P1494 Code and My First $100 MISTAKE!

Chrysler has an error code P1494. This is a code that is thrown up when the Leak Detection Pump can not do the job it is intended for, which is keeping our planet green by controlling emissions. Back in the early 1970s the government decided we needed to control the bad fumes cars and trucks were releasing into the air. Gasoline emissions, as many of you know, is the leading cause of smog in cities. The EVAP system (Evaporative Emission Control System) checks the pressure in your intake manifold and basically sends the bad fumes to what is called a charcoal canister. Your catalytic converter does the rest, but let us not get off subject. In this video, I show you how not to make the same mistake I did. I am sure some of y'all have a nicer vehicle than the Blue Beast, which means your Leak Detection Pump (LDP by the way) is probably more costly than the one for my 1999 Jeep Cherokee Sport. You can try replacing the $12 (in most cases) gas/fuel cap as well. At any rate, I hope this helps a lot of people to avoid costly repairs. Please remember to hit the like button if you like the video, comment if you have one and subscribe! My goal is to get to 1K subscribers by the end of the year and y'all can help me do that. If you are already subscribed and want to see a little more of this kind of video, let me know and I will make it happen. I am always busy and do not mind bringing y'all along on the journey! Take care y'all!!

[@joevignolor4u949]

People don't understand what the P01494 code really means and what it doesn't mean. The computer self checks the leak detection pump (LDP) periodically and P01494 only means the LDP didn't pass the self-check. Problems with leaks in the large hoses, the gas tank, the charcoal canister or the gas cap will cause other leak specific codes but not P01494. Next, the LDP needs engine vacuum to work and pass the self check. So the first thing to do is check for engine vacuum right at the pump. It comes in through the small vacuum line from the intake manifold. Measure for vacuum RIGHT AT THE PUMP and if you don't have it you need to fix that first. if you have vacuum but still get P01494 it could be an electrical problem between the computer and the LDP. If not then the only thing left would be the LDP itself.

[@BigBearFishing]

Awesome explanation Joe! Thank you for the comment man!!

[@joevignolor4u949]

You are welcome. In a situation like that all you really needed to do was pull the vacuum line off the LDP and put your finger on the end to see if you could feel vacuum. The vacuum line is essentially the power supply for the LDP as the vacuum is what moves the diaphragm inside the LDP up and down. The 12 volts coming from the computer only operates the vacuum control valve inside the LDP. The $100 you spent probably wasn't really a waste. Chrysler LDP's fail quite often so you probably would have had to replace it sooner or later anyway. The rubber diaphragms inside crack and leak, which is usually what makes the pump not work. The other common problem is the reed switch inside the LDP goes bad so the LDP doesn't send the proper valve position signal back to the computer. Either condition will cause the LDP to fail the self test and throw the P01494 code.

[@BigBearFishing]

Very good information! I pinned your comment. Hopefully it will help some folks out man!

[@BuildUpPeople]

@bigbearfishing Thanks for the video. It was helpful! @Joe Vignolo, good information in your comment. Also helped!

[@BigBearFishing]

@@BuildUpPeople Anytime! Glad it helped!!

[@garyclegg3722]

Thank you BigBearFishing! My engine light has been on for months and I have a North Carolina vehicle inspection coming up. 2002 Dodge Ram Van. I finally needed to act on this and I received some good advise to get my van tested FREE at a auto-parts place. They found the error code P1494. From there I looked on You Tube and found your video. It was very helpful and encouraged me to try solving this issue myself. I had to pull the battery to access the leak detection pump and sure enough I found a dry-rot elbow. After a trip to Advance Auto I replaced the elbow, put my battery back in, and cranked it on. EUREKA! Thanks so much. I saved a bunch of money. I appreciate your help. You are a good man!

[@BigBearFishing]

That's awesome buddy! I hesitated posting this video since it's primarily an outdoors channel but I thought it might help others. Thank you for commenting man!

[@nicolerene7514]

26mos later and you’re still helping people! My 01 XJ had a dry rot hose right at the same place! Thank you for making this video

[@BigBearFishing]

That's awesome to hear Nicole!! I'm glad this helped!!

