P0442

[tylerdurden2816]

Hi all! Scanned my stock 03 (211k miles) yesterday to clear the CEL and had this code, the scanner says "Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected Small Leak". Any common issues w/ these cars, with these kinda miles, that I should put on the top of my list to check? Clean and check the gas cap and filler neck will be first, due to ease of access, and that it costs about zero time and money. But after that, anything in particular?

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[69marquis conv]

Following because I'm curious to hear the suggestions. My 320k Grand Marquis throws this code about twice a month but runs beautifully all the time.

[RubberCtyRauder]

Vacuum leaks can cause that code, check pcv boot for cracks. Spray starting fluid while engine idles in small bursts near egr etc..if idle changes.. suspect area..

[martyo]

It’s an Evap leak more likely than a vacuum leak.

These are common on cars of these age.

Work your way through the evap system. Also check the gas cap.

[RubberCtyRauder]

Marty is right, I was more thinking of a stumble in acceleration type symptom. Check hoses to evap system mounted under tank too.

[tylerdurden2816]

Well, after replacing the lower steering shaft, I left the car run and sprayed damn near every joining part on the motor, no change in idle, just my luck. Can the evap system under the tank be starter spray checked? Short of an oddity, like a broken filler neck, the under tank stuff seems like the only option left. The cap and neck outlet seemed fine, no imperfections, nothing obvious anyway.

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[decipha]

it has to be purging at the time your spraying. best bet is to just replace all the evap lines they are usually very brittle and need replacement

[RubberCtyRauder]

The evap system is checked by a smoke test. Dealer or shop has the equipment for that. The cap may look fine, it may not be. Have had cap be issue before.

[crownvic97]

I’ve had this code for years. I’d love to get it fixed at some point. Need to find a shop with the smoker.

[offroadkarter]

I think this is the same code my friends 04 Sport had years ago when it threw an EVAP code.

We replaced the gas cap, no dice (its almost never the gas cap)

The problem for him was, iirc, the vapor canister which is in the EVAP system under the trunk floor. Inside the canister is a screen and his was blocked with dirt. This is not a part that was intended to be serviced, but you're able to unclip it and simply clean the screen out. Re-assembled, cleared code and the car was fine for years after. His car was pretty rusty underneath and that EVAP system is held in with 2 nuts and 2 rivets. I remember snapping the studs on his, I am sure with how rusty your car is you'll snap yours as well.

Search this on CVN as well, it's not an uncommon issue

https://www.google.com/search?q=site...hrome&ie=UTF-8

https://www.crownvic.net/ubbthreads/...Number=1167887

DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) P0442

FORD:
2003-2004 Crown Victoria

LINCOLN:
2003-2004 Town Car

MERCURY:
2003-2004 Grand Marquis

ISSUE

Some 2003-2004 Crown Victoria/Grand Marquis and Town Car vehicles may exhibit a malfunction indicator light (MIL) with DTC P0442 (Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected (small leak)) in memory. This may be an erroneous DTC set due to a partial blockage (rather than a leak) of the fresh air vent hose connected to the canister vent valve. A spider nest may cause this blockage.

ACTION

Perform a smoke machine phase 1 - leak verification pressure test per the PC/ED. If a leak is indicated, proceed with normal leak detection diagnostics. If there is no leak indicated, remove and visually inspect the fresh air vent hose for a spider nest or other such blockage. Clear the hose by blowing out with compressed air and clear the DTC.

[tylerdurden2816]

Offroadkarter you're my only hope, and you were right so far, went to check under there and the studs had to be cut off to get in. Found a hose clamp had broken, replaced that, thought I was all good but the CEL came back today. So, since you called it so far, tomorrow I'll go back under there and check that screen for a clog. I hope that's it, otherwise it's take it to Ford, or unleash the "parts cannon" and pray. Neither option thrills me...

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[tylerdurden2816]

Just found an excellent video on YouTube showing how this is done, for anyone following this thread.

https://youtu.be/ZE-IlGCfyBI

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[Invective]

Just found an excellent video on YouTube showing how this is done, for anyone following this thread.

https://youtu.be/ZE-IlGCfyBI

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Fall of 2018, my low mileage Marauder began running poorly and stalling without triggering the CEL. Corrected the issue by replacing the IAC (thanks FB groups). Shortly afterwards, the CEL illuminated although Marauder was running well. OEM fuel cap was fine; code came up for 'vapor canister solenoid' (fuel tank) and was changed out. A week or so later, CEL illuminated again although car was running fine. Shop stated code was for 'vapor canister purge valve' (firewall). Device was replaced and no issues since.

[Chi Stallion]

I remember back in my first Marauder (Sometime around 2008-2009) I threw a similar code and it was the vapor canister purge valve. Replaced it with oem and it never came back. I might just order a new one and change out the old one.

[tylerdurden2816]

Well guys, only time (and mileage) will tell, but that vapor solenoid is definitely a great candidate for what was causing my error code. Opened it up, like the video above, luckily nothing visible in the hose. However, after opening up the canister solenoid, I found the inside to be quite filthy (see pic). Cleaned it up pretty well, but the outside of the canister was very rusty, so although it's clean inside now, I do intend on replacing it in the near future regardless of whether it ends up being the cause of the code or not.

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