Check Engine Light with EVAC code?

Question

My 2003 Dodge Neon had the check engine light on, and when I took it to Auto Zone it gave me the EVAC code, but when I took it to the mechanic, they could not find a vacuum leak or anything of that sort. When I start my car, it shakes, and when I accelerate, it seems to "jump" forward a bit. Twice now when I start and then go in reverse, it stalls out (even though it's an automatic) and I have to restart it. Also occasionally it has trouble going from a complete stop, bascially it struggles to get going. I'm taking it to another mechanic on Friday, but any ideas on what this could be and is it going to cost me a fortune to fix?

Sorry, meant EVAP code. And I believe it was a P0442 code. Around 55,000 miles. So the reason for Check Engine Light being on and the driving problems I'm having are two completely unrelated problems-?

Answer 1

Your fuel filter is stopping up you need to change the fuel filter and see if that don't fix the problem. If it's not that have your fuel pressure checked your fuel pump may be going bad that's what it sounds like. The engine vac code will show up when the engine is starved for gas. With a stopped up fuel filter it will stall and you will have to restart your engine more and more when you drive just like you say is happening, it's in the fuel getting to your engine.

Answer 2

Have run in to at my shop a few times and a few diffrent problems.
One lose gas cap or you are fill ing it up while your car is running.
Two the natNatural Vacuum Leak Detection (NVLD) assembly, which is located on top of the charcoal canister, which is mounted above the fuel tank leaking.
just what i have seen at my shop on the neon's.
The evap system does a pressuer check on cold start ups.
So the code might not have been reset when you took it to the shop.
Hope this helps.
auto tec...........

Answer 3

I think you are talking about two problems: one with EVAP system and the other driveability issue.
The first one could be for many reason and one of the most common is when the gas tank gets overfilled with gas (when we try to squeeze all to the last drop at the pump).
Again to say exactly what's wrong proper ame with driveability issue. Experienced mechanic can solve both problems without too much troubles.

Answer 4

I do not know of an EVAC code but do know of several EVAP codes. If a vacuum leak is suspected, the look at the PVC hose. This can collapse and have a hole that shows itself only under certain engine movement.

EVAP codes can be hard to find the trouble. Many times it is a loose gas cap.
The shop you went to must not know much.
Seek out an upper quality shop for proper diagnosis of your problem.

Answer 5

First check the fuel cap. Then check your Evap system for vacuum leak. The drivable problem maybe be related if it is a vacuum leak. Next check your spark plugs,wires and cap,rotor etc... also check for hoses that are soft and have clasped.

Answer 6

Get them to check the canister purge control valve,it should not purge at idle,the valve takes the fuel vapours from the fuel tank and burns them in the engine above idle.Canister purge at idle means you have extra fuel and vapours going into the engine which upsets the fuel mixture.The only way to check this valve is to remove it and cycle the valve on/off at least 10 times,when it has power to it,it should be closed no air should flow through it.

Answer 7

You might have a leak in the gas tank seal, or the vacuum line on the EVAP canister one of those lines is sucking in air

Answer 8

exact code P0455? or other? and how many miles do you have? It could be a loose gas cap and need for a set of spark plugs.

Answer 9

Transmisson? trade it quick in my opinion.

Answer 10

E Vac System