[@jaimebatista675]

GREAT VIDEO----You saved me a bunch of money and time...Spent $1.48 for a foot of vacuum line (they didn't have the original part and couldn't sell me just three inches) and spent about three minutes to fix things up...Looked under the hood and there was the elbow hanging free all dry rotted and burnt up....Thanks again

[@BigBearFishing]

That's awesome Jaime!! Glad you figured out quicker than I did!! Take care bud!

[@ianb2490]

Thanks for sharing this information. Glad you were honest upfront about how a mistake was made but you are saving us from doing the same thing!

[@BigBearFishing]

You're welcome buddy!

[@quantumcat5119]

Thank you !! Same problem with my 2000 XJ P1494 code, smelled gas, and was idling high, and I was just about to push the order button on amazon for the $100 leak detection pump and thought ... let me check KZbin first. Your vid was 2nd on list and just by the title I knew this was the one. My problem was the exact same elbow - just totally gone. Replaced with some rubber hose I had and disconnected battery for 20 mins. Hooked it up, normal idle, no fuel smell, and code cleared. Thanks again for making the vid.

[@BigBearFishing]

I love hearing that man! I am glad it worked out and you did not have to waste the money like I did. Take care bud!!

[@ronaldhyland8127]

Thanks for your tip! I was going to take it to the shop come Monday morning. Tired of engine lights being on. Seen your tip and went out to look! Holy crap! There it was right at the Evaporator connection. Slipped it back on and will drive it to see if the light clears. Thanks for saving me the hassle as well as $150.00.

[@BigBearFishing]

Awesome man! Everytime someone comments on this it makes me feel good I posted the video!! Take care bud!!

[@neilsonbernard566]

Dude I was so close to buying a new one like the guy at auto zone said. But I saw this video and sure enough it was exactly that! A 3$ rotted elbow hose that came off the manifold. You rule! Keep putting stuff up! I have a Cherokee too so I appreciate yours especially

[@BigBearFishing]

Awesome man! I'm glad you didn't make the same mistake I did!!

[@briancampbell532]

You are a legend! Thanks for the video. I have a 2001 Cherokee and was throwing the same code. Went and looked and same thing elbow just dangling in the wind off the manifold. Thanks🤙

[@BigBearFishing]

I am stoked to hear that Brian! I hesitated making this video because I mainly do fishing vids but comments like yours make me glad I did it!!

[@RandyStJohn-qt8vj]

@@BigBearFishing Same error and the exact elbow for me. Dangling and fell apart in my hand and made may fingers chalky black. O'Reilley's wanted $130 and I said I would check it out. Saw your video first because of the code and $100 mistake headline. Good looking out my man!

[@kristinezerby50]

Holy Cow...my sons '99 Cherokee just threw this code. Watched your video and BOOM...exactly was his issue. Ordering a new elbow tonight. Thanks for the info, what a time saver it was!

[@BigBearFishing]

Kristine Zerby Awesome! I’m glad this helped you figure it out Kristine!!

[@hughmacaulay561]

Thanks for the tip…just ckded mine, Hose was off! You saved me a lot of time and possibly $! Bravo!😃😃😃

[@BigBearFishing]

I'm glad this helped Hugh!!

[@russell_stewart]

Thanks for this video. Had same code on my 1999 XJ. $4 1/4 In. Black Vacuum Elbow from autozone fixed the problem. Took a few days for code to clear.

[@BigBearFishing]

That's awesome Russell! I'm glad this helped!!

[@marydaniels8257]

the hose you pointed out was my problem dangling down beside engine and i just reconnected it,,,thanks so much for your video...eddie

[@BigBearFishing]

That's awesome to hear Eddie! I'm glad this helped!!

[@1willjam]

Thanks for your video. I had the same vacuum line problem that you had only mine had just popped off .....no damage to the rubber boot. Took less than 5 minutes to fix.

[@BigBearFishing]

You’re welcome Jim! I’m glad this helped buddy!!

[@shoreguyeast]

Thanks for your help!!!!

[@BigBearFishing]

You’re very welcome!

[@amx360]

Thanks! I had the same code, watched your video, checked it out and BAM the same hose!

[@BigBearFishing]

amx360 I love hearing that! I’m glad that was the fix amx!

