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For 1990-2009 cars only

DTC Descriptor

DTC P0455: Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Large Leak

Diagnostic Fault Information

Important: Always perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.

Circuit/System Description

The control module tests the evaporative emission (EVAP) system for a large leak. The control module monitors the fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor signal to determine the EVAP system vacuum level. When the conditions for running are met, the control module commands the EVAP canister purge solenoid valve OPEN and the EVAP vent solenoid valve CLOSED . This allows engine vacuum to enter the EVAP system. At a calibrated time, or vacuum level, the control module commands the EVAP canister purge solenoid valve closed, sealing the system, and monitors the FTP sensor input in order to determine the EVAP system vacuum level. The following table illustrates the relationship between the ON and OFF states, and the OPEN or CLOSED states of the EVAP canister purge and vent solenoid valves.

Control Module Command

EVAP Canister Purge Solenoid Valve

EVAP Canister Vent Solenoid Valve

ON

Open

Not Venting

OFF

Closed

Venting

Conditions for Running the DTC

    • DTCs P0106, P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0117, P0118, P0122, P0123, P0125, P0452, P0453, P0502, P0601, P0602, P0606, P0641 are not set.
    • The engine is running.
    • The ignition voltage is between 11-18 volts.
    • The barometric pressure (BARO) is more than 74 kPa.
    • The fuel level is between 15-85 percent.
    • The start-up engine coolant temperature (ECT) is between 4-30°C (39-86°F).
    • The start-up intake air temperature (IAT) is between 4-30°C (39-86°F).
    • The start-up ECT and IAT are within 8°C (14.4°F) of each other.
    • DTC P0455 runs once per cold start within 10 minutes of start-up.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The EVAP system is not able to achieve or maintain vacuum for up to 4 times during the diagnostic test.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

    • The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
    • The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

    • The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
    • A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
    • A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
    • Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

    • A loose, missing, incorrect, or damaged fuel fill cap may cause this DTC to set.
    • To help locate intermittent leaks, use the J 41413-200 Evaporative Emission System Tester (EEST) to introduce smoke into the EVAP system. Move all EVAP components while observing smoke with the J 41413-SPT High Intensity White Light . Introducing smoke in 15-second intervals will allow less pressure into the EVAP system. When the system is less pressurized, the smoke will sometimes escape in a more condensed manner.
    • To improve the visibility of the smoke exiting the EVAP system, observe the suspected leak area from different angles with the J 41413-SPT .
    • Reviewing the Failure Records vehicle mileage since the diagnostic test last failed may help determine how often the condition that caused the DTC to be set occurs. This may assist in diagnosing the condition.
    • For intermittent conditions, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

    •  Evaporative Emissions Hose Routing Diagram
    •  Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference

    •  Engine Control Module Connector End Views
    •  Engine Controls Connector End Views

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

    •  Scan Tool Data List
    •  Scan Tool Output Controls

Special Tools Required

    • GE-41415-50 Fuel Tank Cap Adapter
    • J 41413-200 Evaporative Emission System Tester (EEST)
    • J 41413-SPT High Intensity White Light

Circuit/System Testing

Important: 

   • Larger volume fuel tanks and/or those with lower fuel levels may require several minutes for the floating indicator to stabilize.
   • Refer to the J 41413-200 operation manual for detailed instructions.

  1. Using the GE-41415-50 , connect the J 41413-200 to the vehicle filler neck.
  2. Use the flow meter on the J 41413-200 , calibrated to 0.51 mm (0.02 in) to determine that there is no leak in the EVAP system.
  3. If a leak is detected, use the J 41413-200 to apply smoke to the EVAP system at the service port or the filler neck until the leak is located.
  4. Start the engine with the J 41413-200 connected to the fuel filler neck.
  5. Allow the engine to idle.
  6. Use the Purge/Seal function to seal the system with a scan tool.
  7. Command the EVAP canister purge solenoid valve to 20 percent.
  8. The vacuum/pressure gage on the J 41413-200 and the FTP parameter on the scan tool should both show vacuum.
  9. If the vacuum/pressure gage on the J 41413-200 does not show vacuum, check for a restricted purge path.
  10. Verify that the vacuum increases to the abort limit on the scan tool or more than 3.2 volts, and the value is closely similar between the scan tool and the vacuum/pressure gage on the J 41413-200 .
  11. If the values are not similar or the voltage did not reach 3.2 volts, replace the FTP sensor.

Repair Instructions

Important: Always perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor Replacement
    •  Control Module References for engine control module (ECM) replacement, setup, and programming
    •  Evaporative Emission System Cleaning