What P0442 means
Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak)
Common causes (general)
Before spending money on parts, verify the code with a scan tool and read freeze frame data. Freeze frame captures every sensor value at the moment the code set — this is often enough to figure out the root cause without further testing.
Manufacturer-specific descriptions
Different manufacturers use this code for slightly different failure modes. Here's what your specific make means by P0442:
| AUDI | Defective or damaged fuel cap, Distorted or damaged Fuel Tank Filler Neck, Small tear or puncture in the Evaporative system hose(s) and or Carbon Canister, Defective Fuel Tank Sending Unit gasket or seal, Small split in a seam of the Carbon Canister, Defective Evaporative Vent Valve and or Evaporative Purge Valve, Defective or damaged Fuel Tank, Defective Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor, Defective Leak ... |
| BMW | Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected (small leak) |
| DODGE | Medium EVAP Leak |
| FORD | Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected |
| HONDA | Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Small Leak Detected |
| MITSUBISHI | Evaporative Emission Control System leak Detected (small leak); EVAP.emission(small leak) |
| NISSAN | Evaporative Emission Control System leak Detected (small leak) |
| VOLKSWAGEN | Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Small Leak Detected |
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