[@ddddungeon]

Same exact issue on my jeep - thanks man! Just need to find where the elbow disappeared to now. Thanks for making the vid

[@BigBearFishing]

You are very welcome! I was hoping it would help a lot of people avoid making the same mistake I made!

[@RedneckLn]

great vid you sir are a genius

[@RedneckLn]

this video is gold my vacume line fell off so now its zip tied problem solved thank you sir

[@BigBearFishing]

I love hearing those kinds of comments George! You are most welcome! I normally post fishing and family adventure vids. This one was just to help some folks out, lol. Glad it was just a vacuum line man!!

[@richardferracane8336]

Thanks for your help now I know what to look for after getting that code

[@BigBearFishing]

Richard Ferracane You’re welcome Richard!

[@pmedina701]

Great video! I've got the same code on a 97 Grand Cherokee and I was just about to buy that pump. Going to check all the hoses 1st. BTW on the 97 Jeep the pump is on the driver's side under the air box.

[@BigBearFishing]

Oh wow! There are some big differences between the model years. Hopefully it is just a line or elbow and you do not have to buy a pump Paul. Take care man!

[@1000kjera]

AH! I got that same code on my 99 xj. Watched this video, went outside and straight to that semi hidden port. Just like you said, the elbow had rotted and fell off. Minutes later it was repaired. Thanks for the insight!

[@BigBearFishing]

1000kjera I’m glad that was the fix! They should come up with a better boot for those lines. Take care!

[@MyIndependentChannel]

Exact same problem here too. Thanks for the super helpful video!

[@BigBearFishing]

I'm glad this helped bud!!

[@chriscarosella9714]

It’s exactly the same problem I had with my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Thanks !

[@BigBearFishing]

You got it Chris!! Take care man!!

[@rafaljaszczolt5532]

Wow thank you so much I had that same problem this house was loose u save my day

[@BigBearFishing]

I'm glad this helped Rafal!!

[@mist3937]

Thank you man very appreciated

[@BigBearFishing]

You’re welcome Mist!

[@rb89509]

2001 XJ here. Exact same elbow was dry rotted on mine. There is no need to buy a replacement elbow like dorman offers. standard 1/4 inch reinforced vacuum line works fine. A four inch piece easily makes the bend without kinking.

[@BigBearFishing]

Glad it worked out for you man!

[@sandrachilds3775]

This was so helpful , thank you for making this video!

[@BigBearFishing]

You are very welcome Sandra! I hope you can use this trick!!

[@paulwilson757]

I have the same code ... but I was just viewing another Jeep video and the guy turned his key on and off three times and the code comes up on the dash where the mines are ... just found it interesting ... I leaned something new and wanted to share ... thanks for the video and tips .

[@BigBearFishing]

That's interesting! Thank you for sharing Paul!

[@dropoutandretireearly1781]

WOW !!!!!!!!! THANKS !!!!!! SOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH !!!!!! I found that same EXACT vaccum line elbow on mine unhooked and just dangling there !!!!! LOL !!!!! YOU ARE MY HERO !!!!! LOL !!!!!! PROBLEM SOLVED !!!!! $3 !!!!!! LOL !!!!!!

[@BigBearFishing]

That is awesome Susan! I'm glad it helped!!

[@sheeankriewall4989]

Thanks! That was my problem exactly.

[@BigBearFishing]

Awesome man! Glad it helped!!

[@arechj]

Excellent video! Thanks -- very helpful!!!

[@BigBearFishing]

You're welcome! Glad it helped bud!!

[@brianrodriguez6876]

Hey man I appreciate the video you really did just save me $100 !!! Thank you so much !

[@BigBearFishing]

Brian rodriguez That’s awesome Brian! You’re very welcome man!!

[@alexanderolbrich9668]

Great Video and very helpful. I hope that my issue is also just a connector, but we will have to see.

[@BigBearFishing]

I hope so too Alexander! Good luck and let us know if that was the fix!

[@luckyseven3866]

Good on you for making this video 10/10

[@BigBearFishing]

Thank you Ryan! I hope it helped bud!!

[@martycollingridge8053]

I watched your video that you said was a P1494 code, when I was looking for the most probable cause for a P1495 leak detection pump code. I believe when I looked up your P1494 you mentioned in your video is the starter solenoid code from a low battery voltage. You may want to correct that in your video talk.

