PO440 Code prevents inspection

[jeepney]

Have 1998 sidekick sport well maintained. Can't pass inspection because of this pesky code and not ready codes. Problem is when codes are cleared or reset the car will return pass codes for many miles. Then out of the blue the computer decides to send a 0440 code. I brought the car in to my inspection station when my obd meter indicated all pass codes. The mechanic said there were some codes reading not ready. Bring car back after driving for 100 miles or so to remove ready codes. The car runs great and safety inspected is really what is important. What can i do to avoid messing with mechanics, time, and money to pass inpection. Most of the time the car does not return the 0440 code. Any suggestions appreciated

[Rhinoman]

P0440 is evap control. It may be as simple as needing a new gas cap or seal. Check the pipes around the charcoal canister and the vacuum solenoid that activates it too.

[jtgh]

you did say location.
but here ( usa) or inspectors to this step one.
1: attach a presure test cap to tank fill neck, pump it up and check the leak down.

so no matter what's wrong (cap not withstanding), it must be fixed.

seen caps crack.

if in a hurry, i recommend this. ( if lady luck is present)

1: new cap or tight heck out of it.
2: reset the codes using any cheap code reader.

1 out of 50 440 dtc, are not bad or loose caps.

so 49 trips to dealer can happen , sadly.

the sport is 1.8L and some have the more advanced and complex EVAP system.

it could be any part of the evap failing.
i will get more data. on yours..
you did say what country or state you live in, and CALIF, evap is even harder.

[jtgh]

yours can have evap II , level2 system. complex if that is what you have.

complex but easy to test, really. (do you have a public library card)?

what country / and or/ what state.?

that transmission.?

[jtgh]

excerpt from lib:
Trouble Code: P0440 (1.8L I4 VIN 2 Auto)
EVAP System Malfunction

Print this code dataPrint This Code

Number of Trips to Set Code: 2

OBD II Monitor Type: CCM Details
Indicators: MIL Details

* EVAP Details
* MIL Details

Trouble Code Conditions:
Engine started, vehicle driven to a speed of 35-40 for 20 minutes under conditions that do not include high-load, high engine speed, rapid acceleration or deceleration events, then at a constant speed of 30-40 mph for 3 minutes, fuel level from 25-75%, BARO sensor over 75 kPa, ambient temperature over 14ºF, IAT sensor less than 158ºF, ECT sensor from 158ºF-230ºF, then after the pressure in the EVAP system reached a predetermined value, and with the Purge valve command closed, the PCM detected a leak in the system.

Possible Causes:

* Canister air valve (solenoid) is damaged or has failed
* Charcoal canister is clogged, loaded with fuel or moisture
* Fuel filler cap loose, cross-threaded, incorrect part or damaged
* Fuel tank pressure sensor is damaged or has failed
* Fuel tank or fuel tank sender assembly 'O' ring is leaking
* Fuel tank vapor line(s) blocked, damaged or disconnected
* Tank pressure control solenoid is contaminated or damaged
* Purge solenoid control circuit is open or shorted to ground
* Purge solenoid power circuit is open (test FI fuse in relay box)
* Purge solenoid is contaminated, damaged or has failed
* PCM has failed


pretty good , data from a library,wouldnt you say?

they have the full mitchell data base too for free.

cheers

[jeepney]

Thank you everyone for the input. I'm here in Manchester NH. I am going to continue trouble shooting the list of possible causes as suggested. Again what really pisses me off is most of the time i have all pass codes returned. I don't think its the gas cap since a rush of air is released everytime i open it. I'll get back to the forum with my progress so any future soul might have the benefit of this thread.

[jtgh]

ahh that rush of air, that is important.

if you have a NH , library card,
just log in to NH ,library system.
then register using the bar code on bac.k of card.
then log in
the go to E-documents page.
click A to Z link
last click ARRC. Auto Repair,, the chilton repairs.

the whole testing proc's, are there.! see snap shot.

as you my know, level 2 EVAP is very complex, ( and on all newer cars)
the EPA just hates gas fume leakage and the test are very good at finding fault.

The OBD2 tests are complex , and reliable.
when it complains, it is not lying.


here is public lib. buy you need a login
EBSCOhost - world?s foremost premium research database service

[jeepney]

Excellent reference! & time saver
Thanks

[jtgh]

also , alldata.com has this data.
but sadly no more monthly subscriptions. (on demand was nice)
hope im wrong.