[arlonadkinson]

07-24-2009, 03:30 PM

Check engine P codes! Chevrolet uses an EVAP solenoid that is located under most vehicles near the gas tank and connects to the charcoal filter can. Codes can be set and will drive you crazy trying to figure out if you have a bad gas cap, broke lines---this is where they try to get you to do a smoke test, or you just think the vehicle is no good! Relax, it is usually an easy fix and one Chevrolet has known about for years but continues to make easy money off people who cannot do basic maintenance. Now one code that comes up is usually P0449, along with maybe a warning to check the gas cap to see if it is on tight! Chevrolet will gladly read this code out for you for around $98.00 and then fix it for another around $100.00 which includes the EVAP part which if you buy at their parts dept. will cost you $32.00 and my dealership parts man told me they sell one a day! It is easy money for them and obviously a defective part they keep using for the last 10 or 15 years but hey, its money in their pocket. Here is how to fix it with ONE single common screwdriver! Get under the vehicle after putting on the parking brake and if you a little hefty, then removing the spare tire on the Chevrolet Avalanche will give you lots more room. The EVAP solenoid is easy to spot near the gas tank and it has one electric connector which disconnects by releasing the plastic clip and pulling the connector out. It also has ONE air line connected which goes to the charcoal cannister which also can be removed with the one screwdriver. The whole EVAP solenoid and air can can be removed with the screwdriver which makes it easier to unpolug the electric and air line. Get a replacement from the dealer as they certainly are familar with this part as they sell LOTS of them. Then just go under and plug the new one in and the problem is solved. Now if you do not have a tool to reset the codes, try the local parts places as most of them will do a reset for you, especially my favorite place, called Pepboys! If you do not have someone to do it, it can be done simply be removing the RED, positive lead off the battery and wait a minute and then plug it back in! The codes are reset but of course now you have to reset the radio and clock stuff! Chevrolet put this unit under the vehicle I guess so it could collect enough dust to fail after the initial 36 month, 36,000 mile warrenty! Course the new part is guaranteed for ONE year so keep all the old parts in case you have another failure in ONE year and you can exchange them for another new one! Not to bad to have a spare! They should have recalled and replaced this unit years ago but who is gonna make them? They make money out of this little defective unit and still have no idea why they went into chapter 11 bankruptcy and are headed for chapter 7 if they fail to get connected to their customers and quality! This one little item is enough for a person like me who bought this 2005 Avalanche Z71 and who thinks it is a great truck to NEVER ever again buy a GM product!