaporation hose, harmful substances are not stored in the tank. Rather, these gases are emitted into the air. Thus, the increased gas emissions indicate the engine code P0442.
Fuel smell and Idle Performance of Engine
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The major two symptoms of the engine code P0442 are the rough and idle performance of the engine and the fuel smell. In addition, due to the delayed combustion process, the spark was not produced at accurate times. As a result, the vehicle failed to accelerate at high speed.
Also, the engine performance becomes idle as the dirt and debris enter the engine due to the loosened fuel tank cap (5). Due to the loosened cap, the fuel evaporates in the air, and as a result, fume smells are easily smelt. Also, due to the leakage in the fuel tank, the fuel accumulated, which produces a bad fuel smell. All these symptoms indicate a problem with the engine due to code P0442.
Solutions of P0442 DTC
Following are a few common solutions of P0442 DTC:
Replace the Faulty Hose
A fuel hose is made of rubber or plastic composite and is used to supply the fuel from the storage tank to the engine. The hose is connected to the tank and engine with the help of metal clamps. The fuel hose is prone to damage over an extended period as it rubs against the metal under the hood. Common signs of faulty hoses include fuel odor from the car and leakage of fuel from different parts of the car. Different manufacturers recommend replacing the fuel hose after 10,000-50,000 miles depending on the material of the hose. You can visually analyze the fuel hose in the case of DTC P0442. If there is a crack in the hose, it is recommended to replace it at the earliest as hose damage is one of the major causes of fuel leakage and fire in cars. You can order fuel hoses online but check the manufacturer’s specifications before ordering to avoid inconvenience.
Replace the Faulty Gas Cap
Another cause of DTC P0442 is a loose gas cap. The gas cap is located inside the fuel lid that can be checked by its rotation (3). If the fuel cap tightens during rotation, then the gas cap is working fine, else it might require replacement. You can also visually analyze the O-seal below the gas cap. If the O-seal is damaged, it is the right time to replace the gas cap. Else, the fuel fumes would leak into the atmosphere. This will not only reduce the fuel mileage of your vehicle but will also increase environmental pollution. So, change the faulty gas cap at the earliest to avoid a decrease in the fuel economy.
Replace the Faulty Valve Control Solenoid
The valve control/purge control solenoid can also be the reason for P0442 DTC. You can consult the instruction manual of your vehicle to check the location of the valve control solenoid. Usually, it is located alongside the vehicle’s fender or between the intake manifold to assist the purge valve or carbon canister valve in the opening when the engine cylinder is required for fuel for combustion. A faulty valve control solenoid cannot control the valve, so it goes open even when the vehicle is turned off, resulting in the evaporation of the fuel particles. To check the solenoid, it is recommended to take it out and provide a power source (5). A normal 12V power source is enough, along with proper grounding, to check the working of the solenoid. According to the manufacturers, the clicking sound of the solenoid proves it is working fine. Else the solenoid is faulty and needs replacement.
Replace the Faulty Solenoid lining
The lining up to the solenoid is made up of rubber that can wear over time due to engine vibration and heat. A faulty solenoid lining can be easily removed and might fall off if its condition is worsened (5). So, check the rubber lining up to the solenoid to ensure it has not worn out. If the lining is worn out, it is recommended to replace it to avoid fuel leakage.
Common Cost to Resolve the Issue
The following table illustrates the cost required to resolve P0442 DTC:
Common Issues
Critical Level
Cost Required to Resolve the Issue
Damaged Tank Filler Cap
Low: You can drive for long distances with this problem. However, there will be a decrease in the fuel economy as the fuel will evaporate when the cap is loose.
$20-70, depending upon the model of the vehicle, to replace the fuel cap.
Damaged Tank
Intermediate: It is risky to drive with a damaged tank, as leaking fuel can cause a fire in the vehicle.
$400-600 to replace the damaged fuel tank.
EVAP Canister
Low: There are no driving risks, but the car would not pass the emission tests with damaged components.
$150-400 to replace the faulty EVAP Canister.
Carbon Canisters
Low: You can drive for long distances with this problem. However, there will be a decrease in the fuel economy as the fuel will evaporate when carbon canisters are damaged.
$150-600 to replace the carbon canister.
Defected evaporation hose
Low
$150-600 to replace the entire EVAP system of the vehicle depending upon the model.
Conclusion
To conclude, P0442 is a low-intensity DTC indicating a medium size leak in the EVAP. This DTC occurs due to faults in the gas cap, EVAP lining, valve control solenoid, etc. So, suppose you are observing a decrease in the vehicle’s fuel mileage or an irregular fuel odor from your turned-off vehicle. In that case, there is a chance of EVAP leakage. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a professional mechanic to resolve the issue immediately before it causes further damage to the vehicle.
There are certain symptoms of an EVAP leakage condition. Firstly, your car will show signs of fuel leakage. If there is no evident sign of leakage, there would be a decrease in the fuel average, along with fuel odor. You can easily observe these signs to figure out a problem with the vehicle’s emission system.
It depends upon the extent of the issue. You can drive the car for intermediate distances if the leakage is small. But if the leakage is large, it is recommended to tow the car to a professional service center to figure out the issue. In case of large leakage, the car can catch fire as much gasoline is leaking.
Generally, suppose the fuel cap is loosened. In that case, the ECU will detect fuel evaporation and light up a warning signal on the vehicle’s dashboard. Similarly, the drivers can detect a loosened fuel cap by rotating it and checking its tightness. Generally, the O-seal on the fuel cap is damaged, which can be seen visually. Therefore, you are recommended to replace the fuel cap when it loosens.
