Smogtips
CHOOSE YOUR CITY OR ZIPCODE:
Within:
SELECT SMOG CHECK TYPE:  

Join the community and post your question. Use our Ask-A-Tech for free now! ASE experts standing by.

Forum > Failed Smog Test > Question

1998 Volkswagen Golf Trouble Codes P0442, P1426, P1582. What do they mean?

1998 Volkswagen Golf. Failed smog test, functional check. OBD fault codes, P0442, P1426, and P1582

Only failed smog check functional check component of smog test. OBD fault codes, P0442 (EVAP ctrl system small leak detected), P1426, and P1582 In layman's terms, what do these codes mean? What is wrong with the car? Also, as I research different autoshops, what's a reasonable figure for getting these problems fixed, in terms of parts and labor?


Answer:

Your VW's OBDII  Trouble Code P1582 indicates "Idle Adaptation at Limit". Your VW's idle is controlled by a small electric motor in the throttle body. As the throttle body becomes dirty, the Engine Control Unit (ECU) adjusts the motor a little further out (open) to let more air into the engine. Typically this code can be cleared by cleaning the throttle body. If this does not work, replacing the Idle Control Motor will be required.

Trouble Code P1426 indicates "Tank Vent Valve Open Circuit". It's possible your VW's Charcoal Canister's Purge Valve connector is improperly connected, or perhaps the Vent Valve Solenoid is defective. The purge valve is a cylindrical device with a wiring connector and two hoses sitting on top of the air filter housing.

OBD II Trouble Code P0442 indicates an Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak). It means your vehicle's engine control unit has detected a very small leak. The leak can be from a hole as small as 0.04" in diameter. The EVAP system is designed to prevent the release of gasoline vapors into the atmosphere. Fuel vapors are routed by hoses to a charcoal canister. The charcoal canister is responsible for storing gasoline vapors from the vehicle's fuel tank until the engine is ready to burn them through the combustion process.

A code P0442 is usually caused by:

1. A loose or improperly affixed gas cap.

2. A non-EOM gas cap (one that is not fitted for your vehicle).

3. A small leak/hole in a fuel vapor hose.

The first thing we recommend doing when dealing with trouble code P0442, to remove and reinstall the gas cap, clear the trouble codes using an OBD scanner and driving for a few day to see if the codes come back. If the code returns spending a few dollars on a replacement gas cap (preferably one from the dealer) may be worth a shot. If the code still returns you will need to have the EVAP system inspected for leaks. EVAP hoses shrink with age, and EVAP hose clamps may get loose cause small leaks. There are many connections in the fuel system for fuel delivery, tank return, and vapor recovery. Each one has the potential to become a vapor or liquid leak. We recommend tracing the entire EVAP system for loose, brittle, and/ or disconnected hoses.


posted by SmogTips Support

 

View SmogTips.com in: Desktop / Mobile