P0456 Small EVAP Leak - What To Check When You Can't "See" The Leak

Come along with Eric O. at the SMA shop as we have a look at this 2011 Ford Escape with a "P0456 EVAP Small Leak." In this video we do a quick diagnosis on the EVAP system and how to find this "small leak" when the smoke machine would not be much of a help because there is no visible leak that we would see. -Enjoy!
Wells Vehicle Electronics (Mike Becker) EVAP SYSTEM PLAYLIST: • Learn ALL About EVAP S...
P0456 - EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM LEAK DETECTED (VERY SMALL LEAK)
Description: The powertrain control module (PCM) monitors the complete evaporative emission (EVAP) control system for the presence of a very small fuel vapor leak. The system failure occurs when a fuel vapor leak from an opening as small as 0.508 mm (0.020 inch) is detected by the EVAP running loss monitor test.
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Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not South Main Auto Repair.

[@movingupautodiagnostics8645]

This is a great tip for those of us that doesn't have smoke or "Virus". Thanks Eric, and those guys at Wells are the real deal, an invaluable online resource to get trained in vehicle systems.

[@baxrok2.]

Tap test, visual inspection, simple vacuum gage are all good lessons and things to remember. Thanks Dr. O! Hope you are feeling better.

[@fieldsofomagh]

Tricky diagnosis with solenoid sticking intermittently.Handy video.

[@geologic740]

Excellent walk through and tips. With my luck, the new one would have also failed the vacuum test. I'm glad you demonstrate the need to verify repairs.

[@Sandbag1300]

Great video that applies to many vehicles. Basically, it shows that you can use the engine's vacuum to test the EVAP purge solenoid. Do not even need a scan tool, just a vacuum gauge and the ability to activate the solenoid with a powerprobe or battery. Nice. Thumbs up! - Robert.

[@spelunkerd]

What an excellent link to Wells, I had forgotten how good those guys are. For those of us without a high end scanner, we have bigger challenges. I sure like the old school method with a vacuum gauge, most of us have one of those, ha ha. Presumably toggling the solenoid without bidirectional control is just a matter of figuring out how much voltage it needs and applying power and ground to the solenoid directly. Thanks!

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Spelunkerd, thanks man! You are exactly right, most of our vent and purge solenoids operate on 12v power. They are also normally ground side controlled by the PCM. That being said, they are typically powered up at all times when the key is on/engine running. So, running a simple ground wire on the PCM control side should actuate the solenoid 100%. ~Mike

[@petar443]

Thanks you man.I'm happy there's people like you and Mike Becker from Wells electronics that share their knowledge in such small details...FOR FREE!! THANKS!

[@GoTechTraining]

Good stuff as always Eric! Thanks for the shoutout :) **making a mental note** kibbles and bits in the canister...and here I thought they were little chocolate sprinkles. ~Mike

[@baxrok2.]

Wells Vehicle Electronics Well yeah, you showed us the sprinkles!

[@futbolislife672]

Bro, this is the exact video with code I was looking for. 2004 Toyota Corolla LE, 138,000. 06/2021: I changed the EVAP Purge Valve because it stalled out whenever pumped gas and I was at a stop or red light and took my foot of the break. Changing it solved the problem. 10/2021: I had a small leak code P0456 and it was in one of the rubber hose where the EVAP Purge Valve is connected thathad an air leak coming out. Now issue came back. I changed the rubber hose. Correct me if I am wrong, but that rubber hose leak that connected to the EVAP Purge Valve caused my EVAP Purge Valve to go bad and leaving it in either the OPEN/CLOSED position. Fortunately, my new one is coming in today and I’ll be changing it.

[@snakeskinproductions7500]

Just had one of these come in the shop yesterday. Customer is coming back in tomorrow to leave car with me. I was leaning towards the filler without having spent any time with it (just did a quick scan). I will be running this test tomorrow. As always, thanks for the tips, you once again have saved me some time...

[@SouthMainAuto]

Snake Skin Productions be sure to check out the Well's KZbin channel lots of good evap stuff on there.

[@snakeskinproductions7500]

Thanks, I will do that...

[@jblhunter]

SMA video, cup of coffee, smoked sausage, and scrambled eggs. It's going to be a great day!!

[@electricaljunky]

Yes sir that is correct. If there are no evap leaks found when smoking the system using the smoke machine but there is a stored evap code in the computer, this usually indicates one of the components/solenoids are sticking intermittently causing this code. Nice work.

