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ENRUDEPLES

P0442 — Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (Small Leak)

minor

What it means

During the leak test the EVAP system lost vacuum or pressure faster than allowed, which corresponds to an opening of roughly 1 mm (0.040 inch). The test runs only under specific conditions — a partly filled tank, stable ambient temperature, steady cruising — so the light may come and go over several drive cycles. Driveability is unaffected; at most there is a slight fuel smell after refuelling.

Likely causes (most common first)

  1. Fuel cap not tightened to the click, or a worn cap seal
  2. Cracked or porous EVAP hose, brittle rubber elbows near the canister
  3. Purge valve not sealing fully when closed
  4. Leaking O-ring on the fuel pump flange or the fuel level sender
  5. Hairline crack in the charcoal canister housing or in the plastic tank
  6. Faulty vent valve or leak detection pump seal

Can you drive with it?

Yes, you can drive normally: the leak affects emissions only, but check the fuel cap first.

This is the generic meaning. What about your car?

The same code has different typical culprits on different engines. Tell the AI your make, model and year — it will rank the causes for your exact car and give you a check order.

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