AutoCodesPontiac – P0496 Pontiac

P0496 Pontiac Code - Evaporative Emission System Flow During Non-Purge

Quick Answer

The evaporative emission (EVAP) control system limits fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. Common causes include Faulty EVAP Canister Vent Valve, Faulty EVAP Canister Purge valve, Plugged EVAP canister condition. 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
P0496 Pontiac indicates Evaporative Emission System Flow During Non-Purge.
Common causes
Common causes include Faulty EVAP Canister Vent Valve, Faulty EVAP Canister Purge valve, Plugged EVAP canister condition.
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.
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Code Popularity 24,531
How popular is this code, among other codes? Low
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Apr 24, 2019
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Code P0496 Pontiac Description

The evaporative emission (EVAP) control system limits fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere. Fuel tank vapors are allowed to move from the fuel tank, due to pressure in the tank, through the vapor pipe, into the EVAP canister. Carbon in the canister absorbs and stores the fuel vapors. Excess pressure is vented through the vent line and EVAP vent solenoid to the atmosphere. The EVAP canister stores the fuel vapors until the engine is able to use them. At an appropriate time, the PCM will command the EVAP purge valve open, allowing engine vacuum to be applied to the EVAP canister. With the EVAP vent valve open, fresh air will be drawn through the valve and vent line to the EVAP canister. Fresh air is drawn through the canister, pulling fuel vapors from the carbon. The air/fuel vapor mixture continues through the EVAP purge pipe and EVAP purge valve into the intake manifold to be consumed during normal combustion. The EVAP system requires the PCM be able to detect a leak as small as 0.040 inch in the EVAP system. The PCM uses several tests to determine if the EVAP system is leaking.

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OBDII Code P0496 Pontiac - Evaporative Emission System Flow During Non-Purge - AutoCodes.com
P0496 Pontiac Code - Evaporative Emission System Flow During Non-Purge

What are the Possible Causes of the DTC P0496 Pontiac?

  • Faulty EVAP Canister Vent Valve
  • Faulty EVAP Canister Purge valve
  • Plugged EVAP canister condition
  • Faulty EVAP Pressure Sensor
  • EVAP Canister Vent Valve harness is open or shorted
  • EVAP Canister Vent Valve circuit poor electrical connection

How to Fix the DTC P0496 Pontiac?

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.

What is the Cost to Diagnose the Code?

Labor: 1.0

To diagnose the P0496 Pontiac 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.

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About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0496 Pontiac Code

What does the OBDII code P0496 mean for a Pontiac?

P0496 indicates an issue with the evaporative emission system, specifically excessive flow during a non-purge condition.

What are the common symptoms of code P0496 in a Pontiac?

Symptoms may include difficulty starting the engine, rough idling, reduced fuel efficiency, and the check engine light being illuminated.

What causes code P0496 in a Pontiac?

Common causes include a faulty purge valve, a stuck open solenoid, damaged EVAP system hoses, or a malfunctioning fuel tank pressure sensor.

Can I drive my Pontiac with code P0496?

While the car may still run, driving with this code can lead to increased emissions and potential damage to other components over time.

How do I fix code P0496 on my Pontiac?

Repair typically involves replacing the purge valve or solenoid, inspecting and repairing EVAP system hoses, or addressing issues with the fuel tank pressure sensor.

How much does it cost to repair code P0496 on a Pontiac?

Repair costs vary, but replacing the purge valve usually costs $100–$300, including parts and labor.

Will clearing the code P0496 solve the problem?

Clearing the code without fixing the underlying issue will likely cause the code to return and may worsen the problem over time.

How can I test the purge valve for code P0496 on a Pontiac?

You can test the purge valve using a multimeter or by applying voltage to check if it opens and closes properly.

Can a loose gas cap trigger code P0496 on a Pontiac?

While a loose gas cap can cause other EVAP codes, it is not a typical cause of P0496.

What tools do I need to diagnose P0496 on a Pontiac?

Basic tools include an OBDII scanner, multimeter, and a vacuum pump for testing EVAP system components.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0496 Pontiac OBDII Code

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