Diagnostic error code P0442 Evap Emission Control Sys Leak

[JimGnitecki]

Once in a while I run across an error code that I have not encountered before, and this was one that I got just recently: P0442

My wife got an engine diagnostic light come up on the SSR while I was away in Canada with her SUV (needed it to haul the radial arm saw).

I put the EFILive diagnostic program on it when I returned, and found the P0442 code, which is described in the troubleshooting manuals as "Evaporative emission control system lak detected (small). No kidding. That's the exact wording.

I called my ace auto parts store manager, Scott at A-Line Auto Parts here in Austin, and he laughed and asked oif I (or my wife) had left the gas cap open after refueling. I had not, and my wife assured me she did not. In that case, Scott said, the gas cap really IS no longer controlling the venting like it uspposed to, and I would need a new one. About $14.50 for the Genuine GM part.

Scott also told me that I would need toclear the code with the diagnostic scanner. Otherwose, it could take MANY start cycles for the ECM to do so, and that enine light is very annoying at night!

So, if you get this P 0442 code, that is what is going on.

My personal SSR has 34000 miles on it, and I usually refuel long before the gauge gets anywhere near empty (usually 1/4 or above). If you are getting some miles on your own SSR, watch for this gas cap failure to occur, and know what the code means when it does occur . . .

Jim G

[SSRENITY]

Originally Posted by JimGnitecki

Once in a while I run across an error code that I have not encountered before, and this was one that I got just recently: P0442

My wife got an engine diagnostic light come up on the SSR while I was away in Canada with her SUV (needed it to haul the radial arm saw).

I put the EFILive diagnostic program on it when I returned, and found the P0442 code, which is described in the troubleshooting manuals as "Evaporative emission control system lak detected (small). No kidding. That's the exact wording.

I called my ace auto parts store manager, Scott at A-Line Auto Parts here in Austin, and he laughed and asked oif I (or my wife) had left the gas cap open after refueling. I had not, and my wife assured me she did not. In that case, Scott said, the gas cap really IS no longer controlling the venting like it uspposed to, and I would need a new one. About $14.50 for the Genuine GM part.

Scott also told me that I would need toclear the code with the diagnostic scanner. Otherwose, it could take MANY start cycles for the ECM to do so, and that enine light is very annoying at night!

So, if you get this P 0442 code, that is what is going on.

My personal SSR has 34000 miles on it, and I usually refuel long before the gauge gets anywhere near empty (usually 1/4 or above). If you are getting some miles on your own SSR, watch for this gas cap failure to occur, and know what the code means when it does occur . . .

Jim G

The cap doesn't need to be left open...just not clicked a few times when closed. Still might have been a cap not quite turned enough. Personally I think that's more likely the case than a bad cap, but that's just my opinion.