All

My wife's 1998 Z28 convertible that we bought a couple of months ago displayed the "Service Engine Soon" light. We took it to AutoZone and they pulled the code d0442 which is EVAP small leak most likely caused by a loose or defective fuel cap.

I checked the cap and it was on tight or at least clicking but I bought a new one anyway. It didn't fit so well and after searching here I found that the 1998 Camaro has a one year only cap so we had to order one from the dealer. Nice....

Anyway, I put the original cap back on and want to determine if it is the cap or something else. How can I clear the code to see if it reappears? Or how long is normal for it to shut off? AutoZone will pull the codes but won't reset them. I am 10 months away from inspection, so I got plenty of time - crap like this just drives me nuts.

Thanks
Stacy

 

The code should reset after a few drive cycles. If it doesn't go away after that then you will need to look further into the problem. There is a solenoid (easy to find) that can cause the problem as well as the canister and lines to and from the purge solenoid.

 

Where is the solenoid and canister? I can at least take a look at the lines to ensure they are not cracked or dry rotted.

 

My LS1 is under cover right now so it would take some doing to look but if GM hasn't changed the location from the LT1 days, the solenoid should be somewhere on top of the engine and the canister up under the DS rear quarter. If you can see fuel and vent lines coming into the engine bay then you can locate the purge solenoid easily. I'll break out the repair manual and see if I can give you the official location.

edit:

I just checked for the 98 and the purge is on the passenger side of the engine along the intake manifold. The control valve and purge canister is basically the same place as the 93-97 cars; up under the driver side quarter panel.

 

The canister is up under the drivers side rear quarter? I have noticed some black film under there but it doesn't smell like gas... There is a plastic cover that I thought protected the fuel filler nozzel - I guess the canister is under that.

 

The canister is shown in a Chilton's sketch as being there. I believe the removal instructions refer to a cover. If you want, I can check another manual and even get you a link to the sketch - although that would take a bit of doing.

You can clear the code by removing the PCM BAT fuse in the box under the hood. I would do that before spending more time on the rest of the evap system. A search here and through google will give you direct instructions for that. I don't like disconnecting the battery - which should clear the code and learned fuel trims.

 

Sorry to bring back an old thread, but mine has this same problem. Took the car to advance auto today for them to clear it. It didn't seem to affect the car at all, so I think when I get it tuned on friday I will just get that code tuned out also. Do yall think that would work?