P0455 on 2011-2017 Nissan Quest: EVAP Large Leak Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2011-2017 Nissan QUEST

On this generation of Nissan Quest, like many other Nissans from the same era using the VQ35DE engine, the EVAP system is sensitive, and certain components are common failure points. Nissan specifically issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), such as NTB13-097J, highlighting that a loose fuel cap is a primary cause for this code. Beyond the cap, the EVAP canister vent control valve is a well-documented weak point across the Nissan lineup, often failing due to dirt, debris, or internal malfunction because of its exposed location at the rear of the vehicle.

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 to strong smell of fuel, especially around the rear of the vehicle or near the gas cap.
• Difficulty starting the engine immediately after refueling (less common, but possible).
• Gas pump nozzle clicks off repeatedly or prematurely when refueling, even if the tank is not full.

Most Likely Causes

1. Loose, Damaged, or Incorrect Gas Cap 🔴 High Probability → Shop Fuel Tank Cap Nissan TSBs NTB09020F and NTB13-097J specifically call out a loose or faulty fuel fill cap as the most likely cause for P0455 on this and other Nissan models. The cap's rubber seal can degrade over time.
   How to confirm: Ensure the gas cap is tightened until it clicks at least once. Inspect the cap's seal for cracks, tears, or debris. If the seal is damaged or you suspect the cap is faulty, replacement is the best confirmation. An OEM cap is strongly recommended as aftermarket caps are known to cause sealing issues.
   Typical fix: Tighten or replace the fuel filler cap. Using a genuine OEM Nissan cap is recommended. A common part number is 17251-3JA0A, which supersedes older numbers.
   Est. part cost: $15-$40
2. Faulty EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve (Solenoid) 🟡 Medium Probability → Shop Vapor Canister Vent Valve This valve is located near the EVAP canister at the rear of the vehicle, often above the spare tire, where it is exposed to road debris and moisture. It is designed to be normally open and can get stuck, which the ECM interprets as a large leak during a system test. This is a very common failure part on many Nissan vehicles.
   How to confirm: The valve can be removed and tested. When 12V power is applied to its terminals, it should click and close. If it doesn't, or if it's stuck open, it needs replacement. A smoke test is the definitive way to confirm if this valve is leaking when it should be closed.
   Typical fix: Replace the EVAP canister vent control valve and its O-ring seal. The part is located near the charcoal canister at the rear of the vehicle.
   Est. part cost: $35-$100
3. Cracked or Disconnected EVAP Hoses ⚪ Low Probability Over time, the rubber and plastic hoses in the EVAP system can become brittle and crack, or a connection can come loose. This can happen anywhere between the engine bay, along the undercarriage, and back to the fuel tank.
   How to confirm: A thorough visual inspection of all accessible EVAP lines is the first step. The most effective method is to have a mechanic perform a smoke test, which fills the system with a harmless, visible smoke to pinpoint the exact location of any leaks.
   Typical fix: Replace the cracked section of hose or re-secure the loose connection.
   Est. part cost: $5-$50
4. Faulty EVAP Canister Purge Volume Control Valve (Solenoid) ⚪ Low Probability → Shop Vapor Canister This valve is located in the engine bay and controls the flow of fuel vapors from the canister to the engine. If it gets stuck open, it creates a constant vacuum leak, which can sometimes trigger a P0455 code.
   How to confirm: With the engine running, disconnect the hose leading from the valve to the canister. There should be no vacuum felt at the valve's port at idle. If vacuum is present, the valve is stuck open.
   Typical fix: Replace the purge valve.
   Est. part cost: $65-$165

Rare But Worth Checking

• Cracked Charcoal Canister: → Shop Vapor Canister The plastic housing of the canister itself can develop cracks from age or impact, creating a large leak. This is usually found during a smoke test. A technician may also recommend replacing it if the vent valve has been stuck open for a long time, allowing dust and debris to contaminate the canister.
• Leaking or Rusted Fuel Filler Neck: → Shop Fuel Filler Neck Corrosion or damage to the metal pipe leading from the gas cap to the fuel tank can cause a leak large enough to trigger P0455. This is more common in regions that use road salt and is often found during a smoke test when smoke escapes from around the filler neck area.
• Faulty Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor: → Shop Fuel Tank While rare, the sensor that monitors pressure in the EVAP system can fail and send incorrect data to the ECM, causing it to believe there is a leak when there isn't one. This fault will often be accompanied by other sensor-specific DTCs.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the code with an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0455 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 reinstall it, ensuring it clicks several times. Clear the code and drive for a few days to see if it returns. If the cap is suspect, replace it with an OEM part.
3. If the code returns, perform a thorough visual inspection of all accessible EVAP hoses and lines from the engine bay to the fuel tank, looking for obvious cracks, rot, or disconnections.
4. Locate the EVAP canister vent control valve near the rear of the vehicle, typically mounted to the charcoal canister above the spare tire area. Inspect it and its wiring for damage.
5. The most definitive diagnostic step is to perform a smoke test. This involves injecting pressurized smoke into the EVAP service port (often a green cap in the engine bay). Note: The Schrader valve in the service port may have a left-handed (reverse) thread if you need to remove it for your smoke machine adapter.
6. If a smoke test is not possible, you can test the vent and purge valves individually. The purge valve (engine bay) should hold a vacuum when de-energized. The vent valve (rear) should be open when de-energized and click shut when 12V is applied.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Fuel Filler Cap (OEM #17251-3JA0A (supersedes 17251-1JA0A)) — This is the most frequent and simplest cause, as cited by Nissan TSBs. The seal wears out over time.
  Trusted brands: Nissan OEM
  OEM price range: $25-$40
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$25
• EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve (OEM #14935-JF02C (supersedes 14935-JF00A, 14935-JF00B, etc.)) — A very common failure point on Nissan vehicles of this era. It gets stuck open due to its exposed location, causing the system to fail its leak test.
  Trusted brands: Nissan OEM, Dorman, SKP
  OEM price range: $60-$90
  Aftermarket price range: $35-$60
• EVAP Canister Purge Valve (OEM #14930-JA10D) — Less common than the vent valve, but can fail by getting stuck open, causing a leak.
  Trusted brands: Nissan OEM, Hitachi, Dorman
  OEM price range: $100-$150
  Aftermarket price range: $65-$100

