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DTC/P0442

P0442 : Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected (Small Leak)

Quick Answer
Faible GraviteConduite possible (a court terme)Systeme EVAP

P0442 means the engine control unit has detected a small leak in the evaporative emission control system. This system captures fuel vapours from the tank and routes them to the engine to be burned. A small leak allows vapours to escape, increasing hydrocarbon emissions.

Cout de reparation estimeDe 10 € a 450 €+, varie selon le vehicule

Que signifie P0442 ?

P0442 means the engine control unit has detected a small leak in the evaporative emission control system. This system captures fuel vapours from the tank and routes them to the engine to be burned. A small leak allows vapours to escape, increasing hydrocarbon emissions.

P0442 est un code defaut lie a systeme evap, classe en gravite low. Lorsque le calculateur de ton vehicule detecte cette condition, il enregistre P0442 et allume le voyant moteur.

Quels sont les symptomes de P0442 ?

Si ton vehicule a declenche P0442, tu peux remarquer un ou plusieurs de ces symptomes :

  • Check engine light on
  • Faint fuel smell near the vehicle, especially in warm weather
  • Failed emissions test
  • No noticeable driveability symptoms in most cases
  • Fuel cap warning light on some vehicles

Quelles sont les causes de P0442 ?

Voici les causes les plus courantes de P0442, classees selon la probabilite qu'elles soient en cause :

eleveeLoose, damaged, or missing fuel cap
eleveeCracked or deteriorated EVAP hoses
moyenneFaulty purge valve (stuck open)
moyenneLeaking charcoal canister
faibleDamaged fuel tank filler neck or seal

Peut-on rouler sans risque avec P0442 ?

En general oui, pour des trajets courts. A small EVAP leak does not affect engine performance or safety. You can drive normally, but repair before your next emissions inspection. A loose fuel cap is the most common cause.

Comment diagnostique-t-on P0442 ?

Suis ces etapes pour identifier la cause profonde de P0442 :

  1. Check the fuel cap first. Remove it, inspect the rubber seal for cracks or debris, and re-seat it until it clicks. Clear the code and drive for a few days to see if it returns
  2. Visually inspect all EVAP hoses from the fuel tank to the charcoal canister and from the canister to the purge valve at the engine. Look for cracks, loose clamps, or disconnections
  3. Perform a smoke test on the EVAP system by sealing the system and introducing smoke. Watch for smoke escaping at hose connections, the canister, or the fuel tank area
  4. Test the purge valve and vent valve with a scan tool by commanding them open and closed. A stuck-open purge valve can allow ambient air into the system, mimicking a leak
  5. If the smoke test reveals no external leaks, inspect the charcoal canister for cracks and the fuel tank for damage, particularly around the fuel pump module seal

Combien coute la reparation de P0442 ?

Les couts de reparation de P0442 varient selon la cause profonde et ton vehicule. Voici des estimations courantes :

Reparation Cout des pieces Cout de main-d'oeuvre Estimation totale Difficulte en autonomie
Replace fuel cap €10–€40 €0–€0 €10–€40 Facile
Replace EVAP hose(s) €10–€60 €40–€150 €50–€210 Moderee
Replace purge valve or vent valve €20–€100 €30–€120 €50–€220 Moderee
Replace charcoal canister €60–€250 €60–€200 €120–€450 Moderee

Prix estimes au March 2026. Les couts varient selon la region, le vehicule et le garage.

P0442 sur des vehicules specifiques

P0442 se comporte differemment selon ton vehicule. Selectionne ta voiture ci-dessous pour des causes propres au modele, les problemes connus et des estimations de couts ajustees :

Volkswagen

P0442 sur Volkswagen Golf

2003-2024

The Golf Mk5 and Mk6 have a known issue with the N80 purge valve sticking, which can trigger P0442. The EVAP hoses routed under the vehicle near the fuel tank are also susceptible to damage from road debris. VW fuel caps use a bayonet-style lock that must be turned until it clicks.

Quelles sont les causes de P0442 sur une Volkswagen Golf ?

Volkswagen GolfN80 purge valve sticking open or closed
Volkswagen GolfEVAP hose damage from road debris under the vehicle

Cout de reparation de P0442 pour Volkswagen Golf

Couts estimes pour les proprietaires de Volkswagen Golfajuste a la hausse par rapport a la moyenne en raison du prix des pieces specifiques a Volkswagen

Reparation Cout des pieces Cout de main-d'oeuvre Estimation totale Difficulte en autonomie
Replace fuel cap €11–€44 €0–€0 €11–€44 Facile
Replace EVAP hose(s) €11–€66 €44–€165 €55–€231 Moderee
Replace purge valve or vent valve €22–€110 €33–€132 €55–€242 Moderee
Replace charcoal canister €66–€275 €66–€220 €132–€495 Moderee

Prix estimes au March 2026. Les couts varient selon la region, le vehicule et le garage.

