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Evaporative Emission Control Canister Replacement

Have you ever been around a vintage or classic car that emanated a raw fuel odor, yet no leaks were apparent? Gasoline vapors are very harmful if inhaled; they contain damaging chemicals such as benzene and toluene, which can cause headaches, nausea, and breathing problems. Vehicle manufacturers are required to limit the amount of fuel vapors that can be emitted from a vehicle. The evaporative emissions system consists of a charcoal canister, valves, hoses and a sealed fuel cap. When fuel vapors are produced inside the fuel tank due to evaporation, they are collected inside the charcoal canister, or evaporative emission control canister. At a time determined by the engine control module, the fumes collected in the charcoal canister are purged through a valve and sent into the engine to burn as part of the air/fuel mixture. Dust and dirt from regular driving conditions can accumulate on the emission control canister, causing the purge and vent solenoids or valves to fail. It is also possible for the charcoal canister itself to crack either due to impact or harsh environmental conditions. When this happens, raw fuel or fuel vapors are lost into the environment around your vehicle, and a noticeable fuel smell can occur.

 

Many evaporative emissions-related Check Engine light codes are caused by a loose or leaking fuel cap.

 

The evaporative emission control canister is faulty and needs replacement | The defective canister is removed | The new canister is installed | The engine is scanned for codes | The vehicle is road tested for proper operation and no check engine light comes on.

 

Though regular maintenance or scheduled replacement is not necessary, the charcoal canister can become clogged from moisture or contaminants in the fuel. If the charcoal canister is damaged and leaking, or if a diagnosis determines the charcoal canister or one of its components is responsible for a Check Engine light illuminating, have the evaporative emission control canister replaced by one of our expert mechanics.

 

If the evaporative emission control canister is not replaced when it is diagnosed, other problems with your vehicle may go undetected as the Check Engine light will illuminate for dozens of other reasons. Because fuel vapors are dangerous to inhale, and a fuel leak can cause a fire, you should replace the charcoal canister as soon as possible.

Leak Detection Pump Replacement

The Leak Detection Pump triggers the Check Engine light when your vehicle has minor leaks that are hard to detect.

 

Federal law requires a working leak detection pump because it helps ensure your evaporative | emission system (EVAP) is functioning correctly. | It’s designed to mitigate fuel vapors escaping from the fuel system. Any leaks in the system can emit vapors that pollute the atmosphere, which is why it’s a regulated aspect of the vehicle’s engine.

 

Disconnect negative battery cable at the battery. | Determine the location of the Leak Detection Pump | Remove vapor/vacuum lines at Leak Detection Pump and disconnect electrical connector at the site. | Install a new Leak Detection Pump, reinstall vacuum lines and electrical connector | Reconnect and test the battery for proper operation | Recheck EVAP tests and clear codes

 

This repair is highly complex and is optimally performed by an experienced professional. Be sure to unhook the Leak Detection Pump from the battery tray in order to prevent damage to Leak Detection Pump wiring when you’re working on the Leak Detection Pump.

 

Leak Detection Pumps collect and move fuel vapors for combustion and monitor the fuel system to ensure there aren’t issues that can harm the environment or your vehicle. It’s a vital service because it makes sure that the rest of your vehicle is working properly.

Canister Purge Solenoid Replacement

A part of the Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) system on modern vehicles, the canister purge solenoid, more commonly known as the purge valve, helps facilitate the flow of fuel vapor from the charcoal canister to the engine for burning during the combustion process. Controlled by the vehicle’s computer, the purge valve remains closed when the vehicle is off and opens when the engine runs according to the amount of fuel vapor detected by various sensors. Sometimes, though, problems develop when the purge valve fails to open or close properly. This can cause problems with starting the engine, having a rough running engine, as well as causing the Check Engine light to come on. You can find the canister purge solenoid near the throttle body by the engine. In older model vehicles, you can find the purge valve on top of the charcoal canister.

 

A loose gas cap can cause similar problems to a faulty purge valve. Have one of our expert | mechanics check the gas cap to make sure it is working properly when diagnosing the problem. The mechanic can suggest an easy replacement if the gas cap is faulty and not just loose. Faulty vacuum hoses can also cause problems that mimic a stuck purge valve. Have the mechanic check your vacuum hoses to make sure they are not the cause. If they are, consider having them replaced.

