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Friggin code nightmare

15K views 63 replies 16 participants last post by  robex4  
#1 · (Edited)
"Check engine soon" light came on the dash. Two different places, 1) D&R Automotive my regular maintenance shop and 2) Advanced Automotive, have scanned my computer and received the P0455 code = EVAP SYSTEM Leak (Large). Typically this code is the result of a "bad or after market gas cap."

When my driver side rear fender was modified (to accomodate 35s) I had my EVAP cannister removed and reangled at 15 degrees and then it was reinstalled. The mechanic assured me that the EVAP canister could be angled at 15 degree (off of stock angle) without any impact. So I'll likely start by having that shop trouble shoot their work. If that doesn't yield results then I'll have another shop trace the gas system for an evap leak from the tank to the engine.

Any related ideas, opinions, concerns, suggestions, comments, etc are appreciated. Quite honestly, on this sort of problem I have no experience in resolving.

Thanks
 
#4 ·
#7 ·
Have you tried the simple things first.

Remove and retighten the gas cap and clear the code. Then see if it comes back.

Until you do that, I wouldn't try making it more complicated.
yes I did try that, but just to be sure will do the same again this evening, if it doesn't work this time then maybe try I'll replcaing the gas cap...
 
#9 ·
You don't have an aftermarket locking cap or anything do you?

I do know those have caused some people trouble. I also know there were several people who posted up that they had faulty stock caps, but I think they showed issues almost immediately after buying the vehicle.

However, I do think trying a $7 gas cap would be the best first step.
 
#10 ·
You don't have an aftermarket locking cap or anything do you?

I do know those have caused some people trouble. I also know there were several people who posted up that they had faulty stock caps, but I think they showed issues almost immediately after buying the vehicle.

However, I do think trying a $7 gas cap would be the best first step.
No I still have the stock gas cap, never had an issue until now, but will take your advice on the $7 replacement...will be calling the stealership now. Thanks Jason ;)
 
#13 · (Edited)
exercise in gas cap shopping = $21.78

Called around for the 2005 gas cap, here is what I found.

Stealership #1 - Sheehy Nissan VA
original quote $45.72, but talked him down to $36.57

Stealership #2 - Cowles Nissan VA
original quote $27.00, but talked him down to $21.78 WINNER

Stealership #3 - Courtesy Nissan TX
original quote $30.21, but talked him down to $23.52 + $8.99 shipping = $32.51
 
#18 ·
It's not the cap.

When my X threw this code (i dont know why i gave the example in my sentra) it was indeed the Evap Canister Vent Control Solenoid Valve....I located it, cleaned it and replaced an O-ring....the thing was all clogged with mud and hence was stuck closed and wouldn't vent the gas vapors.

The easiest way to tell if your Evap Vent Control S/V is stuck is to go fill up with gas...if the gas shoots out every 2 seconds you know the valve isn't opening and won't allow the gas vapors to escape.
 
#19 ·
check the evap lines & their connection to the evap box. the connectors are pretty hard to put on or take off so if they were never completely seated then they might have fallen off. its a hard plastic line that goes from by the fuel tank on the drivers side to the engine bay under your brake booster & then turns into a soft line to the evap purge valve. soft line behind & under the hard plastic covers that lead to the intake plenum. when i get home i'll post up what the service manual says
 
#25 ·
Code Free Again

Forgot to post the resolution on this. The stealership did a smoke test, then replaced the leaking EVAP Canister cost $191, as well as the Vent Control Valve cost $90 which was stuck, labor was $130, and tax was $15. Total damage to the wallet = $441.

Do not make an assumption that this is always the fix for this code as it could be a number of different components that are faulty; smoke test tells the story.
 
#28 ·
Did the shop install the filter kit described in the TSB which presumably will prevent or at least delay "dirt" from getting to the valve. It looks like the filter could be easily replaced if it became clogged. Can't image that happening again soon with how careful you are about keeping your rig away from deep mud and high water.

Your advice about not assuming that this fix will work for similar symptoms should be repeated more often. Proper diagnosis should always precede parts replacement. Good to hear the problem is resolved, even if your wallet is lighter.

Jeff
 
#31 ·
Bullsh!t codes kickin my @ss

This week the infamous "check engine soon" light came back on.

Took LA RANA into my buddy's shop for code diagnosis, and we have three.

Imediate thought = WTF!!! :angry5:

P0455 EVAP System Leak (large) - hmm that sounds familiar, looks like they didn't fix it afterall...
P0174 Fuel System Too Lean
P0300 Random Cylinder Misfire

This is the last thing I need right now! The NOAS run is 2 weeks away, and I'm not going on a 8 hour road trip (each way) without everything being 100%. Plus we have a vacation overseas coming up soon that I'm scraping cash for.

Guess were off to the stealership again on Monday to grab the ankles.
 
#34 ·
I wouldn't be surprised if the Evap Valve may be causing the other error codes. If there is too much air entering the intake the ECU may not be able to compensate, PO174. That would cause a lean condition that could in turn trigger a a lean misfire, PO300. That all of these codes appeared after service, when only 0455 was there before, is suspicious. I'd focus on the EVAP valve first and see if that doesn't fix all problems.

Jeff