Is your Buick or Chevy giving you trouble? A failing EVAP charcoal canister could be the culprit. Here's how to tell:
- Check Engine Light: This is the most common sign. The code often relates to EVAP system leaks or inefficiency.
- Fuel Odor: You might smell gas, especially after filling up your tank.
- Poor Fuel Economy: A faulty canister can affect how your engine burns fuel.
- Difficulty Starting: In rare cases, a bad canister can cause starting problems.
- Rough Idling: Your engine might shake or run unevenly at idle.
How do you know if it's the canister and not something else?
- Visual Inspection: Check the canister and its hoses for cracks, damage, or loose connections.
- Smoke Test: A mechanic can use a smoke machine to find leaks in the EVAP system.
- Scan Tool: A scan tool can read the specific trouble codes and help pinpoint the problem.
Common causes of canister failure:
- Age: Like any part, it wears out over time.
- Fuel Contamination: Overfilling your gas tank can flood the canister with fuel, damaging it.
- Physical Damage: Impacts or road debris can crack the canister.
- Clogged Vent: Dirt and debris can block the vent, causing the canister to fail.