P0442 Ford Code - Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected Small Leak
Quick Answer
The Engine Control Module (ECM) tests the Evaporative Emission (EVAP) system for the following conditions: - Large and small leaks - Excess vacuum - Purge flow during non-commanded conditions - Fuel Level and Fuel Pressure sensor faults - EVAP Purge and Vent Valve faults The ECM monitors the Fuel Tank Pressure sensor in order to determine the level of vacuum/pressure in the EVAP system. Common causes include Missing or loose fuel cap, Incorrect fuel filler cap used, Fuel filler cap remains open or fails to close. Severity is Low - monitor the vehicle and repair when practical. The vehicle can usually be driven if no severe symptoms are present, but symptoms should be checked before extended driving.
- What it means
- P0442 Ford indicates Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected Small Leak.
- Common causes
- Common causes include Missing or loose fuel cap, Incorrect fuel filler cap used, Fuel filler cap remains open or fails to close.
- Severity
- Low - monitor the vehicle and repair when practical.
- Can I drive?
- The vehicle can usually be driven if no severe symptoms are present, but symptoms should be checked before extended driving.
Code P0442 Ford Description
- Large and small leaks
- Excess vacuum
- Purge flow during non-commanded conditions
- Fuel Level and Fuel Pressure sensor faults
- EVAP Purge and Vent Valve faults
The ECM monitors the Fuel Tank Pressure sensor in order to determine the level of vacuum/pressure in the EVAP system. The ECM commands both the EVAP Purge Solenoid and the EVAP Vent Valve ON when the conditions are met in order to apply an engine vacuum to the EVAP system. The ECM commands the EVAP Purge Solenoid OFF once the system has reached a predetermined level of vacuum. This test verifies if a vacuum can be achieved in the EVAP system. Failure to develop a vacuum may be caused by a large leak or a restriction.
The Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) will set when a malfunction is detected when the EVAP control system has a leak, the EVAP control system does not operate properly.
What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0442 Ford?
- Missing or loose fuel cap
- Incorrect fuel filler cap used
- Fuel filler cap remains open or fails to close
- Foreign matter caught in fuel filler cap
- EVAP canister or fuel tank leaks
- EVAP system hose leaking
- Fuel tank leaking
How to Fix the DTC P0442 Ford?
Review the 'Possible Causes' above and visually examine the corresponding wiring harness and connectors. Check for damaged components and inspect connector pins for signs of being broken, bent, pushed out, or corroded.
Code Tech Notes
There is a factory service bulletin for the following Ford vehicles:
1997-2000 Ford Contour
1997-2002 Ford Escort
1997-2003 Ford Crown Victoria
1997-2003 Ford Mustang
1997-2003 Ford Taurus
1998-2003 Ford Escort ZX2
2000-2003 Ford Focus
2002-2003 Ford Thunderbird
1997 Ford F-250 HD
1997-1999 Ford F-250 LD
1997-2003 Ford E Series
1997-2003 Ford Expedition
1997-2003 Ford Explorer
1997-2003 Ford F-150
1997-2003 Ford Ranger
1997-2003 Ford Windstar
1999-2003 Ford F Super Duty
2000-2003 Ford Excursion
2001-2003 Ford Escape
2001-2003 Ford Explorer Sport Trac
2001-2003 Ford Explorer Sport
Ford Factory Service Bulletin OBDII Code P0442
What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?
Labor: 1.0
To diagnose the P0442 Ford code, it typically requires 1.0 hour of labor. Rates vary by location, vehicle, and shop. Many shops charge between $80–$150 per hour; dealerships and metro areas may be higher, independents may be lower.
Need more information about the P0442 Ford code?
Need more information on how to fix the P0442 Ford code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals
Need Help with the Code?
Get the P0442 Ford code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area
Information for Specific Ford Models
- P0442 1997 Ford F150 — Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected Small Leak
- P0442 1998 Ford F150 — Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected Small Leak
- P0442 1999 Ford F150 — Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected Small Leak
- P0442 2000 Ford F150 — Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected Small Leak
- P0442 2001 Ford F150 — Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected Small Leak
- P0442 2002 Ford F150 — Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected Small Leak
- P0442 2003 Ford F150 — Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected Small Leak
- P0442 2006 Ford Fusion — Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected Small Leak
- P0442 2007 Ford Fusion — Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected Small Leak
- P0442 2008 Ford Fusion — Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected Small Leak
- P0442 2009 Ford Fusion — Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected Small Leak
- P0442 2010 Ford Fusion — Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected Small Leak
- P0442 2011 Ford Fusion — Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected Small Leak
- P0442 2012 Ford Fusion — Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected Small Leak
Frequently Asked Questions about P0442 Ford Code
1. What are common symptoms of OBDII code P0442 in a Ford vehicle?
- Common symptoms include the check engine light illuminating, a gasoline smell near the vehicle, and potential issues with passing emissions tests.
