P0442 Code: EVAP System Small Leak Causes, Symptoms, Fixes
When your vehicle's check engine light illuminates, it can cause anxiety and confusion, especially if the diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is unfamiliar. One such code is P0442 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (Small Leak). This code indicates a small leak in the evaporative emission control (EVAP) system, a critical component of your vehicle's emissions management system. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and solutions for this issue can help you address it promptly and effectively. What Does the P0442 Code Mean? The P0442 code refers to a small leak in the EVAP system, which is responsible for preventing fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. This system captures and stores fuel vapors from the fuel tank and routes them to the engine for combustion. When the vehicle’s onboard diagnostics (OBD-II) system detects a small leak in the EVAP system, it triggers the P0442 code. While the leak is considered "small," it still affects the vehicl...