P0442 - Recurring problem

I have a 2001 Chrysler Sebring convertable, 2.7L. Engine light came on recently with P1684 and P0442. I purchased a new Mopar gas cap and had the system smoke tested. Mech (good rep but not a Chrysler dealership) said they used a smoke machine to pressure test the system. After smoke, pressure was applied and the car sat for 1 hour with no pressure loss. No leaks found. Reset computer and after 100 miles, engine light is back with P0442. Any ideas? I'm in a locale where an emissions check is part of the registration process so I can't get my tags renewed till that light goes out. Any ideas?

Leak detection pump vent valve! Second opinion on the smoke test, rotted filler neck, fuel pump seal! Vent valve pretty common failure for giving leak codes but not having an external leak! The pressure bleeds off internally so you see no smoke but the pressure still doesn't flow as it should. I change alot of them at the dealer! ANy work done recently besides the gas cap?

good luck and keep me postted3

Jeff

Just tires and alignment. I had this code last year about this same time then the light went out for several months - came back for a short period during the winter then it went out again. I figured it was a nuisance code but it's not going away this time. I'm taking it to the dealer this week - anything in particular I should tell them?

Yeah that the gas cap has already been replaced and didn't fix it and that it was smoke testted but no leaks were found. My bet is they will find a leak either through something that was missed or the LDP vent valve ot the LDP itself. I work all day on those codes and if the code is coming back within 100 miles then it should be easy to repair. The scanner at the dealer that I use runs a verification test after a repair is made to be sure the system is sealled which means the light won't come back on. I'm not sure what scanner the other garage that you dealt with used but I'd be really suprised if there scanner can run the same test and I'm not sure It can even put the pump in a test for the smoke test. The pump has to be told to pressuize by scanner and the purge solenoid has to be disconnectted before the test is even close to being accurate. Ask them to verify that the software in the PCM is up to date because some software flashes will address erroneous dtcs and expect them to charge accordingly for fixing the code! Proficency comes at a price but like I said there scanner will verify it's fixed before the car is returned to you so unless someone is leaving the gas cap loose you shouldn't have the light come back on for the same leak and or code

Good luck and keep me postted

Jeff

I've scheduled my appointment. I'll tell them that I've replaced the cap and give them my smoke test results - then ask them to LDP and it's vent valve. For my own edification, where is the LDP and how would I recognize it? I'll also request that they verify that the PCM is up to date. Would a rotted filler neck be likely for an 01?

The LDP and the vent valve are near the gas tank, A rotted filler neck on an 01 is quite common in up here in Canada, not as likely in Georgia but one never knows. The vent valve is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand and it'll have a port on each side of it for vaccum lines and 1 on the top for a smaller vacuum fitting, no electrical connector on it, The LPD might be part of the cannister depending on the year and it''l be a bigger with an electrical connector on it. the valve is probably less then 20 bucks , the pump less then a 100

Thanks for volunteering your time! This is really quite helpful. I'll post whatever I find out.

Initial response from the dealership mechanic is that the purge soleniod needs to be replaced - $165 P&L.

It's a good possibility! Not as common a repair for that paticular code, a po440 code maybe more likely but If there's no leak from a smoke test that they performed and the valve won't hold vaccum etc then maybe,

Good luck and keep me postted

Jeff

Successful so far - after 53 miles, computer indicated it was ready this morning so I went directly to the test station and passed OBD test like a champ. From there, straight to internet to successfully renew registration online - after today, I would have been assessed an additional tax penalty and a fine so I was sweating this. Thanks for all the guidance Jeff.

I get the P0442 code that claims a problem in my fuel vacuum system. This can be caused by a loose gas cap or a multitude of other failing parts. The real bottom line is that this is mostly a nusiance fault that really causes no serious problem to the engine's function. If you live in an area that requires an emission test to get registered to drive, this will keep you from passing the test. Rather than dump hundreds and possibly thousands of dollars to fix this 'cosmetic' blemish, I decided to buy the 50$ Actron Pocketscan CP9125 code reader and resetter pictured at the left. The cost of a service garage to read this code is around 75$ to 80$ (Auto Zone will read it and reset it for free.). Any time I want to see why my CHECK ENGINE light is on, I read and reset the computer. I have an emission test to pass this month so I just reset the computer. I need about 100 miles on the car now to fill in it's data bank for the emissions people to pass me. My vehicle is a 1999 Ford E250 Van with a big V8.
Dave O'Connell

Hi Guys, I'm haveing a similar issue with an 0442 code on a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab 4X4 with a 5.9l engine. I bought the truck used in '02 with 12k mi. on it and presently it has just under 32k mi. on it now. Needless to say it doesn't get driven much but when it does get driven it's either short errands running the kids or hauling something for the house or longer trips for recreation. What in the opinion of those with more knowledge is the most likely cause of the code? I have an extended warranty from Chrysler. Would this be covered under the warranty?

You'd have to call the dealer! How would we know what's covered and what isn't? it depends on what part has failled?

I'd like to repair it my self if possible. The more important question to me is "What is the most likely cause of the code?"

it's a leak! probably a hose somewhere or the ldp vent valve or the gas cap, filler neck, fuel pump seal, ldp assy etc, etc! can't say defiently without a visual or a smoke test! may even be the cannister or the hoses on top of it!