Evap issue, PO441? Options

[deranged]

Ok the first thing I did was replace the gas cap. That worked for about a week after getting the code cleared. Then the CEL came on again. I retightened the new cap unhooked the negative battery cable and put the key in the on position to clear the codes. 3 days later light on again. Yesterday I crawled under the car and inspected to the best of my ability all the hoses and found no problem. Everything looks good at the evap canister (SOB to look at even with an inspection mirror) and there are no gas or fumes leaking anywhere.The only hoses I'm not to sure about snake up and across the firewall to the engine. I haven't pulled things apart like the air breather and related components yet to see where everything goes and what condition these hoses are in. Am I on the right path? IDK? I figured it was the gas cap, which is usually the problem with this code. Any advice other than tearing stuff out of the engine compartment? The car is an '03 Stratus SXT coupe with a 2.4L and 5-speed and it runs fine.

[DJones]

Sounds like your only option is to take it in for a smoke test. They fill the evap system with smoke, and wait for it to leak out.
There's really no way you can find a small evap leak, it can be a pin hole in a hose. Common issues are gas tank filler neck, canister, gas cap(as you know) The reason it takes a few days to throw a code is the systen needs to have a number of failed tests. It tests the evap system on it's own by pressurizing the system at start up. I think it's 6 failed tests or something like that, so 6 start ups.
I had to do this with my jeep a few months ago, $160 for the smoke test, $0.40 to replace the broken hose clamp on the filler neck. It's a pain but you gotta do it.

[bradmopar]

Ok the first thing I did was replace the gas cap. That worked for about a week after getting the code cleared. Then the CEL came on again. I retightened the new cap unhooked the negative battery cable and put the key in the on position to clear the codes. 3 days later light on again. Yesterday I crawled under the car and inspected to the best of my ability all the hoses and found no problem. Everything looks good at the evap canister (SOB to look at even with an inspection mirror) and there are no gas or fumes leaking anywhere.The only hoses I'm not to sure about snake up and across the firewall to the engine. I haven't pulled things apart like the air breather and related components yet to see where everything goes and what condition these hoses are in. Am I on the right path? IDK? I figured it was the gas cap, which is usually the problem with this code. Any advice other than tearing stuff out of the engine compartment? The car is an '03 Stratus SXT coupe with a 2.4L and 5-speed and it runs fine.

I get this code once a year. Every time it the orvr vent valve mounted behind the fuel tank[mounted on top of a black box(filter) between the rear suspension and fuel tank]. I remove the filter and test the valve with 12v and every time it is seized. The filter is a real beast to remove(you have to flip it over and take it out the drivers side and hold your tongue just right)

This post has been edited by bradmopar: Nov 15 2009, 03:01 PM

[deranged]

Sounds like your only option is to take it in for a smoke test. They fill the evap system with smoke, and wait for it to leak out.
There's really no way you can find a small evap leak, it can be a pin hole in a hose. Common issues are gas tank filler neck, canister, gas cap(as you know) The reason it takes a few days to throw a code is the systen needs to have a number of failed tests. It tests the evap system on it's own by pressurizing the system at start up. I think it's 6 failed tests or something like that, so 6 start ups.
I had to do this with my jeep a few months ago, $160 for the smoke test, $0.40 to replace the broken hose clamp on the filler neck. It's a pain but you gotta do it.

I wonder if there's a way to do the smoke test in my own garage without blowing myself up? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif) Gonna check this out. I really hate other people touching my stuff. Sorry for the delay in getting back. Been working some long hours this week.

[deranged]

Well after the hose and line inspection I unhooked the battery cables to clear the codes and clean the terminals. So far the CEL hasn't come back on even after refueling and a lot of driving. Close to 2 weeks now. I'm wondering if this CEL is triggered somehow by how the car is driven. I think I remember the code description stating that the sensors were detecting readings that were out of normal operating parameters. The CEL came on almost immediately after the car was purchased and I wonder if the fact that this was a new driver with different driving style and habits could have triggered the light. Could the sensors keep a "history" of parameters from the previous owners driving style and when those parameters change from what the computer has learned as "normal" trigger the code? (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif) I know in the past that Chrysler used such "learned" logic on the Ultra-drive transmissions. The transmission control module learned the owners driving habits and adjusted shift points to the drivers right foot and throttle pressure. Maybe resetting the ECM by unhooking the battery a couple of times starts the ECM on a new learning curve? IDK? Hell the thing could come back on tomorrow with the same code for all I know.

[dk89]

I have had this code for a while. You can do a smoke test and fix it if you really want to. Just have a repair shop that you really know and trust do it... I see you don't like people touching your stuff... so idk.
My smoke test was $40 and we found where it was and all.. (this was at my college) I took it back to our regular mechanic and he just honestly told me not to really worry about it. Just whenever the SES light comes on, just go check to see that it's not anything new and have it cleared.
Anyways that's my experience with it. Once I have got extra money to spend on less important repairs they'll all get done... I just got engine mounts, water pump, tensioner belt, engine misfiring... lots of stuff fixed. I'm really wanting to get back home and drive it (currently in Taiwan) and have some fun again, lol.

[matand]

Sounds like it could be a pin sized hole or maybe a corroded connector. Now I work at a honda dealership and this happens with honda's and it may or may not affect your car. But do you overfill your tank? Like when your pumping gas and the nozzle shuts off and you try squeezing every last drop in your tank. What happens with honda's is the evap canister floods causing the vent shut valve and two way valve to go bad because of this. Now again i know that is a honda and not a dodge/mitsubishi which is a totally different creature. But it may be of some help.