Code P0442 - Reprise.

[Matt Johnson]

After spending almost 2 bills just a week ago to replace the "Vapor Control Valve" in response to Code P0442 (small leak in EVAP system) the Check Engine light came on again 2 days ago and my X-CAL revealed that the same code has come back to visit. I called dealer, told them I was going to bring it back in but needed a loaner. They said they won't pay for a loaner, even though I'm coming in for the same thing they supposedly repaired a week ago. They said they got strict with their loaner policy because it was getting too expensive...I hate Ford. I've never owned a car that was so ostracized by its own manufacturer.

But I will get the car in there first thing tomorrow and see what they decide to replace this time.

Question, though - what does it look like and where is the Vapor Control Valve located? I would love to make a quick check to see if they did indeed replace it as charged. ( Sounds like it could be a lazy solution to a diagnostic that gives them no answers....)

[jabo731]

The LM dealer told me one time that they give preference to Lincoln owners over Mercury owners, because that how they compete with Cadillac. Don't Know how true that is though.

[Power Surge]

Matt, you say you have an Xcal2.... Have you considered asking your tuner to just shut off the P0442 switch? It won't harm anything. Evap leak codes are pretty common and are a PITA.

[Mad4Macs]

Do you have an aftermarket stereo/amplifier?
If you do, make sure the monkeys didn't drill holes through the deck in the trunk.
When I coded, that's EXACTLY what happened!
Fortunately, the (unnamed) installer fessed up to the tune of $1400 and made things right.

[Matt Johnson]

I do have an aftermarket amp that was installed in truck, but it was done about 5-6 months ago and the installer placed a board between truck and gas tank to drill into. The first code didn't show up until last week. I don't think that's the issue...however I don't want to rule anything out. If it won't harm the car, or the passengers, I don't mind configuring the x-cal to not read the po442 code, but...is that the right (i.e. correct in terms of keeping the car running properly) thing to do?

[JamesHecker]

Where are you taking it Matt?

[Matt Johnson]

Hey James...

Airport/Marina Ford since it's close to my house, open on weekends and until midnight, and has a courtesy shuttle that will drop me back home if my wife can't pick me up. In the past I always took it to Beverly Hills Ford because I could drop it off, walk to the office, and then pick it up on the way home - but they went out of business about 2 weeks ago!

Of course, I could take it to Simi and have Mike deal with it (he did all my mods per your recommendation) but that's a real committment because of the distance and not always practical.

The thing is, I've had zero problems with the car until last week. I've only had to do routine scheduled maint. in the three years since I've owned it. Besides having the car modified, it's never been in the shop for more than half a day. I also only have about 36,000 on it, which is low for 3 years of driving around S.Cal.

Probably more than you need to know, but good to hear from you.

[Mad4Macs]

I do have an aftermarket amp that was installed in truck, but it was done about 5-6 months ago and the installer placed a board between truck and gas tank to drill into. The first code didn't show up until last week.

My first code showed up several months after the tank was drilled. A "panic stop" caused the amp to shift, and one of the screws that had pierced the gas tank popped out (leaving a hole). There is absolutley NO clearance between that deck and the tank, less than a 1/4 inch or so, so even if a board is there, unless the installer glued it down, it's still worth a check.
Good luck!!

[Matt Johnson]

Sounds like you're right and I might just be moving from the final stages of denial into acceptance that I have a hole in my gas tank...

Was replacing the tank the $1400 cost you incurred? (If there is a hole in the tank, is replacement of the tank the only proper fix?)

[Mad4Macs]

Sounds like you're right and I might just be moving from the final stages of denial into acceptance that I have a hole in my gas tank...

Was replacing the tank the $1400 cost you incurred? (If there is a hole in the tank, is replacement of the tank the only proper fix?)

The part was just over $600. the rest was labor. In my case, the Ford tech was able to match the holes in the tank with the holes in the deck, and the installer agreed to pay after seeing the pictures Ford took.
As to repairing it? I don't know anything about it, but there are MANY, MANY car fixers hanging out here, so maybe one might chime in?
Good luck!

[Matt Johnson]

Got the car into the dealer this morning. Now they're saying that the EVAP cannister solonoid was bad - sticking. They're not charging for labor.

We'll see what happens when the Check Engine light goes back on next week and code po442 reappears...(or, hopefully, not).

[JACook]

We'll keep our fingers crossed.
Do you know whether they performed a smoke test to check for leaks?

[Matt Johnson]

According to the service writer, when I asked him directly, they did perform a smoke test, both times.