P0442 on 2017-2019 Nissan Versa Note: EVAP Small Leak Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2017-2019 Nissan VERSA NOTE

EVAP leak codes are so common across Nissan's lineup that the manufacturer issued a broad Technical Service Bulletin (NTB13-097J) covering all 2012 and newer models, including the Versa Note. This TSB explicitly advises technicians that a test drive is not part of the diagnosis and will waste time, instead directing them to use a specific diagnostic flowchart, often involving a smoke machine. For the Versa Note, like many other Nissans, the most frequent culprits beyond the gas cap are the EVAP vent control valve (near the tank) and the purge valve (in the engine bay).

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• A faint fuel smell, particularly around the rear of the car (less common).
• No noticeable difference in drivability.
• In some cases of a failing purge valve, difficulty starting the engine immediately after refueling.

Most Likely Causes

1. Loose or Worn Gas Cap 🔴 High Probability → Shop Fuel Tank Cap The gas cap's rubber O-ring seal degrades over time from use and exposure to fuel vapors, causing it to crack, stiffen, and fail to seal properly. This is the most common cause for this code on most vehicles and is specifically highlighted in Nissan's TSBs.
   How to confirm: Inspect the gas cap's rubber seal for any visible cracks, stiffness, or damage. Ensure the fuel filler neck is clean and free of rust or debris. Tighten the cap until it clicks several times, clear the code, and drive for a few days. Many owners report that only an OEM cap will solve the issue, as some aftermarket caps do not seal correctly.
   Typical fix: Replace the gas cap with a new OEM part.
   Est. part cost: $25-$40
2. Faulty EVAP Vent Control Valve/Solenoid 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Vapor Canister This valve, located near the charcoal canister at the rear of the car, is a known failure point on many Nissan models. It is exposed to road debris and moisture, which can cause it to get stuck open or closed due to dirt or internal failure, causing a leak to be detected.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the valve for cracks. It is normally open and should close when 12V is applied. A definitive diagnosis often requires a smoke test to see if it's leaking or failing to close. Another Nissan TSB (NTB17-082E) points to the O-ring on this valve as a specific leak point for similar codes.
   Typical fix: Replace the EVAP vent control valve. Some owners have had success simply cleaning the valve and its filter. 🎬 See this walkthrough for replacing the vent control valve
   Est. part cost: $50-$120
3. Faulty EVAP Canister Purge Valve/Solenoid 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Vapor Canister Located in the engine bay, this valve controls the flow of fuel vapors to the engine. It cycles frequently and can stick open or closed, creating a constant vacuum leak or preventing vapor flow, which the system can interpret as a leak.
   How to confirm: Remove the valve and try to blow through it; it should be closed when not powered. A key symptom of a stuck-open purge valve is difficulty starting the car right after filling the gas tank 🎬 Watch: How to test and replace the purge valve, as excess vapors flood the engine. Also inspect the small vacuum hoses attached to it for cracks by bending them.
   Typical fix: Replace the purge valve.
   Est. part cost: $60-$115
4. Cracked or Disconnected EVAP Hoses ⚪ Low Probability Rubber hoses, especially the small vacuum lines in the engine bay near the purge valve, become brittle with age and exposure to heat, leading to small cracks that are often difficult to see without flexing them.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect all accessible EVAP lines in the engine bay and under the car near the fuel tank. 🎬 Watch: Locate the EVAP canister and purge solenoid A YouTube user demonstrated finding cracks in the small vacuum lines connected to the purge solenoid by squeezing them, which revealed the leak source. A smoke test is the most reliable way to find a hairline crack in a hose.
   Typical fix: Replace the cracked section of the hose.
   Est. part cost: $10-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

• Cracked Charcoal Canister: → Shop Vapor Canister The plastic housing of the canister can be damaged by road debris or age, leading to a crack that causes a leak. This is usually found during a smoke test.
• Leaking Fuel Filler Neck: → Shop Fuel Filler Neck Rust and corrosion on the metal filler neck where the gas cap seals can create an imperfect seal, triggering the code. This is more common in regions that use road salt and can sometimes be seen during a visual inspection.
• Faulty Fuel Tank Pressure (FTP) Sensor: → Shop Fuel Tank In rare instances, the sensor that monitors the EVAP system's pressure can fail and send incorrect readings to the ECU, falsely triggering a leak code when no leak is present.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the code with an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0442 is present and check for any other related codes.
2. Inspect the gas cap. Remove it, check the rubber seal for cracks or damage, and clean the sealing surface on the filler neck.
3. Tighten the gas cap until it clicks multiple times. Clear the code with the scanner and drive for several days to see if the Check Engine Light returns.
4. If the code returns, replace the gas cap with a new, high-quality OEM part. This is the most common and cost-effective fix.
5. If the problem persists, perform a visual inspection of all accessible EVAP hoses in the engine bay and under the vehicle near the fuel tank. Pay special attention to the small vacuum lines attached to the purge valve; flex them to reveal hidden cracks.
6. Locate and inspect the EVAP purge valve in the engine bay and the EVAP vent control valve near the charcoal canister at the rear of the vehicle.
7. If a stuck-open purge valve is suspected (due to hard starting after refueling), remove it and attempt to blow through it. It should be sealed shut when unpowered.
8. If the leak is not visually apparent, the most definitive diagnostic method is to have a professional perform a smoke test. This test fills the EVAP system with a harmless, visible smoke to pinpoint the exact source of the leak, and is the procedure recommended by Nissan.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Fuel Filler Cap (OEM #17251-9BD0F) — This is the most common failure point. The seal wears out over time, causing a leak. It's an inexpensive and easy first step in diagnosis. Using an OEM cap is highly recommended as aftermarket versions can fail to seal properly.
  Trusted brands: Nissan (OEM)
  OEM price range: $25-$40
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$30
• EVAP Canister Purge Valve (OEM #14930-EN20A) — This valve in the engine bay can stick open or closed, causing a leak or flow issue. A stuck-open valve is a common cause of difficulty starting after refueling. It's a common failure part on many Nissan vehicles.
  Trusted brands: Nissan (OEM), Hitachi, Bosch, Dorman
  OEM price range: $85-$115
  Aftermarket price range: $50-$90
• EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve (OEM #14935-JF02C) — Located near the fuel tank, this valve is exposed to the elements and can fail due to dirt or corrosion, causing it to stick. It's a very common fix for Nissan EVAP codes when the gas cap isn't the issue. This part number supersedes several previous versions (14935-JF00A/B/C/D/E).
  Trusted brands: Nissan (OEM), Dorman (P/N: 911-503), Standard Motor Products
  OEM price range: $60-$120
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$80

