2002 Grand Prix GT Service Engine Light Code?

[weaselphd]

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

[richtazz]

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.

[weaselphd]

Originally Posted by richtazz

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

[richtazz]

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.

[weaselphd]

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

[weaselphd]

Originally Posted by richtazz

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?

[jimmyv-21]

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.