Code P0442 small evap code that was not cleared by new gas cap

2001 MITSUBISHI ECLIPSE

223,000 MILES • 2.4L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC

KIWASABI1

MEMBER
202 POSTS
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I've been fighting with a P0442 for years now on my car. I first tried a third party gas cap and the code came back, so I tried an OEM one. Same deal. What are some possible sources of leaks for this code? Evidently it's quite hard to track down on this car I heard.

Aug 12, 2021 at 12:07 AM

ASEMASTER6371

CERTIFIED EXPERT
52,796 POSTS

Good morning,

This is a small leak in the system. You will need an advanced scan tool that can access the evap system, a handheld vacuum pump, and a smoke machine for this procedure.

442 for all cars takes time, not just for your car.

Follow the steps and keep me updated with your results.

Roy

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Aug 12, 2021 at 3:51 AM

KIWASABI1

MEMBER
202 POSTS

Two years later and I finally sorted out the P0442. I noticed a fuel leak from the fuel filler neck while refueling a couple weeks ago. I took off the mounting plate beneath the fuel filler neck and noticed the fuel filler neck was completely rusted out at the bottom. So I ordered a new OEM fuel filler neck from ebay for about $190 with tax and shipping, and that fixed the fuel leak and the P0442. So for anyone with a 2000-2005 Eclipse with a P0442 code, I recommend replacing the gas cap with an OEM gas cap as well as checking the fuel filler neck. This will likely fix the issue for you. Thanks again for your help, Roy.

Aug 23, 2023 at 12:59 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

CERTIFIED EXPERT
110,175 POSTS

Hi,

Thank you for that update. I'm glad to hear you found the cause of the problem. A small evap leak can be difficult to find.

Regardless, thanks again and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe

Aug 25, 2023 at 7:57 PM