 

The canister purge solenoid is located in the engine compartment. The electrical connector, vacuum and fuel vapor lines are disconnected. | The defective canister purge solenoid is detached and removed. | The new canister purge solenoid is installed and connected. | The engine is started and checked for any vacuum and fuel vapor leaks. | The engine is run, cleared of codes, and road tested to ensure proper purge control valve operation.

 

The best thing to do when you notice a problem with the vehicle idling roughly or the Check Engine light coming on is to have one of our expert mechanics run a diagnostic. After determining the cause of the problem, the mechanic will then recommend some repair options. The mechanic can also test the canister purge valve by applying voltage, which causes it to open if the part is working properly.

 

Usually a faulty canister purge solenoid won’t cause any major problems to your vehicle other than a roughly idling car. In some cases, the engine will not start right after refueling. If an emissions test is performed on your vehicle, it will not pass.

Catalytic Converter Replacement

The catalytic converter is an emissions related component that is mounted in the exhaust pipe. Its purpose is to superheat unburned particles in the exhaust gases that are expelled from the engine. As the engine runs, the catalytic converter warms up to an operating temperature of 500-1200 °F. At this temperature the particles in the ‘dirty’ exhaust are burned and converted into water vapor and carbon dioxide. The catalyst inside is nearly always comprised of precious metals such as platinum, rhodium, or palladium. When the catalyst isn’t able to burn off the unburned hydrocarbons in the exhaust, an unpleasant odor can occur, a rough run or misfire may be felt, or the Check Engine light may illuminate.

 

Most cars will require the aftermarket Catalytic Converter to be welded to the exhaust pipes. | Mobile mechanics can only do this service if you have a direct fit catalytic converter bought from | a dealer. When replacing the catalytic converter, it may be necessary to replace oxygen sensors as well. Catalytic converter symptoms are often similar to other more straightforward issues. Get the Check Engine light diagnosed anytime it illuminates.

 

The vehicle is raised and supported on jack stands | The defective catalytic converter is removed | The new catalytic converter is installed and the vehicle is started to check for any leaks | The vehicle is lowered off the jack stands | The vehicle is road tested for proper operation

 

If you are consistently taking short trips with your vehicle, the catalytic converter may not be getting hot enough to completely burn away the hydrocarbons. To prevent the catalytic converter from getting clogged, take your vehicle for the occasional drive on the highway for 15 minutes. This allows the exhaust to sufficiently heat up and burn off any deposits in the catalytic converter.

 

If the catalytic converter isn’t operating efficiently, the check engine light will come on and your engine can begin to lose performance. If the catalytic converter becomes plugged, the engine light will begin to flash and your engine may stall or no longer start. In extreme cases where the converter is plugged, the excess back pressure created can actually cause internal engine damage. If you are experiencing symptoms related to catalytic converter failure, get it checked soon.

Evaporation Vent Solenoid Replacement

Your vehicle is equipped with an evaporative emissions control system that effectively controls fuel vapors produced in the fuel tank. It processes them through an emissions control canister, or charcoal canister, and then vents the vapors to the engine to be burned with the air/fuel mixture. In the evaporative emissions system, a series of valves controls the flow and allows for diagnostic testing by the engine control module. The vent solenoid, or vent valve, performs the function of introducing clean air into the evaporative emissions system to carry the fuel vapor to the engine. The vent valve closes when the engine control module commands it to for the purpose of leak tests. When the vent valve is closed, the evaporative emissions system is pressurized and tested for leaks. If it is sealed and no pressure is lost, the test passes. If the pressure drops, the engine control module assumes a leak is present and turns on the Check Engine light. One of the most common failures in the emissions system is the vent solenoid. It can stick open, causing the engine control module to think a leak is present, or it can stick closed. A closed vent valve can make refueling difficult as the pressure in the fuel tank isn’t vented. The fuel nozzle will click off constantly, making it tedious and frustrating to fill your fuel tank.

 

An evaporation vent solenoid code could be related to a loose fuel cap.

 

The evaporative vent solenoid is inspected to verify that it needs replacing | The defective solenoid is removed | The new solenoid is installed | The engine is scanned for codes | The vehicle is road tested for proper operation and that no Check Engine light comes on

 

The vent solenoid is prone to failure from dust and dirt in the environment such as gravel roads, and will require replacement sooner than if operated only on pavement. If the fuel tank is difficult to fill or the Check Engine light has been diagnosed as a vent solenoid failure, you will need one of our expert technicians to replace the evaporation vent solenoid.

 

The vent valve is an important diagnostic solenoid for the evaporative emissions system, however the associated symptoms are more of a nuisance than a safety or operating issue.

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