2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0442 in a Ford vehicle?
- Possible causes include a loose or damaged gas cap, a small leak in the evaporative emission system, a faulty purge valve, or a cracked EVAP hose.
3. How can I diagnose the source of the small leak triggering OBDII code P0442 in my Ford?
- You can use a smoke machine to test for leaks in the evaporative emission system or visually inspect the system for damaged components, such as hoses or the gas cap.
4. Can a loose gas cap trigger OBDII code P0442 in a Ford?
- Yes, a loose or improperly sealed gas cap is a common cause of code P0442 as it can create a small leak in the evaporative emission system.
5. What steps should I take to repair OBDII code P0442 in my Ford due to a small leak?
- Start by checking and tightening the gas cap. If the issue persists, inspect and replace any damaged hoses, purge valve, or other components in the evaporative emission system.
6. Is it safe to continue driving my Ford with OBDII code P0442 related to a small leak?
- While the vehicle may still be operable with this code, it is important to address the issue promptly to prevent potential fuel evaporation and emissions-related problems.
7. Can extreme weather conditions impact the likelihood of triggering OBDII code P0442 in a Ford?
- Yes, extreme temperatures or weather conditions can affect the sealing of the gas cap or components in the evaporative emission system, potentially leading to a small leak.
8. How long does it typically take to repair OBDII code P0442 related to a small leak in a Ford?
- The repair time can vary depending on the exact cause of the small leak, but in most cases, it can be resolved within a few hours by locating and addressing the source of the leak.
9. Will resetting the check engine light clear OBDII code P0442 in a Ford without addressing the underlying issue?
- Resetting the check engine light may temporarily clear the code, but if the underlying issue causing the small leak is not resolved, the code is likely to reappear after driving cycles.
10. Can I use an OBDII scanner to diagnose and clear OBDII code P0442 in my Ford vehicle?
- Yes, an OBDII scanner can help you retrieve the code, diagnose the issue, and clear the code after the necessary repairs have been made.
Discuss the causes and fixes for P0442 Ford OBDII Code
-
This was the most awesome and well written technical explanation one could find Thank you very much.
-
Would a code P0442 Evap system leak trigger codes P0191 fuel rail pressure and P0193 Fuel rail high input to pop up as well or would these be 3 unrelated issues?
-
No, possible another Fuel Rail Pressure sensor codes, but not the P0191 or P0193 those are electric problem codes with the sensor or bad sensor.
P0191 FORD - Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
Read more: https://www.autocodes.com/p...P0193 FORD - Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Circuit High Input
Read more: https://www.autocodes.com/p... -
i HAVE HAD THE SAME CODE FOR 3 YEARS AND IT KEEPS COMING BACK. P0442. I REPLACED MY GAS TANK, PURGE AND SOLENOID VALVE, GAS CAP, FUEL PUMP, CATALYTIC CONVERTERS AND FUEL PRESSURE SENSORS. ITS BEEN SMOKE TESTED A FEW TIMES. I DONT KNOW WHAT ELSE IT COULD BE. ANY HELP OR ADVICE?
-
I have had the P442 code "fixed" a couple times. And online trouble shooting always says to check the gas cap to see if it is tight or replace if necessary. fine, except my 2012 Edge doesn't even have one. And it says on a sticker on the fuel door that it is not suppose to have one. So.... what to check?
-
Your 2012 Edge uses Ford’s capless fuel filler system, so the usual “replace the gas cap” advice doesn’t apply. Instead, the most common cause of a small EVAP leak on these is the seal inside the capless filler neck not sealing correctly. Dirt, dust, or a bent filler flap can let a tiny amount of vapor escape and trigger P0442.
Try running the fuel nozzle in and out a couple of times or using the plastic funnel that comes with the vehicle to gently open and close the filler flap. That helps clean and reseat the internal seals. Make sure nothing is stuck inside the opening.
If the code keeps coming back, the next things to check are the EVAP purge valve under the hood and the vent valve/hoses near the charcoal canister in the rear. Those two parts are very common leak points on the Edge.
So yes, even without a gas cap, you can still have a small leak — it’s just usually in the filler neck or the EVAP valves/hoses.
-
Fix Your Car Smarter
Try the New AutoCodes App!
Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.
