P0455...large leak detected in evaporative purge system

[Gabriella]

I have a 2002 PT, 32,000 miles. Engine light came on about a year ago with a code of P0456, which is a small leak. Gas cap was replaced and everything was OK after that.

About 2 months ago, with the cost of fuel rising, I bought a locking gas cap. No problems until yesterday when the new code appeared. Car still drives well, but I have noticed I'm getting less mpg than before. Now I'm wondering if it's the 2 month old gas cap or if there's a big enough leak somewhere in the system to cause the fuel to evaporate...or if traffic is just getting worse. (?)

It's in the shop now. Mechanic is going to put it on the rack and inspect the lines.

If he can't find anything this time either, should I even worry about the car's performance? Will this emissions thing cause damage elsewhere in the engine. (I do want it fixed, but if it has to go to a dealership...well, we don't have one in the city anymore. It will have to wait for a while.)

[quicksilverdon]

Hope the mechanic doesn't charge much, because it's probably your gas cap...
OBD-II Trouble Code: P0455 Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (no purge flow or large leak)

[Hooligan]

Also, if you are using ethanol fuel, your mileage will decrease, at least that is the view from the forum.

[Gabriella]

Picked up my car. He could find nothing. We already went the gas cap route. So, he charged nothing. Said it wouldn't hurt the car at all to drive it, even if the light comes back on with the same code. Said the dealership has a tool to do a smoke test, but didn't think it was an emergency fix. Said it's PROBABLY the canister, but didn't want to randomly change parts and running up costs without knowing for sure.

I like this guy. He's been keeping our cars in good shape for years. And I refer him to everybody I know.

[Hooligan]

Keep him, sounds like you have a winner in him.