Trouble code PO442
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From: Maine, Virginia
Trouble code PO442
I plugged in my scan tool to come up with this code after the check engine light came on yesterday. It says that I have a small leak in the evap emissions system.
So I went on line to learn more and it says that it could be as simple as a worn gas cap, loose fitting cap, etc. Or, it could be a leak in the canister, hose, a lose connection or other.
Anyone have experience with this? I cleared the code, fiddled with the gas cap and I'll see what happens. There's no difference in driveability at all, just the annoying light.
I've had a vacuum leak on this one before so it could very well be a hose.
Thanks for any info.
So I went on line to learn more and it says that it could be as simple as a worn gas cap, loose fitting cap, etc. Or, it could be a leak in the canister, hose, a lose connection or other.
Anyone have experience with this? I cleared the code, fiddled with the gas cap and I'll see what happens. There's no difference in driveability at all, just the annoying light.
I've had a vacuum leak on this one before so it could very well be a hose.
Thanks for any info.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2014
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From: Skiatook, OK
This problem can get worse and contribute to driveability issues like misfires, etc. But you're right, it can be a simple thing like the seal on the gas cap. You can either throw parts at it until it gets better, or you can have a mechanic use a smoke machine on the evaporative system to show where the leak is. If you can visually inspect the evap lines from the tank to the engine compartment, sometimes you can see something out of place.
Hotshot
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From: St Louis
Nah, a small evap emissions leak is never going to cause driveability problems. It will, however, cause a failed emissions test if you have to take one. Otherwise, it's only a potential pollution issue.
Try a new Motorcraft gas cap, reset the MIL, then drve it normally. The EVAP monitor is pretty cranky about when it runs, so it might be days, weeks, or, in cold weather, months before you know if it's fixed or not.
Try a new Motorcraft gas cap, reset the MIL, then drve it normally. The EVAP monitor is pretty cranky about when it runs, so it might be days, weeks, or, in cold weather, months before you know if it's fixed or not.
Fleet Owner
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FYI for anyone else, if after redoing the gas cap, the light can remain on for several warm up/cool down cycles. So if you don't have a scan tool to turn the light off, you can just drive for a few days and it will turn off on it's own, assuming the gas cap was the problem.
Fleet Owner
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That would be good if it were so labeled, but it's not. Most owners sit there and scratch their heads when trying to read the fuse box index. Then of course if their model has a second fuse box...well that can really throw them for a loop. For many it's just easier to drive it a couple of days and wait for the CEL to go off all by itself.
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From: Maine, Virginia
Thanks for the very helpful replies guys. I reset the light with my scan reader on Sunday. I haven't driven the truck since.
My poor wife took quite a spill two weeks ago and broke her collar bone so she's not driving for a while. I'll drive hers a couple days a week to keep everything functioning as it always has and should.
If it acts up again, I have a favorite guy who can fix her right up and offer the same warranty as the Ford dealer.
My poor wife took quite a spill two weeks ago and broke her collar bone so she's not driving for a while. I'll drive hers a couple days a week to keep everything functioning as it always has and should.
If it acts up again, I have a favorite guy who can fix her right up and offer the same warranty as the Ford dealer.
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