Honda Civics often display the trouble code P0442. In this code, you are given a number associated with the emissions system that appears when you plug your car into an OBDII scanner.
Although you aren’t likely to have a breakdown within a short period, it can irritate you and cause your Civic to fail emissions testing. To avoid drivability issues and excessive fuel consumption, you must have this fixed within the next month.
P0442 Honda Code: EVAP System Very Small Leak Detected
A P0442 error can result from several causes and symptoms, and we will explain how the problem can be diagnosed and resolved in this article.
What Does Honda Civic P0442 Mean?
The evaporative emission control method (EVAP) prevents fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. Charcoal pellets are used in charcoal canisters by absorbing and storing fuel vapors from the fuel tank.
It allows air to flow into the charcoal canister for purging gas vapors into the engine air intake to be burned. This valve is controlled by the engine control module (ECM).
A purge volume control valve controls the flow of gas vapors from the charcoal canister to the engine air intake. It is generally up to the ECM to command the purge volume control valve to open when the engine is at its normal operating temperature.
ECMs perform leak tests to ensure the evaporative emission control system functions properly after the vehicle has been turned off. Sealing the evaporative system is achieved by closing the vent control and purge valve during the leak test.
The ECM detects evaporative emission control leaks if the EVAP system is not maintaining pressure. For example, there is a medium-sized leak in P0442, whose diameter ranges from .020″ to .040″.
There is little chance that the driver will notice any symptoms of check engine light code P0442 other than the smell of gasoline, a slight decrease in fuel economy, and the check engine light.
If the check engine light continues to illuminate, it is recommended that you have it repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the engine.
Honda Civic P0442 Causes
Many different things can cause P0442 trouble code on Honda Civics. Below is a list of the most common problems.
- Sensor For Fuel Tank Pressure
A bad fuel tank pressure sensor can trigger the P0442 code.
- Loose Gas Cap
You may also receive this trouble code if your gas cap is loose. If this is your first time experiencing this issue, you may want to try tightening the cap and see if the code clears. Remember that the engine must cycle several times before the code is cleared.
- Bad Gas Cap
The P0442 code can be thrown when the fuel cap is bad. It is typical for the Civic to alert you that the fuel cap needs to be tightened. You can start here. Changing the gas cap is a simple process that takes only a few minutes to complete.
- Hose For Fuel Vapors
P0442 is definitely thrown when the fuel vapor hose leading from the fuel tank to the intake leaks.
- Purge Valve For EVAP Canisters
It is most likely the vapor canister purge valve that is to blame for the P0442 trouble code on a Honda Civic. In the event of a bad one, it typically causes the vehicle’s idle speed to increase. So, fueling up is especially important right afterward.
Honda Civic P0442 Code Symptoms
When a Honda Civic’s engine has difficulty starting after refueling, the P0442 code is often thrown. I’ve experienced this problem. As a result, your vehicle will not start after you fill it up.
When it starts on the second attempt or after cranking the engine for a while, it will either start right away or after a few minutes. You can start the Civic by stomping on the gas and cranking the engine if you’ve ever driven a carbureted vehicle.
Except for starting difficulties, the P0442 doesn’t seem to cause any other problems (at least temporarily). Unfortunately, it is also possible to smell gas while driving.
Diagnosing The P0442 Code
It is first important to diagnose an EVAP fault to determine why it is occurring. A layperson working with a P0442 code should first check that the fuel cap is tight because if it’s loose, the code could easily be triggered.
If tightening the cap doesn’t work, you might consider purchasing and installing a new one. P0442 is one of the OBD-II codes associated with the gas cap, but many other possible causes exist. Therefore, diagnosis can be challenging.
Common P0442 Diagnosis Mistakes
Many assume the EVAP system is only affected by a loose fuel cap and does not perform all the necessary tests to diagnose the situation. Diagnosing the medium leak in P0442 is more challenging.
The technical service bulletins of many manufacturers also address EVAP codes. Check for technical service bulletins for your vehicle to avoid spending time diagnosing and/or misdiagnosing.
When you inspect your hoses and lines visually after hitting something or if animals chewed on them, you might be able to spot damage. Look for broken plastic parts and/or split or disconnected hoses.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix Code P0442?
There are many reasons why P0442 may occur, ranging from a loose gas cap to a faulty valve to a leaking fuel tank. Therefore, a proper diagnosis is necessary before giving an accurate estimate.
It usually costs between $75 and $150, depending on the labor rate at the shop. This diagnosis fee will often be applied to any repairs you need if you let them handle the repairs. Once you have that information, a shop can provide a precise estimate for repairs needed to fix your P0442 error.
Numerous possible fixes exist for error code P0442, but none will solve the underlying problem. Each estimated repair cost includes the cost of the relevant parts and the labor required to complete the repair.
- The price of a charcoal canister ranges from $200 to $600
- A replacement EVAP line costs between $50 and $100
- $150-200 for the charcoal canister vent control valve
- Valve for controlling the volume of the exhaust purge $150-$200
- The price of a gas cap ranges from $20 to $60
Final Words
There is no manufacturer-specific meaning to P0442, which means it doesn’t matter who manufactured the vehicle. In the normal combustion process, the EVAP system captures all fuel vapor from the fuel tank and sends it to the engine’s intake.
An EVAP system that does not hold pressure will cause the Honda Civic’s computer to display the P0442 code. The computer in your car will set the code when it detects a minor leak somewhere in the evaporative emission control system.
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