2002 Grand Prix GT Service Engine Light Code?

Just recently my 2002 Grand Prix GT Service Engine Light came on, so i stopped off at autozone and they read the code and gave me this information:

Code P0440 = Evaporative Emission Control System Malfunction -- she stated it was an air/fuel mixture issue...

we called the local mechanic, and they wanted to run their own diagnostic at prior to talking to me, i was wondering is this an easy fix or can anyone tell me what this might be and what cost im going to incur over this?

thanks
Michael

Did you recently get gas just prior to this code popping up? If so, make sure the gas cap is tightened to 3 clicks like it says to, then have Zone clear the code for you. If it doesn't come back, a loose gas cap caused the code.

Did you recently get gas just prior to this code popping up? If so, make sure the gas cap is tightened to 3 clicks like it says to, then have Zone clear the code for you. If it doesn't come back, a loose gas cap caused the code.


i dont recal getting gas prior to this, will i damage the engine if i have them reset it and try this regardless?

what are the other possabilities that might cause this?

thanks
Michael

No engine damage should occur, unless the car has other symptoms like smoke, steam or strange smells from the exhaust, extreme hesitation, etc... This code by itself isn't anything critical. A bad canister purge solenoid, tank evap vent valve or loose/cracked vacuum fitting/line could be other possible causes.

Thanks, i did notice that the gas cap was loose, in fact not even tightened dow, just sitting in place prolly held there by the gas door itself, i filled the tank tightened the cap good, and AutoZone will no longer reset the codes, but he told me to disconnect the battery for a minute and that will reset the codes, so im doing that now then i will keep everyone posted, thanks for you fast replies!


Michael

Did you recently get gas just prior to this code popping up? If so, make sure the gas cap is tightened to 3 clicks like it says to, then have Zone clear the code for you. If it doesn't come back, a loose gas cap caused the code.


Is there another way to reset the computer and the service engine light? i disconnected the posative lead from the battery to remove power for about 5 minutes and the light is still on?

negative on that- the only was to get a code cleared is by the diagnostic tool at Auto Zone or the dealer. while that method works on a few older cars, the codes are stored in the computer now and can only be cleared one way. however, i had a check engine light, repaired the problem, and the light went off before i could make it back to Auto Zone.