P0455 & P0442 Where to look?

[kblake905]

Not long now before the car comes off the road for the winter here in Ontario. The last couple of times I have had the 2004 out the engine light has come on P0455 EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM LEAK DETECTED (large leak) and P0442 EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM LEAK DETECTED (small leak) where would I look here for a possible fix or could it be a sensor? Car seems to run fine other than engine light. Here in Ontario I will have to correct this before I can get new plates in the spring. Thanks for any advice.:confused:

[Steve-Indy]

Interesting thread

http://driveviper.com/forums/threads/threads/10297-Code-P0442-evap-leak

[kblake905]

Took the car out tonight for a Beer and Wing night. 20 km each way. The Engine light did not turn on for the trip home??
Would this be related to short 8 to 10 Km (5 to 8 mile) trips causing the codes to trip?
The gas cap was a thought and the tank was full so that did not appear to be the cause??
Thanks again

[ACtechOPS]

Several conditions have to be met before the evap test will even run. Among them, engine temp (coolant) has to be same as ambient (outside air temp), fuel tank quantity has to be between 15% and 85% engine has to be at acceptable idle. So, if you keep the tank full at all times, test will never run and remain in "not ready" status. Since you are allowed one "not ready" in Ontario, this was how I got my 2004 to pass emissions in August. If you don't have the shop manual, you can download my 2005 digital copy here: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/l12ba9njo7beul2/AAB6wMhVIgwz4SBKoI2x6d3oa?dl=0 , it explains how the system works.
I now know more about this sustem than I ever wanted too. I also know how to burn out the reed switch inside the LDP by applying 12v to the wrong connection :( If you are toying with the idea of a smoke test, I would suggest taking the car to a shop (Dodge) that has a DRBIII so that you test the entire system, not just the vacuum side. I am 45min north of T.O. Pm me if you need further info/assistance.