[@reweydewy]

EVAP can be tricky at times depending on the system. I appreciate all knowledge and videos shared. Thanks Eric

[@otherstuffbybob]

It's Thursday, but you're still the best mechanic on youtube

[@pedrowalter]

I just replace that little valve on my 2014 Taurus. Exactly the same valve. Took it off and blow air with my mouth, was stuck open when is supposed to be normally close. That fixed my code p0456

[@ponchyah2517]

Thanks for making it clear on PO456. Awesome!

[@JMKady76]

Don't know how many of those I replaced the 2 years I was at the Ford dealer, had to have been hundreds though.

[@wyattoneable]

Another quality repair from SMA!

[@Travelingman-1980]

Eric thanks for the practical lesson and the experience you put into Mike's videos. Mike from Wells has been on the topic of evap systems for a few months now. I also seen on one occasion, you gave Mike some adivce to why his demo wasn't working, well done. The TST videos are also a good source of information, but they are extremely long.

[@patsherfey7261]

wish you lived closer to Pine Valley ,ny because i have a small P0456 system leak and was told it was going to cost me $500 to get it fixed. i have a 2012 ford fusion sel and on a fixed income .

[@johnkoco117]

Direct and to the point! Tests that I can do. Thank you for all you do Eric! I appreciate you…

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

Fantastic diag, Eric! I would have been on there with a smoke machine for hours to no avail lol... But now I do remember this fellow named Keith telling me repeatedly that for ANY EVAP CODE, CHECK THE PURGE! Maybe that guy knows a thing or two haha

[@armandonika]

Probably more than 2 hahaha

[@jmcenterprises9591]

Thanks Eric, evap is tough to solve, you make it look easy.

[@SmittySmithsonite]

Actually Joe's my uncle, but thanks for posting. :D Great tip! I'd have NEVER figured this one out - would've been super aggravating for me! I need to watch that Wells vid. EVAP is my weakest automotive point. All I know how to do with it is disable it. :D

[@mikechiodetti6737]

Nice quick diagnosis and repair. When you've seen the problem, that helps to fix it. We didn't have Ford "Es cappA" vehicles. Our F250 and F350's had the regular system. Mostly hoses, pressure sensors, and leaks around the fuel module cover/ plastic nut, after pump replacements. Great Video AND technique!

[@skindawgmanson5592]

Such a well done explanation of PO456 code

[@klystron1]

super diagnosis. Dr. Eric O.

[@kenman1717]

I have a 2010 Ford Edge that keeps coming back to my shop (just a company we hold their maintainence contract for) with a p0422 small evap leak. It does not have a capless system and is not flex fuel. it has been to the dealer numerous times and they always says its the gas cap, but they have never replaced it, and the customer can not tell me if they smoked the system. I replaced the Gas cap as per the customer, since the dealer didn't do it. have pretty much disassembled everything inspecting it, I don't have a smoke machine and neither does the shop, I told the customer that. I removed the purge solenoid and tested it as per a vid I saw from "realfixesrealfast" but it didn't do anything. I watch a vid from 'fordtechmakulco' and he said the change the design of the purge solenoid in 2010 to the type Eric just showed, and he showed the old style which was actually the style that is on the one I keep getting. Any ideas? And I'm confused why I'm getting a different code for a small evap leak.

[@richardfofi1056]

Eric I've noticed that the only time that replacement parts being made out of the country are only brought to our attention when they are on General Motors vehicles I noticed that that part for the Ford was made in Mexico 🇲🇽

[@died4us590]

I have been waiting for a new video, and I would love to see a new video on your other channel, I really like the campfire experiments. God bless you and your family.

[@NewLevelAuto]

Why do we not have a regular vacuum gauge with a bleed trigger like a fuel pressure gauge ? Hmmmm . Great video as always brother . Told ya , purge for me here 7 out of 10 times has failed even if there is a smoke leak elsewhere

[@2aminitials]

Would a Mityvac hand pump work? Mine has a vacuum/pressure gauge with a bleed off trigger on the pump itself.

[@NewLevelAuto]

2 AM someone who taught me many years ago said that a vacuum pump gauge is for the pump , and a vacuum gauge should be used to check vacuum. The accuracy is always greater. Don't know if he was right but the guy never led me wrong , not once ever

[@2aminitials]

I guess a person could test that out easily with both a pump gauge and vacuum gauge hooked up to a tee coming off the same source of vacuum. Maybe a hand pump uses a check valve in it that would not show decreasing vacuum, such as a sudden vacuum leak.

