DTC P0440 Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System. Oldsmobile Intrigue 1999

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Oldsmobile 🢒 1999 🢒 Intrigue 🢒 Body and Accessories 🢒 Wiring Systems 🢒 DTC P0440 Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System

Fuel Tank, FTP Sensor, Fuel Pump
Engine Controls Components
OBD II Symbol Description Notice
ESD Notice

Circuit Description

The PCM tests the EVAP system for the following conditions:

•	Large and small leaks (P0440 and P0442)

•	Excess vacuum (P0446)

•	Purge flow during non-commanded conditions (P1441)

•	Fuel Pressure sensor and Fuel Level sensor faults (P0452, P0453, P0462 and P0463)

•	EVAP Purge and Vent Valve faults (P0443 and P0449)

The PCM monitors the amount of vacuum in the EVAP system by monitoring the Fuel Tank Pressure sensor. For this DTC the PCM turns ON both the EVAP Purge Valve and the EVAP Vent Valve when the Conditions for Running the DTC are met. This applies an engine vacuum to a closed EVAP system. This test checks whether a vacuum can develop in the EVAP system. Failure to develop a vacuum may result from a large leak or from a restriction. This DTC will set after two consecutive failures of the above test.

Conditions for Running the DTC

•	No misfire, fuel trim, injector control circuit, AIR, EGR, VSS, HO2S, TP, MAP, MAF, ECT or IAT DTCs set.

•	Battery voltage is between 5 and 18 volts.

•	Barometric pressure is more than 75 kPa.

•	Fuel level is between 15% and 85% of full capacity for at least 10 seconds continuously. The time limit is required because fuel sloshing within the tank may cause the fuel level indication to vary outside the fuel level limits.

•	ECT at start up was between 4°C and 30°C (40°F and 86°F).

•	IAT at start up was between 4°C and 30°C (40°F and 86°F).

•	ECT not more than 8°C above or 2°C below IAT at start up.

Conditions for Setting the DTC

The EVAP system cannot develop vacuum.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

Important: Although these diagnostics are considered type A, they act like type B diagnostics under certain conditions. Whenever the EVAP diagnostics report that the system has passed, or if the battery has been disconnected, the diagnostic must fail during two consecutive cold start trips before setting a DTC. The initial failure is not reported to the diagnostic executive or displayed on a scan tool. A passing system always reports to the diagnostic executive immediately.

•	The PCM will illuminate the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) during the first trip in which the diagnostic test has been run and failed.

•	The PCM will store conditions which were present when the DTC set as Freeze Frame and Failure Records data.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

•	The PCM turns the MIL Off as soon as proper tank vacuum is detected.

•	A last test failed (current DTC) clears when the diagnostic runs and does not fail.

•	A History DTC clears after forty consecutive warm-up cycles, if this or any other emission related diagnostic does not report any failures.

•	Use a scan tool in order to clear the MIL/DTC.

•	Interrupting the PCM battery voltage may or may not clear DTCs. This practice is not recommended. Refer to Powertrain Control Module Description , Clearing Diagnostic Trouble Codes.

Diagnostic Aids

Notice: Use the connector test adapter kit J 35616-A for any test that requires probing the following items:

•	The PCM harness connectors

•	The electrical center fuse/relay cavities

•	The component terminals

•	The component harness connector

Using this kit will prevent damage caused by the improper probing of connector terminals.

Important: An accurate indication of fuel level is required for the PCM to properly Pass or Fail this DTC. Always diagnose fuel level sensor DTC's before performing this DTC's diagnostic table. Always check for fuel level sensor DTC's stored as History.

Perform a physical inspection of the EVAP system. Check for the following conditions:

•	A loose, missing, defective, or incorrect fuel tank cap

•	Incorrectly routed or defective EVAP system vacuum and vapor lines

•	A malfunctioning or damaged EVAP vapor canister

•	A vacuum leak between the Purge Solenoid Valve and the intake manifold.

