EVAP Emission Control System Purpose

EVAP System Components

IMPORTANT: A control module refers to the PCM and the VCM.

The Evaporative Emission (EVAP) control system limits the fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. The EVAP transfers the fuel vapor from the sealed fuel tank to an activated carbon (charcoal) storage device (EVAP canister). The EVAP canister stores the vapors until the engine is able to use the extra fuel vapor.

When the engine is able to use the extra fuel vapor, the intake air flow purges the fuel vapor from the carbon element, and then the normal combustion process consumes the fuel vapor.

The system is required in order to detect the evaporative fuel system leaks as small as 0.040 between the fuel filler cap and the purge solenoid. The system can test the evaporative system integrity by applying a vacuum signal (ported or manifold) to the fuel tank in order to create a small vacuum.

The EVAP system uses a fuel tank pressure sensor, located on top of the fuel tank sender unit, in order to detect when the EVAP system is purging. The fuel tank pressure sensor detects the flow from the engine through the EVAP canister purge solenoid valve. When the EVAP system is not purging, the fuel tank pressure sensor will detect no change in fuel tank vacuum. When the EVAP system is purging, the fuel tank pressure sensor will detect a vacuum in the fuel tank. A change in fuel tank pressure will be displayed on the scan tool.