P0442 Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (Small Leak)
What does P0442 mean?
P0442 — Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (Small Leak). This is an OBD-II diagnostic trouble code a scanner retrieves when your vehicle's computer detects evaporative emission control system leak detected (small leak). The level of risk depends on how the vehicle is currently running and how long you've been driving with the light on.
Common causes of P0442
- Loose, missing, or cracked fuel cap
- Small cracks or pinholes in EVAP hoses
- Leaking charcoal canister or fuel tank seal
- Faulty purge or vent valve
- Damaged fuel filler neck or rollover valve
How to fix P0442
- Verify the fuel cap is tight and in good condition
- Clear the code and drive through a full drive cycle to see if it returns
- Perform an EVAP smoke test to locate the small leak
- Inspect EVAP hoses, canister, and filler neck for cracks
- Test the purge and vent solenoid operation with an OBD-II scanner