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0455 — Indicates a large EVAP leak. Both codes are often listed together in Nissan TSBs, as a failing component can sometimes trigger different leak size codes at different times.
• P0456 — Indicates a very small EVAP leak. P0442 and P0456 are very similar, pointing to the same types of failures but differing only in the leak size detected by the computer. A failing component can trigger either code.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• NTB13-097J: EVAP LEAK DTC P0442, P0455, P0456 INFORMATION
• NTB13-097g: ALL MODEL YEAR 2012 AND NEWER NISSAN VEHICLES; EVAP LEAK DTC P0442, P0455, P0456 INFORMATION
• NTB13-097f: ALL MODEL YEAR 2012 AND NEWER NISSAN VEHICLES; EVAP LEAK DTC P0442, P0455, P0456 INFORMATION
• NTB13-097d: ALL MODEL YEAR 2012 AND NEWER NISSAN VEHICLES; EVAP LEAK DTC P0442, P0455, P0456 INFORMATION

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Nissan has issued a general Technical Service Bulletin (NTB13-097J) that applies to the 2017-2019 Versa Note, providing updated diagnostic procedures for EVAP leak codes P0442, P0455, and P0456. This highlights that EVAP system issues are a known concern for the manufacturer across many models.
• Owners on forums frequently report that using an aftermarket gas cap fails to resolve the P0442 code, and that only switching to a genuine Nissan OEM cap provides a reliable seal and fixes the issue.
• The EVAP vent control valve is notoriously prone to failure from dirt and moisture due to its location at the rear of the vehicle, exposed to road spray and debris.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• EVAP Canister Purge Valve solenoid resistance — expected: 15 to 38 Ohms between the two pins on the valve.. Failure: A reading of infinity (open circuit) or near zero (short circuit) indicates a failed internal coil.
• EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve solenoid resistance — expected: 20 to 50 Ohms between the two pins on the valve.. Failure: A reading significantly outside this range, or an open circuit, points to a bad solenoid winding.
• Power supply to EVAP Purge or Vent Valve — expected: Approximately 12V (battery voltage) at one of the connector pins with the ignition key in the ON position.. Failure: No voltage suggests a problem with the wiring harness, a blown fuse, or an issue with the IPDM (Intelligent Power Distribution Module).

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• Mode $06, TID $3C: This Test ID specifically monitors the EVAP system for a 0.020-inch leak. While P0442 covers a range up to 0.040", a failing value in this specific test can point towards the lower end of the leak size and confirm the system's self-test results. (see via An advanced consumer-grade or professional scan tool that can display Mode $06 data.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Nissan CONSULT-III plus or equivalent bidirectional scanner: EVAP System Leak Test / Vent Valve CLOSE / Activation Test — This command is essential for performing a smoke test. The EVAP vent valve is normally open. This function commands the valve to close, sealing the EVAP system so it can be pressurized with smoke. Without closing the valve, smoke will simply exit the system through the open vent, making the test ineffective.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• EVAP Canister Purge Valve Connector — In the engine bay, on the purge valve solenoid itself.. According to a 2016 Versa Note diagram, the wires are typically Light Blue (LT BLU) and Orange (ORG). Knowing these colors helps confirm you are testing the correct connector and can aid in tracing wires for breaks or shorts.
• EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve Connector — At the rear of the vehicle, on the vent valve near the charcoal canister.. According to a 2016 Versa Note diagram, the wires are typically Light Blue (LT BLU) and Yellow (YEL). This helps differentiate it from other nearby connectors and is crucial for performing voltage and resistance tests accurately at the component.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 14935-JF00A, 14935-JF00B, 14935-JF00C, 14935-JF00D, 14935-JF00E → 14935-JF02C — Part has been updated by the manufacturer over time to improve reliability.
  Heads up: The newest part number is the correct replacement for all previous versions for this vehicle application. Using an older version from a different model, even if it fits, may not function correctly.