[@throttlebottle5906]

you have hands, move the hose! besides, it wouldn't make a sticky solenoid valve show it's unruly face :)

[@NewLevelAuto]

throttle bottle You'd still see the leaking purge , I'm just thinking of speed and efficiency. 😁

[@marioflores1171]

Thanks for another awesome video. After watching your videos I have become a better technician and instructor. I salute you Eric O. Thanks again and keep up the great work.

[@EssenceofStrings]

Be careful. Sometimes when you replace a part and that was not the problem it takes a long time for the code to come back especially when its a small leak at the fuel pump , until it's worse. That is actually the most common cause 2007-2009 Sonatas. When my mechanic replaced mine he insisted on using OEM because he had too many comebacks on aftermarkets with altered design.

[@robinsonsmotorcycleandauto3929]

Good job I see this a lot on these I would say at least 8 out of 10 times that is the issue. What's with all the nasty comments lately on people's channels like people complaining about watching.

[@keyskwik]

Awesome tips, thanks Eric O!

[@theadventuresofjavier8698]

Every time I call Ford looking for this part ,the parts guys always says " I HAVE DOZENS OF THEM IN STOCK"that says it all. I keep purging Ford of their purge valves..thanks scanner O.

[@klwthe3rd]

I never realized how many evap leaks you repair. I know you mentioned before that since you live in the rust belt that it causes a lot of these problems. But this video is great because it highlights the purge solenoid as the problem verses the traditional find the leak with the smoke machine. Lol. These purge solenoids seem to be junk. Always seem to be going bad? Or is it just me?

[@throttlebottle5906]

evap leaks are very common issue on all make, models and year cars, of course many times it's the silly folks frequently connected to the gas cap ;)

[@frugalprepper]

Great Vid Eric! I am getting a small leak code on the PT cruiser. It also has NVLD system. I was watching some of those wells videos on it, and they are top notch. Looks like the PT purge solenoid runs on 12 volts so I can disconnect it and cycle it with some jumpers (Probably with a test light in line just in case) since I don't have a bi-directional scan tool.

[@ricardotorres8771]

Very helpful. 2012 Ford flex 3.5 eco boost

[@chetnowakowski285]

hi eric , ilove your vedios i consider you a master mechanic you know how to do everything . see ya from buffalo ny.

[@GNX157]

Back in the 80's GM had a 3C carbureted 307 Oldsmobile engine that was used across divisions, and it had a vacuum operated purge valve that I would say 1 in 3-4 cars that came in the shop would have a bad one, to the point that when you saw one regardless of the reason for the car being there, you'd check that purge valve with a vacuum pump cuzz it was 3-5 tenths of an hour warranty and super easy to do. This was the valve and we'd check at the top vacuum port. www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/oldsmobile,1985,cutlass+supreme,5.0l+307cid+v8,1222827,emission,vapor+canister+purge+valve,4936

[@markrup6369]

Thanks Eric. Because of you, I understand the EVAP system on my car very well. One thing that is NOT clear to me is WHEN does the car go through the purge cycle? Every start? Every so many miles? Every so much time? Every time I add gas to my car? And if adding gas is the trigger, what about when the gas gauge doesn't work (as mine does not right now)? Thanks.

[@johnaclark1]

I don't know the official answer but I can tell you that I see my 08 Honda at 20-30% duty cycle on the purge valve most of the time after it's warmed up. It seems to purge most all the time.

[@jimmymertins2132]

Just did a similar test on and 05 g Cherokee 3.7. Tapped on the purge solenoid unplugged with vacuum gauge on it and each tap created a leak

[@jeffstutz7959]

Had the same problem with a 2013 Fusion 2.0 turbo. Purge solenoid stuck open. Major pain to replace...

[@lethalchaos19]

I hace a mitsubishi lancer 2004 ES 2.0 engine... ANd i have this engine light come on i put my obd and said P0456.... first i bought a gas cap thought i solve the problem it went away after almost a week of driving the light came on again. I check my OBD its the same error. Thank you for this video its very helpful. I will try to change my purge valve solenoid/ Hoping this is the same problem im having it too.

[@rider9195]

Did this exact test today on a quality Encore. Something about those purge solenoids...

