EVAP System: Description
HINT:
The canister is located near the fuel tank, underneath the body.
While the engine is running, if a predetermined condition (closed-loop, etc.) is met, the purge VSV is opened by the ECM and fuel vapors stored in the canister are purged to the intake manifold. The ECM changes the duty cycle ratio of the purge VSV to control purge flow volume.
The purge flow volume is also determined by the intake manifold pressure. Atmospheric pressure is allowed into the canister through the vent valve to ensure that the purge flow is maintained when negative pressure (vacuum) is applied to the canister.
The following two monitors run to confirm appropriate EVAP system operation.
- Key-off monitor
This monitor checks for EVAP (Evaporative Emission) system leaks and pump module malfunctions. The monitor starts 5 hours* after the ignition switch is turned off. More than 5 hours are required to allow the fuel to cool down to stabilize the Fuel Tank Pressure (FTP), thus making the EVAP system monitor more accurate.
The electric vacuum pump creates negative pressure (vacuum) in the EVAP system, and the pressure is measured. Finally, the ECM monitors for leaks from the EVAP system and malfunctions in both the pump module and purge VSV, based on the EVAP pressure.
HINT:
*: If the engine coolant temperature is not below 35°C (95°F) 5 hours after the ignition switch is turned off, the monitor check starts 2 hours later. If it is still not below 35°C (95°F) 7 hours after the ignition switch is turned off, the monitor check starts 2.5 hours later.
- Purge flow monitor
The purge flow monitor consists of the two monitors. The 1st monitor is always conducted every time and the 2nd monitor is activated if necessary.
- The 1st monitor
While the engine is running and the purge VSV (Vacuum Switching Valve) is ON (open), the ECM monitors the purge flow by measuring the EVAP pressure change. If negative pressure is not created, the ECM begins the 2nd monitor.
- The 2nd monitor
The vent valve is turned OFF (open) and the EVAP pressure is then measured. If the variation in the pressure is less than 0.5 kPa (3.75 mmHg), the ECM interprets this as the purge VSV being stuck closed, and illuminates the MIL and sets DTC P0441 (2 trip detection logic).
- The 1st monitor
Atmospheric pressure check:
In order to ensure reliable malfunction detection, the variation between the atmospheric pressures, before and after conduction of the purge flow monitor, is measured by the ECM.
| Component | Operation |
|---|---|
| Canister | Contains activated charcoal to absorb EVAP (Evaporative Emissions) generated in fuel tank. |
| Cut-off valve | Located in fuel tank. Valve floats and closes when fuel tank is 100% full. |
| Purge VSV (Vacuum Switching Valve) | Opens or closes line between canister and intake manifold. ECM uses purge VSV to control EVAP purge flow. In order to discharge EVAP absorbed by canister to intake manifold, ECM opens purge VSV. EVAP discharge volume to intake manifold is controlled by purge VSV duty cycle ratio (current-carrying time). (Open: ON, Close: OFF) |
| Refueling valve | Controls EVAP pressure from fuel tank to canister. Valve consists of diaphragm, spring and restrictor (diameter: 0.08 inch). When fuel vapor and pressure inside fuel tank increase, valve opens. While EVAP is purged, valve closes and restrictor prevents a large amount of vacuum from affecting pressure in fuel tank. Valve is opened while refueling. When valve is open, adding fuel into fuel tank is possible. |
| Roll-over valve | Located in fuel tank. Valve closes by its own weight when vehicle overturns to prevent fuel from spilling out. |
| Service port | Used for connecting vacuum gauge for inspecting EVAP system. |
| Soak timer | Built into ECM. To ensure accurate EVAP monitor, measures 5 hours (+- 15 min.) after ignition switch turned off. This allows fuel to cool down, stabilizing Fuel Tank Pressure (FTP). When approx. 5 hours elapsed, ECM activates. |
| Pump module | Consists of (a) to (d) below. Pump module cannot be disassembled. |
| (a) Vent valve | Vents and closes EVAP system. When ECM turns valve ON, EVAP system is closed. When ECM turns valve OFF, EVAP system is vented. Negative pressure (vacuum) is created in EVAP system to check for EVAP leaks by closing purge VSV and vent valve (closed), and operating vacuum pump are turned on (refer to Fig 4). |
| (b) Pressure sensor | Indicates pressure as voltages. ECM supplies regulated 5 V to pressure sensor, and uses feedback from sensor to monitor EVAP system pressure (refer to Fig 4). |
| (c) Vacuum pump | Creates negative pressure (vacuum) in EVAP system for leak check. |
| (d) 0.02 inch orifice | Has an opening with 0.02 inch diameter. Vacuum is produced through orifice by closing purge VSV, turning off vent valve and operating vacuum pump, to monitor 0.02 inch leak pressure. 0.02 inch leak pressure indicates a small leak of EVAP. |