2004 Vibe Base P0442 EVAP LEAK...FIXED

Discuss any problems, warranty, repair, or replacement issues you are having with your Vibe & Matrix
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orlando3131
Posts: 18
Joined: Mon Jun 27, 2016 12:49 pm

2004 Vibe Base P0442 EVAP LEAK...FIXED

Post by orlando3131 »

My 2004 1.8 Vibe base with 160,000 miles check engine light came on. It showed a PO442 Small Evap Leak code. I started with all the cheap fixes first like re-tightening the gas cap, then replacing the gas cap which didn't work to clear the codes. Then I heard the 2004 corolla/Matrix had a service bulletin with an improved fuel filler tube was made to correct PO442 code condition. That didn't work either. After clearing the code, it came back on a few days later. After going to get the EVAP system smoked, they said it might be the thick rigid plastic hose that goes from the Charcoal Canister to the fuel tank cut off valve. That was a waste of money cause the light came back on. Next, I tried changing out the purge and vent valve solenoids cause they weren't that expensive and easy to change. But no luck. The check engine light still came on. I was just about to give up and put electrical tape over the light in frustration. My last attempt was to just take a chance and replace the Charcoal Canister. I saw one on Rockauto.com for $200 for an AC Delco OEM Canister which was basically a Toyota OEM canister repackaged under AC DELCO name but $100.00 cheaper than what Toyota wanted for one. So I gave it a shot as a last ditch attempt to fix it before I just gave up. And what do you know, it fixed the problem. I cleared the codes after replacing the canister and 3 weeks later and a couple of tank fulls of gas later, the engine light hasn't come back on and when I checked it again with the OBD II Scanner, it shows no pending codes. What a relief! I'm back in love with my Vibe again. :D :D

With all the parts I changed out I basically have a new Evap System. So I should be OK for awhile when it comes to the Evap System. lol

Hope this helps someone if they encounter the same issue to hopefully save them money and headaches that I had to deal with.
jolt
Posts: 945
Joined: Sun Mar 02, 2014 2:07 am
Location: Twin Cities, Minnesota

Re: 2004 Vibe Base P0442 EVAP LEAK...FIXED

Post by jolt »

Good info to have and glade you got it fixed. Another Vibe back on the road. ;)
radioarno
Posts: 53
Joined: Sat Jun 18, 2016 7:07 pm

Re: 2004 Vibe Base P0442 EVAP LEAK...FIXED

Post by radioarno »

any tips or pics on changing the evap canister?
JeffW
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Jan 18, 2020 4:05 pm

Re: 2004 Vibe Base P0442 EVAP LEAK...FIXED

Post by JeffW »

After getting a P0442 code on OBD2, I searched for solutions including this post and oiled/ tightened the fuel cap, replaced the fuel cap, checked all metal and rubber lines from tank, cannister, and engine area with no obvious signs of hose line leaks, checked the purge and vent valve solenoid, and finally tried the cannister. This one from Amazon was by far cheapest (about $134) but is for a Toyota Matrix, but you can swap the brackets for the Pontiac Vibe and fits great (and cheaper than a Vibe one). Yes!! Great buy and love it when you fix a problem.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004J9F198?ps ... ct_details
JeffW
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Jan 18, 2020 4:05 pm

Re: 2004 Vibe Base P0442 EVAP LEAK...FIXED

Post by JeffW »

In case the part number/ Amazon listing goes away, the part is Standard Motor Products, Inc. - Fuel Vapor Canister (CP3193)
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