P0442 Code

[pp270]

I have a 2000 alero V6 GLS w/160K miles. I tried changing the fuel filter last weekend and was unable to get the fuel line nut loose. Two days later I get the P0442 code which is a evap system leak. Is it possible that I loosened the line enough to flag this code? Or is the fuel filter not part of the system this code monitors?

If I have the fuel filter replaced I will most likly have to have the fuel line replaced as well since the nut is rounded off and no longer takes a flare nut wrench.

[skeeter123]

P0442 is a Small Leak in the EVAP system, meaning a small vacuum leak, not in the gas lines. Frequently it's the gas cap, check it out, make sure it's sealing when you put it on. It's possible that you bumped one of the vacuum lines when you were working on the fuel filter; the EVAP system works by using the vacuum to suck out fumes from the gas tank/evap cannister and burn them thru the engine. The system will test itself every so often to see if there's a leak, if it finds one it posts that code. If you fix it it could take several days for the code to clear, unless you have a code reader to clear the code (or take off battery cable for ~20 minutes).
Hope this helps.