Can I drive with P0442?

Yes, you can keep driving. A pinhole leak in the fuel vapor system exists; usually safe to drive for a short time, but get it checked to keep driving.

What does P0442 mean?

P0442 stands for Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak).

Symptoms you may notice

• Steady check engine light with minimal drivability symptoms
• Normal engine power, idle, and acceleration
• Possible faint gasoline vapor smell near gas cap

How much does it cost to fix?

Repair costs for code P0442 depend on the specific underlying root cause, ranging from simple DIY checks to component replacement. The table below lists the most common causes and rough price ranges in USD:

• Aged or loose gas cap seal
  $10-$30 common
• Microscopic crack in rubber EVAP vapor lines
  $25-$70 possible
• Leaking canister vent valve solenoid
  $40-$130 possible
• Rusty fuel filler neck pipe
  $100-$300 rare

What to do next

1. Inspect the gas cap gasket for dry rot or cracking, and replace if worn.
2. Check the metal filler neck where the cap seals for rust flakes.
3. Have a mechanic perform an EVAP smoke test if replacing the cap doesn't work.

Related codes

About this code

Code P0442 represents a detected vapor leak roughly 0.040 inches in diameter (the size of a pin). Your vehicle will drive identically to a brand-new car. Emissions test stations will fail the vehicle until the leak is fixed and drive cycles reset the monitor, but you can drive for weeks or months without mechanical consequences.