Evaporative Emissions System: Testing and Inspection

Evaporative Emission System Leak Test





Phase 1 - Leak Verification

All vehicles

1. Run the EVAP (Evaporative Emission) Test with the scan tool.

2. NOTE: Some small leaks may not be detected using the EVAP (Evaporative Emission) Test. If the system has passed the test but a leak is still suspected, then proceed to Phase 2.

If the Evaporative Emission (EVAP) system failed the EVAP (Evaporative Emission) Test, then proceed to Phase 2.


Phase 2 - System Leak Check

3.5L vehicles

1. Disconnect the upper vapor tube-to-EVAP (Evaporative Emission) canister purge valve quick connect coupling.

2. Connect the VACUTEC Smoke Machine Fuel Evaporative Emission System Tester to the upper EVAP (Evaporative Emission) canister purge valve fitting. For additional information, refer to the manufacturer's instructions.

3.5L Gasoline Turbocharged Direct Injection (GTDI) vehicles

1. Disconnect the EVAP (Evaporative Emission) canister purge valve-to-vapor tube quick connect coupling.

2. Connect the VACUTEC Smoke Machine Fuel Evaporative Emission System Tester to the fuel vapor tube. For additional information, refer to the manufacturer's instructions.

All vehicles

1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.

2. NOTE: The battery ground cable was previously disconnected in the vapor tube quick connect coupling disconnect procedure.
Connect the battery ground cable.

3.5L vehicles

1. NOTE: In the scan tool, the EVAP (Evaporative Emission) canister purge valve is referred to as the EVAP (Evaporative Emission) vapor management valve.
Open the EVAP (Evaporative Emission) canister purge valve with the scan tool.


All vehicles

1. Close the canister vent solenoid with the scan tool.

2. NOTE: The supplemental refueling adapter is located in the luggage compartment.

Install the supplemental refueling adapter into the Easy Fuel(TM) (capless) fuel tank filler pipe assembly.


3. NOTE: If smoke does not exit the fuel tank filler pipe neck area after the system is pressurized, open the canister vent solenoid with the scan tool to allow the air to purge. Once smoke is seen at the canister vent solenoid, close the canister vent solenoid with the scan tool.

Introduce smoke from the VACUTEC Smoke Machine Fuel Evaporative Emission System Tester into the EVAP (Evaporative Emission) system and verify that smoke is exiting the fuel tank filler pipe neck area. For additional information, refer to the manufacturer's instructions.


4. Remove the supplemental refueling adapter once smoke is observed exiting the fuel tank filler pipe neck area.

5. Continue to enter smoke into the system for 60 seconds to obtain pressure.

6. Press and release the remote start button in intervals of 15 seconds ON and 15 seconds OFF while checking for exiting smoke.

7. Use the halogen light provided with the VACUTEC Smoke Machine Fuel Evaporative Emission System Tester to follow the EVAP (Evaporative Emission) system path and look for smoke exiting at the source of the leak(s).

8. Repair any leaks as necessary.

9. Repeat the leak test until the system passes.