[@BigBearFishing]

Thank you for watching Marty. I definitely mention the P1494 code and being the leak detection pump error code for my 1999 Jeep Cherokee. Maybe the code is something different on your model year?

[@josephnguyen2917]

Good job

[@BigBearFishing]

Thank you Joseph!

[@danrodrigues3531]

At least your EVAP system is in the engine compartment. On my 1999 Chrysler Cirrus, I have to drop the gas tank to get to it since it is connected on top of the tank.

[@BigBearFishing]

Oh dang! That stinks Dan. I would not want that at all bud. Thank you or watching!

[@YourCapyFrenBigly_3DPipes1999]

Thanks so much for this video. Would the same information apply for a 98 Chrysler Sebring? If you know that is. Regardless I'm gonna go check and see what I can find out. I sure wish I found this video a year ago!

[@BigBearFishing]

I can’t say for sure without looking at it in person but a lot of these vacuum lines run from a leak detection pump and can be traced. It’s definitely worth checking them. Good luck and have a great day!

[@YourCapyFrenBigly_3DPipes1999]

@@BigBearFishing for sure. I guess it's common sense. We were told it wasn't worth it to fix our old car due to cost so I didn't look any further but even if it is a $100 LDP, if that's all it was it would be worth it, Bec I was trying to see if I could keep the car running and registered without having to spend an excessive amount in repairs. But if it's just something like this obviously that's even better. I did look up more info on the codes when this happened last year, I recall but not any specific videos. That's too bad- cuz then I gave up for 8 months and the car just sat there on my property and now somethings wrong in the brake lines somewhere. I press the brake pedal all the way down but nothing happens. (I did this while on a flat surface where the car didn't roll very far, immediately shut it off then put it in park and the e-brake for good measure). But now I'm wondering if it couldn't be even a similar fix- a rotted off connector somewhere. I can't really afford another car right now so I was hoping to get this one running again for under $500. We took it in for a simple coolant problem fix but I didn't bring up the fail code and I guess he didn't think to check anything related to the exhaust system. Well, maybe its not too late to get both problems sorted out! Hope so. Have a great one and good looking out for sharing this basic but very helpful info! Also thanks for posting up fishing tips! I haven't had a chance to look around the rest of your channel but I will. My partner and I live in San Diego and he's a big fishing aficionado so I know he'll enjoy your videos if you talk about anything relating to fishing!

[@BigBearFishing]

@@YourCapyFrenBigly_3DPipes1999 That's awesome! Keep us posted on the repair. I hope y'all enjoy the fishing on my channel as well!

[@donalddight509]

Great video. Having trouble finding rubber elbow connector. Advanced Auto told me they didn't carry it. Where can I get one?

[@BigBearFishing]

O'Reilly Auto Parts should have it. It was in a pack and they will try it on there before you pay to make sure it fits!

[@josephnguyen2917]

Thanks

[@albishel-n2d]

Where did you get the elbow from? I could not find any my two elbows worn out

[@BigBearFishing]

I got it from Oreilly’s Auto Parts! It was a single elbow in a plastic bubble pack.

[@xxrorounikenshin]

this helped alot thank you

[@BigBearFishing]

Glad it helped!

[@gpsjr10]

Just because a code description mentions a part, doesn't mean that part is bad. Even good mechanics are guilty of this. If you don't understand the entire system and how it works, you need to educate yourself and understand how to troubleshoot the system you are working on. A simple cracked hose causing a vacuum leak could cause major issues.

[@BigBearFishing]

True!

[@sassylrhg]

Dodge wants $330. just for the pump. I will be looking for another truck....my 2000 dakota has 265K miles on it. It's been an awesome truck til this past year. Now it is nickle & diming me left & right.

[@BigBearFishing]

That stinks Holly. I thought $100 was a lot for it. $330 is crazy!

[@MarcVarta]

Thanks for the video. I'm having a P1494 myself and have been diagnosing. Was the job changing out the LDP difficult? Does the new one create the vacuum back on its own?

[@BigBearFishing]

Swapping out the LDP was quick! Once you get the new one in it will do the job on its own without any extra work.