[@nomanjones4803]

I have a 2010 fusion but same engine, with only 27000 miles I have had four of these things replaced, and had to have the gas tank replaced because it was crushed like a empty beer can.

[@throttlebottle5906]

lol, I can see it vaccuming the tank flat, but the cap would likely have to be wonky also

[@nomanjones4803]

There is no cap, FORD had a recall for this that is why I got the new tank

[@throttlebottle5906]

once again, public/consumers got pooched over by wide-scale public beta testing, least they had a recall.. if it was like chrysler/jeep/mopatsr, it took them nearly 2 years to supply a HITCH for jeep recall on gastanks being smashed when hit in the rear-end... jeep liberty-turd, their hopes was that the jeeps got wrecked, broke down, totaled or scraped before hand.. no bail out's? they need pushed out

[@timothybarney7257]

Cherokees were involved in that one too, got a recall notice via my parents, whom I'd bought it from, but AFTER I'd gotten rid of it. Mine was a '99 Grand Cherokee Loredo recalled in I think 2015 or 2016 but got rid of mine in 2014.

[@haywardsautomotive6156]

Good video & tips Eric. Goes good with Mike's videos from Wells on the EVAP series. Yep those bits will wreak havoc & give you fits.

[@GoTechTraining]

Hey Bob! Just strolling through Eric's comments section :) ~Mike

[@haywardsautomotive6156]

Great EVAP series Mike & a lot of research & work on your part!! This video & tips from Eric add to it.

[@GoTechTraining]

Thanks Bob! Sounds like Eric and I should do a video on EVAP together!

[@haywardsautomotive6156]

It would be a great video for sure!

[@johnaclark1]

Uncle Bob! Eric said Bob's my uncle, so....great to see you, Uncle Bob! Eric must have started watching the Dave Jones on EEVBlog! Dave loves the "Bob's your uncle" line. Cousin Mike, your EVAP videos are definitely top notch. Keep up the great work all of you. I have learned a lot from all of you guys.

[@SuperGmann10]

Did you say, "Bob's your uncle?" Lol!! Love your little phrases! :)

[@BigDog50001]

Good stuff Eric.

[@samrugtiv5563]

thanks Eric good tip, did you see Ivan work over that lift crane, are his pal they did a dam good job for that sod buster.

[@GeorgeGilmore-kl4xo]

I like your channel. Do you have any info on replacing your brake pads on a 2019 Chevy equinox

[@falcon63191]

Thank you Eric and Vanessa (and Hanna), you all have became my favorite subscription, and I always look forward to your next "if I can do it..." video. THUMBS UP!

[@dreally7029]

great vid Eric! Time to run through the Civic and ship it (open that bay!!)

[@dank5100]

Thumbs up Tuesday on a Thursday...!

[@robertdavis6708]

FMC have replaced 3 of these purge valve solenoids. I started dumping Lucas fuel cleaner in it and so far no codes. Only cleaner that works on the Eco Boost engines.

[@jonathanmeekins5547]

Love your videos I've learned a ton from them!

[@allcureman3403]

Great job Eric. Are you still testing the LED hood light or can you tell us where we can get one? Thanks

[@robertkutz]

eric very informative video .

[@HarborLockRoad]

I got taken for $400 by a garage that changed my gas cap twice. I replaced the solenoids, etc myself, flex sealed the hoses just in case...i know if i replace the charcoal canister or gas tank neck, itll be the last thing i spend money on thats the real problem.. with everything else replaced for nothing. This has cost me already 2 years tax return money and its still not fixed. Can it be bypassed? I erased the codes with an OBD but the inspector could tell and i failed...its an 08 accent

[@andrewk778]

Very interesting and informative. Thank you for sharing.

[@denniswilkinson1118]

Good job! Looks like that Hondoo has sprouted roots?

[@simonrawle7885]

that cold sound a bit better

[@WSKY19]

Watch out for those Chevy purge valves. Gotta lean condition, the purge valve will open wide open even at 10% duty cycle. PCM thinks it’s at 10% so doesn’t compensate for that extra air. That engine might even stall, or bog down intermittently.

[@feeneysmechanical6215]

Great video Eric.

[@vprince9907]

I just got this P0456 code today when I left library. Says its a very small leak...I didn't see in your description link for part you showed having changed as being culprit. Can I get name of that part and approx cost for one. Im a check my gas cap....then check that item you talked about in video here....

