99 Mazda Protege throwing P0455 - need help - NYS inspection?

Question

My 1.6 L Protege has thrown a P0455 for several weeks now. I've called the local Mazda service guys, and they told me it was a gas cap, and to replace it - which I did with OEM. $26 later, and I re-ran the tests (cleared the code, with my ODB-II scanner) and reread the system. I haven't thrown the code yet, but it's in the "Pending" state. Mazda wants close to $100 to run the test and then decide what do do from there.

Anyone out there know what else it can be? The gas tank doesn't leak. My fiance and I have done a 'blow through' test, and there are no blockages. I'm at a loss. I don't want to scrap the car, but if Mazda wants several hundred bucks to fix it, is it worth it? It is a 99 after all, with an almost nil resale value (it's got 130K + miles on it.)

Thanks in advance.

I also forgot to mention that I'm coming due for a NYS Inspection - and I don't think the car will pass while it's in this state.

I would LOVE a new car, but my Mazda has been good to me, and I can't justify getting a new one right now. It's not if I can afford it or not, it's just that why spend that much money if I don't have to?

Answer 1

This indicates a fuel vapor leak in the EVAP control system. It means a very small leak has been detected. In fact, the leak can be from a hole as small as 0.04" in diameter. The (EVAP) emission control system prevents the escape of fuel vapors from a vehicle's fuel system. Fuel vapors are routed by hoses to a charcoal canister for storage. Later, when the engine is running a purge control valve opens allowing intake vacuum to siphon the fuel vapors into the engine.

Symptoms: You likely won't notice any drivability problems:
What is causing the problem:
A loose or improperly affixed gas cap
A non-conforming gas cap (i.e. not factory/original brand)
A small leak/hole in a fuel vapor hose/tube
Other small leak in EVAP system
Faulty vent o-ring seal

I really wouldn't worry about this. If you are not suffering any drivablity problems then let it go. It will however be a problem if you have to take it in for emissions. Make sure you gas cap is one from Mazda not one from Autozone or Carquest. Sometime those aftermarket gas caps just don't fit properly. Otherwise you can have a small hole in a hose but, good luck finding it. Paying a $100 or more would be a waste to me. I would try a different gas cap one from the manufacturer. If that isn't it then I would leave it alone. OK, I hope this helps. Take care and good luck with your car.

Answer 2

Start the vehicle (when first cold) , clear the code (DO NOT SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE FOR ANYTHING) and go on a road test again (about 10-15 miles over multiple driving ways (city/highway).. it should test all the systems and it will either pass the test, or ot will throw the p0455 again as shop teacher said, it means the evap system found a gross leak, usually it's caused by a loose or bad gas cap... but it can be caused by other parts. Without the manual in front of me I can't give you ideas, but check for any leaks under the car (hoses that looked cracked etc) Usually after that, it's either the valve that helps pull a vaccum on the tank, or the valve that shuts off the outside air to the system... the later is the one I have most issues with on the Fords It would be called a canister vent valve. But run my test first and see if it fails it first... Also, ask your NY inspector.. some states that do IM pass the cars with a p1000 or all tests haven't done if all except one test is done, if NY requires it completely passed, do what I said to help.. if not it will require a emissions tech to find the leak

Answer 3

99 Mazda Protege

Answer 4

Any time that you fail to get the gas cap on and sealed this code will come back. So the problem maybe not be any deeper then your wrist.
As for is it worth if to invest money into any repair work. Are you making car payments now? There is what the car can be sold for and how much it would cost to replace it. While the resale value is not there, the replacement cost will be more then the repair cost.
Then there is the fact that no matter what you buy, in a few years you will be back in the same place. That is a car that cost a lot of money not being worth anything. You can avoid this by paying for maintenance and repairs as this car should last 250 K miles, if your vanity will endure the hardship of not having something newer.

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
99 Mazda Protege throwing P0455 - need help - NYS inspection?
My 1.6 L Protege has thrown a P0455 for several weeks now. I've called the local Mazda service guys, and they told me it was a gas cap, and to replace it - which I did with OEM. $26 later, and I re-ran the tests (cleared the code, with my ODB-II scanner) and reread the system. I haven't...

Answer 6

I would check the purge valve by hooking up a vacuum tester to it to see if its pulling vacuum and increases as the car continues to run. If it does, then a faulty Purge Valve could be your problem.