[@scottshepherd5052]

Thanx!

[@BigBearFishing]

You’re welcome Scott!!

[@javiercarrillo5015]

Great video amigo!.

[@BigBearFishing]

Thank you man!!

[@WILKINSOUTDOORADVENTURES]

Love the jeep! And the 5k views. Sucks to lose money!

[@BigBearFishing]

Thank you Chad! It has helped a lot of folks and that was the intended purpose so I feel pretty good about it! Take care man and watch out for those shifty squirrels!!

[@WILKINSOUTDOORADVENTURES]

@@BigBearFishing 😆😆

[@nicholasdeblanco622]

Where did you buy the elbow

[@BigBearFishing]

I ended up finding one at Oreilly’s!

[@thomastrumigneault8918]

Does this code harm the performance?

[@BigBearFishing]

It helps keep your emissions down to lawful amounts. It doesn't harm your performance much if any. It will cause you to fail an inspection though.

[@flynfatman]

Have you ever used a trailer hook with a black and blue skirt on that

[@BigBearFishing]

Lol! I'm not sure if KZbin placed this comment on the wrong video or if you are being sarcastic 😂

[@flynfatman]

@@BigBearFishing sarcasm

[@BigBearFishing]

@@flynfatman Lol!

[@charliemonarrez4306]

I have the same code. I have until tomorrow to fix this problem. I need to get that inspection sticker. I will start with the lines. "hopefully it's an elbow" and then i'll try that purge valve and canister. if that does not help i'll do the pump. :( Thanks for the info!

[@BigBearFishing]

Charlie Monarrez You are welcome Charlie! It is probably the line. Everything I read said the canister hardly ever goes. Good luck man! Most states have a grace period for getting the inspection done.

[@charliemonarrez4306]

I have 15 days after tomorrow. Last week i fixed the alternator. It locked up on me... that was fun! :( I like fixing my own things. Your video gave me hope that it will be a elbow or hose. :)

[@BigBearFishing]

Charlie Monarrez Awesome man! Good luck!!

[@drewlydy6574]

@@BigBearFishing Dorman 47092 is the part will need to trim to match

[@susu-mi7kx]

Thank you!!!!

[@BigBearFishing]

You are welcome Su su!!

[@dahltonmaples3444]

Will this cause your jeep not to stay running?

[@BigBearFishing]

Hi Dahlton. I didn't have that experience. The only thing it caused mine to do was make the dummy light come on and stay on. Does your jeep sound like it's starving for fuel or not getting spark?

[@dahltonmaples3444]

@@BigBearFishing yes it will run and shut off two seconds tops

[@BigBearFishing]

@@dahltonmaples3444 What model and year is it?

[@dahltonmaples3444]

@@BigBearFishing it's a 98 grand cherokee laredo 4.0 no codes but this one and a low power to fuel gauge are only codes. Will start and run for 3 secs and die. Especially if I give it any fuel replaced tps iac and coil.

[@BigBearFishing]

@@dahltonmaples3444 Can you hear the fuel pump actuate when you turn the key? I had something similar happen to the jeep in this video and had to replace my fuel pump. My jeep didn't have as many sensors as your jeep does though lol!

[@chasedollas2387]

Thanks bud

[@BigBearFishing]

You're welcome Chase! Take care bud!!

[@daviddonaghy7568]

I hope it's just a vacuum line off on my Voyager.

[@BigBearFishing]

I hope so too David! Keep me posted bud!!

[@leninedamacenasanteiro6499]

Hi there! What's the name and measure of this particular elbow? Where did you buy it?

[@BigBearFishing]

I got it at O'Reilly Auto Parts and I think it was 1/4" but I honestly can not remember. I actually took off the old cracked one that was hanging there and took it in the store with me. They have it close to the radiator hoses and exhaust pipe materials at my local store.

[@BigBearFishing]

Also, it was a Dorman part. To this day it is holding up great!

[@leninedamacenasanteiro6499]

@@BigBearFishing thanks for the attention. I will try to find it there.

[@BigBearFishing]

@@leninedamacenasanteiro6499 Good luck bud! I hope it is just the little $3 - $4 elbow you need!

[@EricWahl]

1/4 inch vacuum elbow