BMW

P0442 sur BMW 3 Series

2006-2024

BMW vehicles use a leak detection pump (LDP) to test the EVAP system. A failing LDP can falsely trigger P0442 even when there is no actual leak. The fuel tank vent valve on E90 models is also a known failure point. BMW caps are capless on some newer models.

Quelles sont les causes de P0442 sur une BMW 3 Series ?

BMW 3 SeriesFailing leak detection pump giving false positive
BMW 3 SeriesFuel tank vent valve failure on E90 models

Cout de reparation de P0442 pour BMW 3 Series

Couts estimes pour les proprietaires de BMW 3 Seriesajuste a la hausse par rapport a la moyenne en raison du prix des pieces specifiques a BMW

Reparation Cout des pieces Cout de main-d'oeuvre Estimation totale Difficulte en autonomie
Replace fuel cap €13–€52 €0–€0 €13–€52 Facile
Replace EVAP hose(s) €13–€78 €52–€195 €65–€273 Moderee
Replace purge valve or vent valve €26–€130 €39–€156 €65–€286 Moderee
Replace charcoal canister €78–€325 €78–€260 €156–€585 Moderee

Prix estimes au March 2026. Les couts varient selon la region, le vehicule et le garage.

Ford

P0442 sur Ford Focus

2005-2022

The Focus uses a vacuum-based EVAP monitoring system. The purge valve on the 1.6 Ti-VCT and 2.0 GDI engines is mounted on the intake manifold and can develop carbon buildup causing it to stick. The fuel cap on European models is a standard screw-type.

Quelles sont les causes de P0442 sur une Ford Focus ?

Ford FocusPurge valve carbon buildup on 1.6 Ti-VCT/2.0 GDI
Ford FocusCracked EVAP hose near the charcoal canister
Toyota

P0442 sur Toyota Yaris

2006-2024

P0442 on the Yaris is most commonly caused by a worn fuel cap seal, as the cap is a simple screw-type design. The EVAP system on Toyota vehicles is very reliable and rarely develops hose or canister issues. A new cap almost always resolves the code.

Quelles sont les causes de P0442 sur une Toyota Yaris ?

Toyota YarisWorn fuel cap seal
Toyota YarisCharcoal canister saturation from fuel tank overfilling

Cout de reparation de P0442 pour Toyota Yaris

Couts estimes pour les proprietaires de Toyota Yarisajuste a la baisse par rapport a la moyenne en raison du prix des pieces specifiques a Toyota

Reparation Cout des pieces Cout de main-d'oeuvre Estimation totale Difficulte en autonomie
Replace fuel cap €9–€34 €0–€0 €9–€34 Facile
Replace EVAP hose(s) €9–€51 €34–€128 €43–€179 Moderee
Replace purge valve or vent valve €17–€85 €26–€102 €43–€187 Moderee
Replace charcoal canister €51–€213 €51–€170 €102–€383 Moderee

Prix estimes au March 2026. Les couts varient selon la region, le vehicule et le garage.

Ces codes apparaissent souvent avec P0442 ou indiquent des problemes connexes :

Questions frequentes sur P0442

Can a loose gas cap cause P0442?

Yes. A loose, cracked, or missing fuel cap is the most common cause of P0442. The EVAP system is sealed, and even a slight gap at the cap allows vapours to escape. Always tighten the cap until you hear it click and replace it if the seal is worn.

What is the difference between P0442 and P0455?

Both indicate EVAP system leaks, but P0442 is a small leak (less than about 1mm equivalent orifice) while P0455 is a large leak. Small leaks are often from deteriorated hoses or a worn cap seal. Large leaks suggest a disconnected hose or missing cap.

Will P0442 go away on its own?

If the cause was a loose fuel cap and you tighten it properly, the ECU will eventually clear the code after several successful EVAP system tests during normal driving. This may take 3-5 drive cycles. You can also clear it with a scanner.

Is P0442 serious?

It is not mechanically serious and will not damage your engine or affect performance. However, it means fuel vapours are escaping into the atmosphere, and the check engine light will cause a failed emissions inspection in any EU country.

How does the EVAP system detect a small leak?

Most modern vehicles use either a vacuum-based test or a dedicated leak detection pump. The system seals itself and applies a slight vacuum or pressure, then monitors whether it holds. A small drop indicates a leak, and the ECU sets P0442.

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