Po440
 

My car threw this code the other day, and this is the second time in like a year and a half that my SES has come on with this code. only this time while at autozone the guy printed a piece of paper that said 'evap canister'.

Where is this located on our cars? and is it a big deal if i dont change it, or will i start getting subsequently worse gas mileage, or like other damage

check you gas cap

it has a good chance to effect your gas mileage, basically your gas cap is not sealing correctly and is leaking vapors out of the system

Gass cap is fine, or so i think as far as i know. like it locks when i put it on and i turn it like 3 times. i mean could the cap have 'gone bad' so to speak? or should i start following the hoses. cuz since they cleared the lights at autozone last week it hasnt come back, and he aswell checked the cap and it was fine.

Could it be the solenoid? or like the fuel pump is it all in one.

Remove and reinstall the gas cap, clear the code, and drive for a day and see if the codes come back. Inspect the EVAP system for cuts/holes in tubes/hoses. then check for damaged or disconnected hoses around the Evap purge solenoid

You probably just didn't get your gas cap all the way on one time. This happened to my friend's Intrigue, Just cleared the codes and it was fine after that.

It's a "large EVAP leak" code, most often caused by the gas cap.

BUT could also be caused by...

-rusted filler neck not sealing properly with gascap
-gascap's internal mechanism failed and broke
-broken vent solenoid
-an actual large hole/split hose somewhere in the system.

Gotta get out the test equipment if the gascap doesn't fix it.

smoke it out

Im gonna look at it on monday as its my next free day. Just for a clearification its by the gas tank right?(solenoid, hoses) all i saw in the engine bay just looking quickly was the metal lines

Like Heinek said... you pump that baby full of smoke and see where it comes out. Use a gascap adaptor...

Then if that all checks out you pull off the main charcoal cannister hose and pump into there with the real gascap on to make sure it doesn't leak there either.

Anywho... it's all lines run under the car.. usually a 3rd line is along with the 2 liquid fuel lines. Charcoal cannister can be under the rear bumper.. under a headlight.. or mounted near the fuel tank.. dunno exactly where it is on the Alero.

Honestly diagnosing yourself without a smoke machine is almost impossible.

But, either way... an EVAP code WONT WONT WONT cause lower gas mileage. The only reason I would throw money at this problem is to pass registration inspection... or if you're anal about the SES light.

Aight cool thanks and im not anal about the SES as it hardly comes on for me.

but yes i do have to get a sticker this month, but i should be in the clear for this issue. because the last time it came on was spring 2 years ago or somethin like that

you will not pass if you have ANY SES lights, and will be stuck paying the $30-40 fee. If your going to clear the codes, you should do it about 200miles before you actually go in to get it inspected this way all/most of the system computers will be ready and will not fail you that way.