Hello all, I have a 2000 Dodge Grand Caravan LE. It has 93k miles, 4 speed automatic transmission, and 3.8L V6 engine. The vehicle has had a persistent P0442 code for a small evap leak. Here is the history. The mechanic replaced the fuel filler neck and fuel module and fuel filter because there was a crack in the module and the neck was worn and the vehicle was leaking gas. The mechanic replaced the two and the vehicle was fine for a few weeks of use. Then the P0442 code came on.
I have tried the following fixes:
- I tried uncapping and recapping the gas cap resetting the code and driving it.
- I replaced the gas cap.
- I replaced the vapor canister purge valve solenoid because there was a vacuum leak when I tested it.
- I found the vapor canister detection filter was dirty. I replaced that.
- I tried several smoke tests, but there was no smoke leaking out from the system anywhere. I tried it in a number of scenarios ranging from a cold engine on a cold 40 degrees Fahrenheit day, and on a warm engine during a 60 degrees Fahrenheit day.
- I tried testing the charcoal canister by closing off the fresh air hose and blowing air through it to check for clogs. Air was blowing through the canister without a problem.
After each fix I would drive it around twice from a cold start each time. The second drive has reliably been able to trigger the P0442 code. I'm at a loss where to go with it now. I checked for any technical service bulletins that I could find and I didn't have anything glaring that would indicate something with the evap system on how to remedy this. I would appreciate any advice or tips. Thank you for your time.
Maybe you already saw this but here it is anyway. https://www.autocodes.com/p0442_dodge.html
Also, did someone say to check to check for leaks, as this code says are detected, we can use WD40? Just spray hoses, connections, to see if leak stops. Might help.
Where the smoke test might not work because of air blowing the smoke and you miss it, you might use soapy water. Watch for blowing bubbles. 🙂
@jimz
Thank you very much. I sprayed every evap hose and connector I could get my hands on with WD40, cleared the code, and after about a dozen or more startups and a few hundred miles the evap code hasn't returned. Thank you for your time and the recommendation. 🙂
If your van does not have to pass an emissions inspection you can ignore this code as long as the van runs fine.
