P0442: Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected (Small Leak)
A small leak (typically equivalent to a 0.040 inch / 1.0 mm orifice) has been detected in the EVAP system. By far the most common cause is a fuel cap that is loose, missing, or has a worn seal.
What P0442 means
P0442 is a generic OBD-II powertrain code in the emissions group. In plain English: the fuel-vapor (EVAP) system failed its leak self-test, so fuel vapor may be escaping from the tank, cap, hoses or valves.
- Check engine light
- Usually on
- Emissions-related
- Yes — can fail inspection
- Limp mode possible
- Not typical
- Drive cycle to clear
- Required
Get it fixed
Post this code once and get quotes from local mechanics. Free to post.
Makes the repair and parts links below specific to your car. Kept in this browser only.
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Possible smell of fuel near tank or engine bay
- Failed emissions inspection
- Loose-cap warning may appear
Common causes
- 01Fuel cap loose, missing, or worn sealMost likely
- 02Small crack in EVAP hosePossible
- 03Purge valve leakingLess likely
Can I drive with P0442?
Generally yes.
This fault is unlikely to affect how the car drives, but it will usually fail an emissions inspection. Fix it when convenient.
Why we rate it low
- Turns on the check engine light
- Emissions-related: will usually fail an OBD inspection
- EVAP leaks rarely affect how the car drives
- Needs a drive cycle to confirm a repair
Severity is our rule-based rating from the code’s flags in OBDex and the system it affects, not an inspection of your car. If the check engine light is flashing, or you notice overheating, low oil pressure, or brake or steering problems, stop driving and get help.
How to diagnose P0442
- 1
Confirm the code and save freeze-frame data
Read the codes with an OBD-II scan tool and note every code, not just P0442. Save the freeze-frame data (speed, load, temperature when the fault set) before clearing anything; it tells you when the fault happens.
- 2
Fix other faults first
If other codes are stored, start with power-supply, sensor-circuit and communication codes. They can cause this code as a side effect.
- 3
Check the gas cap, then smoke-test
Inspect the fuel cap seal and make sure it clicks tight. If the code returns, a smoke test of the EVAP system finds cracked hoses, purge or vent valve leaks.
- 4
Test the likely causes in order
Start with the most likely cause and work down: Fuel cap loose, missing, or worn seal; small crack in EVAP hose; purge valve leaking. Test before replacing parts.
- 5
Check for recalls and service bulletins
Look up recalls for your exact vehicle with its VIN, and ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs). Manufacturers sometimes issue software updates or extended warranties for known faults.
- 6
Clear the code and verify the repair
After the repair, clear the code and complete a full drive cycle (cold start, idle, steady highway cruise, deceleration). The code is fixed when the related readiness monitor completes without it returning.
P0442 repair cost estimate
Estimate, not a quote. Labor times are typical ranges for this code from OBDex, and $125/hr is an assumed rate. Shop rates and labor times vary by vehicle and region. Diagnosis time may be billed separately.
- DIY difficulty
- Easy
- Good DIY job?
- Yes, with a scan tool
Basic hand tools; a common first DIY job.
Parts and systems involved
- Fuel filler cap
- EVAP canister
- EVAP purge valve
P0442 FAQ
What does P0442 mean?
P0442 means “Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected (Small Leak)”. A small leak (typically equivalent to a 0.040 inch / 1.0 mm orifice) has been detected in the EVAP system. By far the most common cause is a fuel cap that is loose, missing, or has a worn seal.
Is P0442 serious? Can I keep driving?
We rate P0442 as low severity. Generally yes. This fault is unlikely to affect how the car drives, but it will usually fail an emissions inspection. Fix it when convenient.
What causes P0442?
The most common causes, from most to least likely: Fuel cap loose, missing, or worn seal; Small crack in EVAP hose; Purge valve leaking. Test before replacing parts, because several causes can set the same code.
How much does it cost to fix P0442?
Typical labor is about $15–$250 at an assumed $125/hour shop rate, plus parts. That is an estimate, not a quote: labor times and rates vary by vehicle and region, and diagnosis may be billed separately.
Can I fix P0442 myself?
DIY difficulty is easy. Many owners can handle it with a scan tool, a multimeter and basic hand tools. Always confirm the cause before buying parts.
Will P0442 clear itself?
Once the fault is fixed, the check engine light usually goes off by itself after the system passes its self-test over several drive cycles. Clearing the code with a scan tool resets readiness monitors, so an inspection station may turn you away until a full drive cycle is completed.