[@samb378]

Thanks. Very helpful

[@AnhYeuEmMaiMai69]

Good to see that you are feeling better.... just a quick question how can a 3.0L move such a car at anything other than half a sail's pace... :p Great work as always Mr. O.. Bod bless....

[@brianwolf692009]

AnhYeuEmMaiMai69 3.0's are actually pretty strong. I had one in a first generation Taurus and it would roast the tires. won a lot of money racing Cavaliers.

[@mugsymydog]

Eric I have seen you with multiple scanners. I use the Maxisys Pro so that is my preference. I have seen you use the Maxisys on occasion but as of late it is not your go to scanner. Is there a reason and do you have a preference.

[@hondaslave-kd6hi]

I have a 2005 Ford sport Trac 4.0 with same issue. My car has a vent valve and purge valve. I wonder how I would test the purge valve but this type up?

[@jimmydeen58]

Great Video Eric....

[@ozzstars_cars]

I have a video on how to turn an old EVAP solenoid into a multi use crackpipe. It also supports meth usage. lol Enjoyed the vid Eric and I agree that Wells has some kickass vids on EVAP stuff

[@JULIOSANCHEZ-yw7xi]

Hi Eric. im julio thankyou for that tip.

[@dassme1]

Great video as usual thank u for your videos

[@vprince9907]

So was that part, PURGE VALVE the culprit ? I ask this because when I pit my reader on and everything showed green color. NOTHING ON COMPTER SHOWED RED IN COLOR. Only red light I am seeing is from the OBDII TOOL THAT HAS GREEN YELLOW RED LIGHT INDICATING READY OR NOT IF GREEN MEANS EVERYTHING IS OKAY.

[@renejacques8288]

I have a '99 expedition with 442. I smell fuel at times, can that help me narrow down where the problem may be?

[@63256325N]

Thanks for the video.

[@mkuma3060]

Good job

[@jakesnake_27]

Let's see that Civic!

[@JoseSandoval-ic5xe]

Hi when these go bad like on this video cause long term fuel trims to be negative?

[@stationaryenginesworldwide]

Good video thanks for your knowledge Brother

[@dassme1]

Great video as usual thank u

[@ninab7710]

Thank you for the video. I just got 2011 Ford Escape out of shop, purge valve replaced, smoke test done, no leak found. On my way to ER, due to exposure, fumes coming into truck agsin. Help, what is my mechanic missing???

[@MrFishface5]

awesome keep up the good work

[@stevepolk4080]

f150 4.2 throttle body, wrench light on and engine Check light on it run well, it idle normal after cooling and the wrench light is out first crank then it pop on and idle rpm drop but it doesn't stop .I'm going to change the electrical throttle body position senor, to see if it the issue on hold idle until warming up, thanks for, post

[@neilizer]

Keep em comming

[@GNX157]

If I had a smoke machine I'd be tempted to put it on every vehicle that came in the shop.

[@DriveShaftDrew]

good info to know

[@CHIBA280CRV]

Fantastic thanks

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

But was Eric wearing slippers with socks? :D

[@walkerholmes4426]

I have a 13 explorer with the same code and the check engine light goes away sometimes and comes back

[@AndrewMcGuinnessDrew]

Are failing Ford purge solenoids also prone to stick closed (so no purging of the canisters, and hard to pump gasoline into the tank)? TIA.

[@magid5441]

nice as usual

[@OneAuto]

Can you give me a link to that screwdriver please? Worked every time!

[@blackstonshingaling]

Good video.

[@TheJmich2001]

Thank you

[@xerxes456]

This is a great tip wish I know this when I owned an MB 1994 had saved me time, Mb had this purge valve and they got I think stuck open because carbon build up and the symptom was erratic idle. Is this possible on this system to get the idle problem.

[@Kirkshelton]

Is this specific to Ford? Have a similar weird situation on a Grand Cherokee.

[@lorithompson6085]

Eric O, do you hook up your diagnostic computers by wires, or are they by wifi at your business?

[@screamingflat6]

Snapon verus pro!

[@jacksgarage2925]

What you need is a shop that can remove all the junk that breaks and reprogram the pcm for more power! We haven't had inspections since 1979 and it was just a safety inspection. If the public knew that this stuff wasn't actually needed and mechanics are getting filthy rich off it then they would get mad as hell and burn Washington DC to the ground. Just think about all the money and wasted resources from the price of these cars to the ten thousand dollar scan tools and never ending subscriptions to information. Smoking is bad but smoke machines are good!