Check for charcoal release from the EVAP vapor canister. Refer to the Evaporative Emission System Cleaning procedure.

If the problem is intermittent, refer to Intermittent Conditions .

The vacuum and pressure in the EVAP system is measured in inches of water (H2O). Most gauges measure vacuum in inches of mercury (Hg) and pressure in pounds per square inch (psi). The following shows how the values compare:

in H2O	in Hg	psi
1in H2O	0.07 in Hg	0.0361 psi
5 in H2O	0.36 in Hg	0.180 psi
10 in H2O	0.73 in Hg	0.361 psi
15 in H2O	1.10 in Hg	0.541 psi

Test Description

Number(s) below refer to the step number(s) on the Diagnostic Table.

Inspect the service port. Make sure that the valve core is not loose or damaged (the valve core may have left hand threads). If service port leakage is suspected, use the following procedure:

Disconnect the purge line from the EVAP Purge valve.

Connect a hand vacuum pump to the service port. Connect the hose/adaptor over the unthreaded end portion of the service port only.

Apply vacuum to about 5 in. Hg. If the vacuum does not hold, replace the service port/pipe assy.

If the vehicle passes the Service Bay Test then an intermittent leak or restriction had occurred. Check for a loose or missing fuel tank cap that may have caused this DTC to set.

If the Service Bay Test can not be run, proceed to Step 5. If a fault is not currently present the diagnostic table steps will return you to Step 3.

Refer to the information supplied with the EVAP pressure/purge diagnostic cart on proper setup and adjustment procedures.

If a leak was not found in Step 10 and the vehicle is equipped with On Board Refueling Vapor Recovery, connect the EVAP pressure/purge Diagnostic station with the fuel cap adaptor (J 41415-40) to the fuel tank filler neck and repeat Step 10. These ORVR vehicles are equipped with a check valve at the base of the filler tube which may not allow pressure from the EVAP service port to be applied to the filler tube and the fuel cap.

With pressure applied it may be necessary to disconnect the EVAP lines at the components to verify that a line or component is not restricted. A restriction would prevent a vacuum (or the Step 10 test pressure) from forming in the fuel tank.

An EVAP Pressure sensor that does not correctly respond to vacuum (or pressure) will cause this DTC to set.

The EVAP Pressure Sensor monitors a range from 7.5 in. H2O of pressure to -17.5 in. H2O of pressure (vacuum).

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

Go to Step 2

Go to the Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

Check for DTC's P0442, P0443, P0446, P0449, P0452, P0453, P0462, P0463, P1441.

Are any of the above EVAP system DTC's stored in HISTORY?

Go to the applicable DTC table

Go to Step 3

Inspect the EVAP system for the following conditions:

•	A loose, incorrect, defective or missing fuel tank cap.

•	Improperly routed, kinked or damaged EVAP system purge lines.

•	A damaged EVAP system component.

•	Check the EVAP service port for a missing dust cap or for a loose/damaged schrader valve. Refer to Test Description .

Repair the EVAP system if needed.

Was a problem found and corrected?

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 4

Important: Before proceeding with the Service Bay Test the vehicle must meet the following operating criteria:

•	Battery voltage between 10.5 and 17.5 volts.

•	Fuel level between 10 Liters (2.7 gals.) and 58 Liters (15.3 gals.) .

•	Key ON engine temperature less than 70°C.

If any of the above conditions are not met the scan tool will display Test Aborted upon activating the Service Bay Test.

Record the data stored when the DTC set and clear codes.
Perform the Service Bay Test for the EVAP system.

Does the vehicle pass the Service Bay Test?

Refer to Diagnostic Aids. .

Go to Step 5

Turn the ignition OFF.
Connect a vacuum gauge (in. Hg.) directly to the purge connection of the EVAP Purge Solenoid Valve.
Start and idle the engine.
Using a scan tool command the EVAP Purge Solenoid Valve to 100% purge.