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0442 — This code is for a small EVAP leak. It can appear alongside P0455 if the system has multiple leaks of different sizes or if the computer's leak detection criteria are met for both thresholds. Both are mentioned in TSB NTB13-097J.
• P0456 — This code is for a very small EVAP leak. It is often triggered by the same faults as P0455, such as a faulty gas cap seal or vent valve O-ring, and is mentioned in the same Nissan TSBs.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• NTB13-097J: Information for EVAP leak DTCs P0442, P0455, P0456.
• NTB09020F: Service information noting that a loose fuel fill cap may be the cause for P0442, P0455, P0456 on 2007-2011 models, with principles applicable to later years.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Nissan has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (e.g., NTB13-097J, NTB09020F) that group P0455 with P0442 and P0456. These TSBs instruct technicians to first ensure the customer is installing the fuel cap correctly and to check it as the primary cause before proceeding with more complex diagnostics like a smoke test.
• The EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve is a notoriously high-failure part across the Nissan/Infiniti lineup from this period, including the Quest and its platform mates. Forum discussions frequently point to this part as the solution after a gas cap replacement fails to fix the code.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• EVAP Canister Purge or Vent Control Valve Solenoid Resistance — expected: 15 - 30 Ohms. Failure: A reading far outside this range indicates a damaged internal coil, requiring valve replacement.
• Fuel Tank Pressure (FTP) Sensor Voltage (Key On, Engine Off) — expected: Approximately 1.5V at atmospheric pressure (gas cap off).. Failure: A reading stuck at 0V or 5V suggests a wiring issue or a failed sensor.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Nissan CONSULT or advanced aftermarket scanner: EVAP System Leak Check — This is a guided diagnostic function that automatically closes the vent valve, commands the purge valve, and monitors the fuel tank pressure sensor to confirm a leak. It's the factory-prescribed method to verify a leak exists before smoke testing.
• Nissan CONSULT or advanced aftermarket scanner: Purge Volume Control Valve Test — Allows the technician to command the purge valve open by a specific percentage to check its operation without the engine running. This can help determine if the valve is sticking.
• Nissan CONSULT or advanced aftermarket scanner: Vent Control Valve Test — Allows the technician to command the normally-open vent valve to close. While closed, a smoke test or vacuum test can be performed to confirm if the valve is sealing properly. This is crucial for diagnosing a faulty vent valve.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve — Under the rear of the vehicle, mounted on the EVAP charcoal canister.. This is the physical location of a primary failure point. A wiring diagram for the 2011 Quest shows this component is controlled directly by the ECM, making its 2-wire connector a key test point for power and ground.
• EVAP Canister Purge Volume Control Solenoid Valve — In the engine bay, typically at the rear of the engine.. If this valve sticks open, it creates a leak path that can trigger P0455. Its location in the engine bay makes it relatively accessible for testing voltage at its connector and checking for vacuum on its hoses.
• EVAP Service Port — In the engine bay, identifiable by a green cap on one of the EVAP lines.. This is the connection point for a smoke machine to perform a definitive leak test. Technicians should be aware that the Schrader valve inside may have a left-handed (reverse) thread for removal.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• Reddit user with a 2008 Quest (similar platform) (2008 Nissan Quest) — Service Engine Soon light with P0455 code.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Initially planned to check the gas cap.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The user located and replaced the EVAP purge valve in the engine bay, which resolved the issue. This highlights that while the vent valve is more common, the purge valve can also be the sole cause.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 14935-JF00A, 14935-JF00B, 14935-JF00C, 14935-JF00D, 14935-JF00E, 14935-JF01B, 14935-JF01C → 14935-JF02C — This is the EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve. Part numbers are frequently updated by manufacturers to reflect design improvements, changes in suppliers, or consolidation of inventory. Later versions may have improved resistance to weather and debris, which is a common failure mode for this part.
  Heads up: All listed previous part numbers are replaced by 14935-JF02C, which is the correct current replacement.