The evolution of evaporative emissions systems has been driven by changes in emissions standards. While some vehicle manufacturers have introduced very different designs along the way, most use primarily used a vacuum-based design as a foundation. The exceptions are its hybrid electric vehicles, which use an evaporative leak check monitor (ELCM) similar to the Toyota key-off vacuum pump system, and 2011-03 Ford Fiestas, which use a natural vacuum leak detection (NVLD) system similar to the one used by Kia and BMW.
What is It
The oil and fuel in your vehicle give off vapors that are very harmful to the environment. Evaporative emissions control systems – EVAP for short – are mandated in all cars and trucks. The EVAP system is there to capture these vapors and direct them into the engine to be burned – kind of an on-board recycling program.
The EVAP system is a complicated network of hoses, valves, filters and such. Issues with the EVAP system are in the top 5 reasons for a Check Engine Light to be illuminated. Your friendly and knowledgeable Atlantic Motorcar Center service advisor can pull the trouble codes and begin a diagnostic procedure to isolate the fault.
With the proper equipment, your technician can test the valves in order to trace a blockage. A low-pressure smoke test can be performed to find any leaks. The repairs are then made to get the EVAP system working again and to reset the Check Engine light.
Correction
While EVAP problems don’t generally lead to vehicle damage, the fact that they trigger the Check Engine light can mask other more problems for WISCASSET residents if left unaddressed. After all, there are hundreds of conditions that can trigger a Check Engine light, but there is only one light. So if the light is on because of an EVAP issue you haven’t fixed and another arises, you won’t be alerted to the new condition because the light is already on.
Of course, if you live in a jurisdiction in Maine that requires emissions testing to register your vehicle, you won’t pass the test until you make the repairs. An EVAP trouble code could be caused by something as simple as a loose or worn gas cap, a leak in a hose, problems with a purge valve or even a rusty fuel filler pipe.
When your Check Engine light comes on, bring your vehicle into the Atlantic Motorcar Center team and let us check it out. Your Atlantic Motorcar Center service advisor will be able to diagnose the system and work out a plan to address any problems that are uncovered. There’s peace of mind that comes from knowing what is wrong and taking care of it.
How We Can Help You
As Maine’s leading European and Japanese auto specialists, we provide expert-quality services at a fair rate than nearby dealerships and specialty shops. If you’re experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms in your own car, please call us right away, we can usually see your car the same day! At Atlantic Motorcar we’ve developed some very specific procedures and tooling, combined with our expert technicians, to make this otherwise onerous repair a snap.
Finally
Questions, or if we can be of help in any way with service on your Acura Audi, BMW, Honda, Infiniti, Lexus, Mercedes, Mini Cooper, Toyota, Volvo, VW or other European (and now Japanese) import, please contact us. Our team of Service Specialists is here to help, for even the newest autos! (207) 882-9969.
Knowing, not just “doing”, that’s the Atlantic Motorcar Center way of life.
Thanks!
Warmly,
The Atlantic Motorcar Center Service Team