General Audience Explanation:
ORVR stands for On Board Refueling Vapor Recovery. This system is used in Nissan/Infiniti vehicles to capture the vapors that are produced when you fill up your gas tank.
When you start refueling your vehicle, the air and vapor inside the fuel tank are directed through a special valve and line to a canister called the EVAP canister. This canister absorbs the vapor, while releasing the air into the atmosphere.
Once your tank is full, the valve closes and the refueling stops automatically. Any vapor that was absorbed by the EVAP canister is then released back into the engine and burned off while you drive.
Technical Explanation:
Common Symptoms:
- Check Engine Light may come on
- Gasoline smell inside or outside the vehicle
- Difficulty starting the vehicle
Diagnosing:
- Use a scan tool to check for trouble codes related to the EVAP system
- Perform a smoke test to check for leaks in the system
- Check the EVAP canister for damage or clogs
Common Repairs:
- Replace the EVAP canister
- Repair or replace any damaged hoses or lines in the EVAP system
- Replace the EVAP purge valve
- Clear any blockages in the system
