Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Troubleshooting CEL P0442

Hey all -

I've got a check engine light with the following code:

P0442 Leak in Evaporative System Detected

I've had Autozone reset the CEL twice now, but the light just came on again this morning. Originally, the guy thought that it might be a loose gas cap, but I've been diligent about making sure its tight.

Does anyone know what the problem could be? Do I need a new gas cap? Is there some other engine part that's gone bad?

Any help is very much appreciated!

gas caps arent that expencive......get one from BAT, they dont have to be removed everytime you get gasoline. might be worth wile to purchase, even if it doenst fix it, other than that i have no clue

From Ford srevice manual:

HX1 DTC P0442: VISUAL INSPECTION FOR SMALL EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM LEAKS

Continuous Memory Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P0442 indicates that a fuel vapor leak has been detected [as small as 0.10 cm (0.04 inch)] in the Evaporative Emission (EVAP) system. Possible causes:

-- After market parts and accessories nonconforming to the EVAP system specifications.

-- Damaged, cross threaded or loosely installed fuel filler cap.

-- Small holes or cuts in fuel vapor hoses/tubes (EVAP canister tube, EVAP canister outlet tube or EVAP return tube) in the EVAP system.
-- Loose fuel vapor hose/tube connections to EVAP system components.
-- EVAP system component [EVAP canister purge valve, fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor, canister vent (CV) solenoid, fuel vapor control valve tube assembly or fuel vapor vent valve assembly] seals leaking.

-- CV solenoid partially open when commanded closed.
-- EVAP canister leaking.

Check for presence of fuel filler cap.

Verify that the CV solenoid is properly seated on the EVAP canister (if possible).

Visually inspect for cut or loose connections to fuel vapor hoses/tubes in following locations:

-- EVAP canister to EVAP canister purge valve.
-- EVAP canister to fuel vapor vent valve assembly.
-- fuel vapor control valve tube assembly to fuel tank (if applicable).

Check for fuel filler pipe damage.