P0455 Check Engine light help

[demotim00]

My 2011 Ford Escape XLT with 108K miles had the check engine light come on this evening out of the the blue with no warning at all. Took it to Auto Zone as I don't have a scanner myself (put one on layaway at a pawn shop but it isn't paid off yet). They show it is showing Code P0455 for Evaporative Emission System Leak. They said it could be a fuel cap, one problem with that it is one of those Escape with a capless fuel system with no fuel cap on it. When I told him that he acted like I was an idiot with no clue what I was talking about but then said it could be a Canister Purge Valve or some other part to do with charcoal canister or some crap, hell if I know. Does anyone on here have a likely idea what is wrong with it and how to fix it myself, without a garage. Keep in mind I am disabled and can't crawl underneath a vehicle, and have only basic car maintenance knowledge and skill, but have most basic hand tools, (sockets, ratchets, wrenches, screw drivers, etc.)? The shop I go to can look at it for free, however they won't open until Monday and its likely to be the end of the week or beginning of next week before I can get it in to have it looked at.

[65comet]

The code doesn't affect drivability. It only matters if you have to have your vehicle emission tested and this code will cause a fail. It is saying your fuel system may be leaking gas fumes into the atmosphere and causing a tiny bit of pollution. It can also be a problem if it is leaking enough fumes that under the right conditions in an enclosed space could possibly cause a fire.
I can think of two causes for this capless system. The first is that the seal has gone bad for the "door". The second is that there is a hose that runs up to the top of the filler pipe just below the sealed area that might have a break or hole in it. At least those are the two most common that I have heard of. I believe guys have figured it out by back pressuring the fuel line with compressed air and listened for where the leak is. But I haven't had to deal with that myself to convey any experience except for other vehicles where it was the gas cap.

[demotim00]

Originally Posted by 65comet

The code doesn't affect drivability. It only matters if you have to have your vehicle emission tested and this code will cause a fail. It is saying your fuel system may be leaking gas fumes into the atmosphere and causing a tiny bit of pollution. It can also be a problem if it is leaking enough fumes that under the right conditions in an enclosed space could possibly cause a fire.
I can think of two causes for this capless system. The first is that the seal has gone bad for the "door". The second is that there is a hose that runs up to the top of the filler pipe just below the sealed area that might have a break or hole in it. At least those are the two most common that I have heard of. I believe guys have figured it out by back pressuring the fuel line with compressed air and listened for where the leak is. But I haven't had to deal with that myself to convey any experience except for other vehicles where it was the gas cap.

Thanks for the info although it wasn't a great help.

[demotim00]

alright, I had the shop take a look at it and they pressurized the system and it is the Purge Valve/Solenoid that is bad. They wanted $97 to to it parts & labor, however I was just able to order the part off of Rock Auto's website for $13.39 after shipping. I'm going to attempt changing it myself as a friend of mine who lives about 90 minutes away from me & is a certified Ford Technician said its an easy repair with just 2 - 8mm bolts holding it in, disconnect the electrical connection and the one line and your done. He said its located directly by the throttle body. I've looked it up on youtube but it doesn't show exactly where at in the engine bay by the throttle body it is. Can anyone on here tell me exactly where it is in the engine by by the throttle body? Is it in front near the radiator fan, or somewhere else? Any help is appreciated for I can change the part out myself when it comes in and save on the $38 labor to do such a simple job

[Mustang_Driver]

notsure if this helps or not but there is a you tube video showing where it is


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-mbRVPNt-U