P0442Low severityEmissionsDIY: Easy
P0442: Evaporative Emission System Small Leak Detected
The fuel vapor recovery system is leaking a tiny amount of pressure. The #1 cause is a loose, cracked, or worn gas cap.
Can I keep driving?
Yes. A small EVAP leak does not affect drivability. It will fail an emissions test until it is fixed.
Symptoms you might notice
- Check engine light with no change in how the car runs
- Sometimes a faint fuel smell near the rear of the car
What to check first
- Remove the gas cap, check the rubber seal for cracks, and tighten it until it clicks.
- If the cap looks worn, replace it with the right one for your vehicle.
- Inspect the EVAP hoses near the fuel tank and the engine for cracks or loose fittings.
- After a fix, give it several days of normal driving. The light does not always clear right away because the car has to re-run its leak test.
Most common causes
- Loose or failed gas cap
- Cracked EVAP hose
- Faulty purge or vent valve
Check it against your exact vehicle
A code means the same thing on every car, but where the parts are and what to check first depends on your year, make, model and engine. Tell CaliperAI what you are seeing and it will help narrow down the likely causes for your vehicle.
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General information about this code, not a diagnosis of your specific vehicle. Safety-critical work such as brakes, fuel and airbags is best left to a qualified mechanic.