I get this every few hundred miles. COuld be a loose gas cap or an aftermarket computer in the car? What other causes could cause this?

Also, if I had this error, and cleared it before an inspection, would it pass?

9/15/2008 11:52:30 AM

well do you have an aftermarket computer in your car?
use P.O.E

well it depends, if you can time when it'll come on again (or at least take a guess), then clear it, drive around a bit,then get it inspected.

[Edited on September 15, 2008 at 11:57 AM. Reason : ]

9/15/2008 11:55:56 AM

Quote :

"CausesA code P0442 most likely means one or more of the following has happened: A loose or improperly affixed gas cap A non-conforming gas cap (i.e. not factory/original brand) A small leak/hole in a fuel vapor hose/tube Other small leak in EVAP system Faulty vent o-ring seal Possible SolutionsWith a P0442, the most common repair is to: Remove and reinstall the gas cap, clear the codes, and drive for a day and see if the codes come back. Otherwise, replace the gas cap, or Inspect the EVAP system for cuts/holes in tubes/hoses "

9/15/2008 11:58:08 AM

I bought the car w/ an aftermarket programmable computer in it. I read somewhere that the aftermarket computer could cause this error to come up?

9/15/2008 12:19:19 PM

what kinda car we talkin' 'bout

9/15/2008 12:22:42 PM

2003 WRX I have the computer type written down at home... Its like a 4 letter acronym...

9/15/2008 12:52:39 PM

did you mess around underneath the back of the car? i've had someone unplug their evap canister accidentally on a WRX when installing a rear swaybar

9/15/2008 1:10:12 PM

hmm, where would I look for this?

9/15/2008 1:14:40 PM

look in your engine bay, toward the back. look for a charcoal colored canister. that should be your evap canister. make sure all lines are plugged up.

but the fact that it comes on every few hundred miles, im thinking maybe the ECU.

is it tuned to your car? or did someone just send it to you with some maps on it.

9/15/2008 2:11:42 PM

Ok, I know where that canister is. I have no idea how the car is tuned. I know there is an add-on computer where the passenger's feet go and there is a serial connection to it to progam it.

9/15/2008 2:24:30 PM

if it is in fact a small leak somewhere (nothing obvious), take it somewhere for diagnostics. It is very hard to locate EVAP leaks without OEM diagnostic tools.

9/15/2008 3:40:17 PM

here's a pic of the canister

http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c103/onlinepicsss/CIMG0879.jpg

its UNDERNEATH the car, behind the rear wheels. don't post misleading information

9/16/2008 9:02:45 AM

Quote :

"its UNDERNEATH the car, behind the rear wheels. don't post misleading information"

hey dick,

we're here to help. it took you a day to post the right info.
a lot of cars also have the canister in the engine bay.

dont sit there and make posts like the one you just did.

apparently he found the canister... soooo i dont know how misleading my post was.

9/16/2008 9:27:17 AM

^^ Thanks for the pic! Will check it out. So I should just check the tightness of the brackets on the tubes?

9/16/2008 11:13:39 AM

you need to check for leaks. the tubes can be tight, but that doesnt mean they cant leak.

finding leaks is a PITA.

check all the clamps and hoses for wear/tear. how many miles on the car? seems odd that you're having probs with evap system.

swap a stock ECU into your car and see if the problem happens. thats another easy way. i'd do that first if you have access to one.

9/16/2008 11:30:20 AM

60k on car. I'm going to get a new gas cap today and check hoses tonite to see if that helps.

Thanks for everyone's help!

9/16/2008 11:34:48 AM