2003 PO442 Engine code Small leak in evap system

[doug7740]

Any ideas what causes a code po442 small evap leak? I replaced the gas cap and my next item is the purge valve.

Here are some of the proable causes of fault P0442.

doug7740
1955 Thunderbird Blue

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[biddle]

You can do a smoke test on the car to find the leak.

 

[Jeffb1062]

Take wd40 on a rag and clean where the gas cap seals, then take off the bottom vapor line from the purge valve (push in on the white locking clip and pull off the line) start the car and put you finger over the purge valve where the line was and see if you feel vacuum if you do the purge valve is leaking replace it. Rock auto has them

 

[Jaime Ovadia]

Has anyone had an issue with emission system leak PO442. Tried everything including smoke test. Any ideas?

I am getting a check engine light on indicating a PO442 Evaporative Emission System leak. Ford did a smoke test and could not find any leaks. I am able to turn off the light off using a check engine scanner but light comes back on after 100 miles approximately. Issue does not affect drivability. Does anyone have any experience with this problem?

 

[biddle]

Ford did a smoke test and could not find any leaks.

Actually, it is probably a Franchised Ford Dealership, not Ford, which often has flunkies working there doing the easy stuff like smoke tests. They didn't do the test properly because the computer isn't telling you there is an EVAP leak for no reason. One thing we know for sure, they did not do their job or you would not still have an Evap leak. Did you pay them? Because I wouldn't have paid them a dime if they didn't fix it.

I am able to turn off the light off using a check engine scanner but light comes back on after 100 miles approximately. Issue does not affect drivability.

Resetting codes serves no purpose unless it's after you found and repaired the problem and want to expedite the CEL being turned off.

Does anyone have any experience with this problem?

Yes, start reading on Post #1 of this thread.

 

[WesTxStoner425]

Are you filling your tank even more AFTER the auto-shutoff on the gas pump clicks off? Try ending your fillup as soon as the handle pops off. Worked for me...

 

[kcroxton]

I have had the P0442 code for a while now. I finally did a smoke test and found that the fuel tank vent valve was leaking. This part is not available and never was. My factory shop manual states that the valve is not serviceable and that a new fuel tank would be needed which would come with the vent valve. New tanks are no longer available. I repaired mine using J. B. Weld to seal the crack that was causing the leak. I hope it lasts. I have driven about 300 miles since my repair. So far no light and no code. Years ago Ford had a commercial that said "Ford has a better idea". This nonreplaceable vent valve is certainly not one of them.

 

[jjfinn]

I seems like I have had all of the above issues with my 2004 tbird. I bought it in 2022 with 28,000 miles from a Ford dealer that "went through it" and fixed a number of issues. Drove it off the lot, got less than 10 miles and had to limp it back to the dealer to fix coil issues. After that it had numerous check engine lights, all evap issues. A smoke test revealed a major gas tank crack on top. I worked a deal with the dealer to fix it at their cost (very expensive, long story). I continue to get the small evap codes sporadically , replaced the gas cap . Next, I had my mechanic replace the vent solenoid , was stuck open and clicked shut after removal. Mechanic didn't replace the canister, was too difficult to get to, but it was fine. Still get the code about 1 or 2 times a year mostly in the spring after winter storage. It already happened last week and was reset. If this becomes a more frequent problem I'll have another smoke test done.
Thanks for letting me vent (no pun intended).