Does the gauge indicate vacuum at or above the specified value?

12 in. Hg.

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 6

Turn the ignition OFF.
Remove the EVAP Purge Solenoid Valve from the intake manifold.
Connect a vacuum gauge (in. Hg.) directly to the vacuum source.
Start and idle the engine.

Is the vacuum measured on the gauge the same or more than the value specified?

12 in. Hg.

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 13

Turn the ignition OFF.
Disconnect the fuel tank vapor and the EVAP purge line from the EVAP vapor canister.
Plug the canister fitting for the fuel tank vapor line.
Connect a hand vacuum pump to the EVAP Purge line canister fitting.
With the ignition ON, command the EVAP Vent Valve ON (closed) with a scan tool.
Using the hand vacuum pump apply vacuum up to the specified value.

Can the specified value of vacuum be obtained and held?

5 in. Hg.

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 8

Leave system connected as in Step 7.
Disconnect the vent line at the EVAP Vent Valve.
Plug the vent line.
Using the hand vacuum pump apply vacuum up to the specified value.

Can the specified value of vacuum be obtained and held?

5 in. Hg.

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 9

Inspect the EVAP Vent line from the canister to the EVAP Vent Valve for leaks.
Replace if needed.

Was a problem found and corrected?

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 15

Important: The following steps require the EVAP pressure/purge diagnostic station J 41413 and the ultrasonic leak detector J 41416.

Always zero the EVAP Pressure and Vacuum (in. H2O) gauges on the EVAP pressure/purge diagnostic station before proceeding with diagnosis.

Turn the ignition OFF.
Remove the plug and the hand vacuum pump.
Reconnect the EVAP vapor canister purge and tank vent lines.
Connect the EVAP pressure/purge diagnostic station J 41413 to the EVAP system service port.
Using a scan tool command the EVAP Vent Valve Closed.

Important: Do Not apply more than 15 in. H2O of pressure to the EVAP system.

Continuously attempt to pressurize the EVAP system by leaving the EVAP pressure/purge diagnostic station control knob in the pressurize position.
Using the ultrasonic leak detector J 41416 locate and repair EVAP system leak.

Was a problem found and corrected?

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 11

Check the EVAP system for restrictions. Refer to Test Description .
Repair as needed.

Was a problem found and corrected?

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 16

Repair the blocked or restricted passage in the intake manifold.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 18

Important: Inspect the EVAP Purge Solenoid Valve and the purge line for carbon contamination. Refer to Diagnostic Aids.

Replace the EVAP Purge Solenoid Valve.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 18

Replace the EVAP Vent Valve.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 18

Replace the EVAP Vapor Canister.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 18

Relieve all system pressure.
Using the scan tool, use the Purge/Seal function to turn the EVAP Purge Solenoid Valve ON to varying vacuum levels with the engine running and quickly SEAL the system with the scan tool. Leaving the EVAP Purge Solenoid Valve ON for higher percents or longer times will allow a higher amount of vacuum to develop. A maximum of -12 in. H2O of vacuum can be applied to the EVAP system using the scan tool.
While the system is sealed compare the EVAP pressure/purge diagnostic stations vacuum gauge (in. H2O) to the vacuum shown on the scan tool from the EVAP Fuel Tank Pressure sensor. Allow a few seconds for the system to stabilize.

Do both values indicate the same amount of vacuum in the EVAP system to within the range specified?

+ or - 2 in. H2O

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 17

Replace the EVAP Pressure Sensor.

Is the action complete?

Go to Step 18

Clear DTCs with the scan tool.
Turn the key to Off and wait 15 seconds
Operate vehicle within the conditions that are required for this diagnostic to run. Refer to Conditions for Running the DTC.

Does the scan tool indicate that this test ran and passed?

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 2

Review Captured Info using the scan tool.

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

Go to the applicable DTC table

System OK