Evaporative emmission control circuit

Tiny
FORENSICS
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 TOYOTA CAMRY
  • 3.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 289,768 MILES
Hello and thanks to all who read.

Recently bought the car listed above that's in fairly decent shape. Serviced at dealership at all the right intervals and oil changes every 3000 miles etc.

My issue is that when the gas tank is anywhere above half full if I happen to get on the gas a little hard or bring the rpm up to fast the check engine light comes on for the evap.

So far all it has is a new gas cap, I don't smell gas, the car runs perfect, and gets about the same mileage google says it does. I'd like to fix it but I don't know where to start and I' do not want to spend a ton of money on something that doesn't cause any real problem. I'm pretty sure the evap can probably just needs to be cleaned, but it's just weird how sometimes it can go a week or more without setting of the light or it'll come on the moment you fill the gas tank.

Thanks for any advice.
Wednesday, September 23rd, 2020 AT 5:40 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,328 POSTS
Hi,

When the check engine light comes on, what code is present? As far as an evap leak, often times you need to smoke test the system to find a leak. If you have a code, it will help.

As far as the smoke test, smoke is injected into the system at a very low pressure. If there is a leak, smoke will leak from that point.

Let me know what codes you have.

Joe
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Wednesday, September 23rd, 2020 AT 5:36 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 43,110 POSTS
Here is how you can find the codes:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Thursday, September 24th, 2020 AT 4:43 PM
Tiny
FORENSICS
  • MEMBER
  • 106 POSTS
Hi, the code is P0446.
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Thursday, September 24th, 2020 AT 4:43 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,328 POSTS
Hi,

The code is related the EVAP vent control system. When this code is set, there is a leak at some point within the dotted line in the attached pic. (See pic 1)

What I would suggest is to first, inspect the vacuum/evap hoses in the pic for damage, make sure they are connected, and make sure they aren't cracked or split.

If you find nothing, the next step would be a smoke test to see if you can locate a leak causing the code to be set.

If nothing is found, we will need to check the vapor pressure sensor and the vacuum switching valve (VSV). I have a long diagnostic check list, but don't want to overwhelm you with it at this point.

Do this and let me know what you find.

Joe
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Thursday, September 24th, 2020 AT 6:54 PM

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