an emissions control leak (small). im not sure of the exact code. they told me to get a new gas cap and i should be fine. so i did and the code came back on. i went back and had them turn it off twice and it is still coming back on. what does this mean and how much would it cost to fix it? thanks.
2006-08-11 04:55:56 · 11 answers · asked by amandax086 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
also, i have a 1998 Pontiac Grand Prix GT.
2006-08-11 04:56:27 · update #1
code p0440 which is affectionately called the gas cap code is one of the most annoying codes out there..
The first thing i am going to ask you might sound silly ,but,do you put the gas in your car? If so do you turn the cap until it clicks about 3 times?If it is not on tight enough the computer detects the leak of gas fumes..
next..have the cap tested at an emissions centre to see if it holds its pressure..
If the cap is OK..you need the..oh god..dealer..this emissions leak is in the system of vents and hoses in the tank..the dealer can do a smoke test to see where the vapours are escaping(yes this is an actual test)..
The lad from Autozone should have mentionned to you about testing the gas cap first before selling you one..since if it is actually in the emissions you justed wasted the money on a cap...
2006-08-11 09:40:05 · answer #1 · answered by iusedtohavehair 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GT (same engine). When you put the gas cap back on after filling it up, are you tightening it enough to make it click at least 3 times? If not, that could be your problem. If you do that and it still doesn't go away, take it to a repair shop for an estimate -- NOT a dealer. Dealers will charge you top-dollar and do piss-poor work. The last emissions control problem I had was a bad EGR valve, and that cost me about $350.00 to get it replaced.
2006-08-11 05:03:52 · answer #2 · answered by sarge927 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The system checks the evaporator system. This is what takes the gas fumes and puts them back in the gas tank. It has several vacuum hoses that could be leaking. That's the problem with having a parts person try and fix your car. The code reader only says what could be wrong, So unless you look at everything that also could cause the problem your only guesing. Is a hose broken is the vacuum canister cracked? Why it may seem cheap and easy to go and get a "free" diagnossis keep in mind that "you get what you pay for" is more than just a funny saying.
Find a reliable mechanic and have him check you evap system with a smoke machine.
2006-08-11 05:52:50 · answer #3 · answered by uthockey32 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The gas cap MIGHT be the problem. make sure you tighten it down all the way. Could also be a LOT of other things. The guys at autozone aren't exactly the most knowledgable people in my experience. It could be a vaccum line leak someplace, an EGR, Evap canister.... you name it. Find a good trustworthy mechanic and have them track it down. Emissions problems are a pain in the *** to diagnose and fix, so don't expect it to be cheap and easy (though it might). Don't rely on the guy at autozone to solve a problem as potentially compl;icated as an emissions failure by reading a generic code. And an emissions leak code is VERY generic. It could mean a lot of things, but is very fixable.
2006-08-11 05:10:26 · answer #4 · answered by jeremiah m 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is possible that nothing is wrong. I had the same issue on a 1996 Honda Civic and turns out the Check Engine light was broken!! Not anything in the car. Preventatively, you may want to have a mechanic look at it, but if you don't have the cash - I would just wait to see if its acting funny otherwise or until it breaks down.
2006-08-11 05:02:43 · answer #5 · answered by DG 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had the same issue with my car...damn pontiacs..anyway...I took it over to Meineke and they checked out all possible answers to why it would come on ($30). It turned out that my cigarette lighter fuse was corroding and this triggered the check engine light to come on. (Bad thing was that I had two O2 sensors replaced because of the weird code that it threw) All he did was disconnect the lighter fuse and the problem was solved. Hope this helps...
2006-08-11 06:43:35 · answer #6 · answered by GSRgirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it doesnt go away. it wont until u get a new car... same thing happened to me and the guy at auto zone told me that i can buy a new gas cap and it would go away for the time being... but he also told me that it wouldnt be worth the money i spend for a new gas cap cuz theres nothing that can be done... sorry, wish i could help more
2006-08-11 05:04:22 · answer #7 · answered by firerescuechick986 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ah....the bugs in the computer sensors. My '97 Le Sabre does that crap. Had the sensor replaced 3 times, and it still says there's something wrong! Runs great, drives great...don't worry about it.Dads been a GM mechanic for 45 years...he oughtta know!
2006-08-11 05:09:07 · answer #8 · answered by Helzabet 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it could be just a sensor,IE o2 or egr valve.Shoot across town to another Vatozone and have em check it again.What you should do is check your local listings for a diagnostic check.that will run roughly 50.00.It can be a number of things.Ask how much they will charge to replace the part(s)if your boyfriend or dad has any Man skill, they can change the part for you.The parts are somewhat cheap it's just the labor that gets you.
2006-08-11 05:28:25 · answer #9 · answered by Stoner 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
stay away from autozone(dumbazz parts sellers) and take your car to a repair shop where they know what they are doing -
2006-08-11 06:36:00 · answer #10 · answered by topwrnch 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