Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Evaporative Emission (EVAP) Leak Check Monitor: Notes
The EVAP leak check monitor is an on-board strategy designed to detect a leak from a hole (opening) equal to or greater than 0.508 mm (0.020 inch) in the enhanced EVAP system. The correct function of the individual components of the enhanced EVAP system, as well as its ability to flow fuel vapor to the engine, is also examined. The EVAP leak check monitor relies on the individual components of the enhanced EVAP system to either allow a natural vacuum to occur in the fuel tank or apply engine vacuum to the fuel tank and then seal the entire enhanced EVAP system from the atmosphere. The fuel tank pressure is then monitored to determine the total vacuum lost (bleed-up) for a calibrated period of time. Inputs from the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor or cylinder head temperature (CHT) sensor, intake air temperature (IAT) sensor, mass air flow (MAF) sensor, vehicle speed, fuel level input (FLI) and fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor are required to enable the EVAP leak check monitor.
During the EVAP leak check monitor repair verification drive cycle, clearing the continuous diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) and resetting the emission monitors information in the powertrain control module (PCM) bypasses the minimum soak time required to complete the monitor. The EVAP leak check monitor does not run if the key is turned off after clearing the continuous DTCs and resetting the emission monitors information in the PCM. The EVAP leak check monitor does not run if a MAF sensor concern is present. The EVAP leak check monitor does not initiate until the heated oxygen sensor (HO2S) monitor is complete.
If the vapor generation is high on some vehicle enhanced EVAP systems, where the monitor does not pass, the result is treated as a no test. Therefore, the test is complete for the day.
Some vehicle applications have an engine off natural vacuum (EONV) check as part of the EVAP leak check monitor.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.