Volt

Evaporative Emission Control System Diagnosis

Special Tools

EN 41413-VLV EVAP Service Port Vent Fitting

For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools : Diagnostic Tools .

Vehicle Setup

Note: A large difference between the vehicle temperature and shop temperature will seriously affect the accuracy of the tests. Always allow enough time, at least 15 m, for the vehicle temperature to adjust to the shop temperature.

Note: If the refuelling request button is pushed then the vent solenoid valve will remain open for 30 mins. The scan tool will be required to manually close the vent solenoid valve prior to testing and before the 30 min time expires. After 30 min the vent solenoid returns to it's natural closed state.

Note: If fuel level is 90% or greater it will take longer to fill the system with smoke because the fuel fill tube check valve will be closed and force any smoke to pass through the ORVR pipe and orifice.

1. Vehicle in Service Mode, open the bonnet. Position a large fan to blow air under the vehicle onto the fuel tank area.
2. Connect the red battery clip from the tester to the positive battery terminal at the underhood auxiliary fuse block X50B.

Note: The vehicle 12 V battery must be fully charged for optimal tester performance and because every module will be awake in this powered mode.

3. Connect the black battery clip of the tester to chassis ground.

1. Open the nitrogen tank valve and turn the nitrogen/smoke valve on the front control panel to nitrogen.
2. Connect the hose to the correct test orifice on the bottom front of the tester. For orifice size, refer to the vehicle specific information found in the service procedures for DTCs that relate to evaporative emission (EVAP) system leaks.
3. Press and release the remote switch to activate the tester.
4. Position the sliding red flag on the flow meter to align with the floating indicator. When the red flag is set, press and release the remote switch to deactivate the tester.
5. Remove the hose from the test orifice and install the hose onto the vehicle. For proper connection location, and the special tool numbers for any adapters that may be required, refer to the service manual for the vehicle being tested. The vehicle specific information can be found in service procedures for DTCs that relate to EVAP system leaks.
6. Seal the EVAP system per instructions in the service manual. Most systems can be sealed using a scan tool output control for the evaporative emission (EVAP) canister vent solenoid valve. Other systems require that the system be plugged. Refer to the service manual for the vehicle being tested for specific instructions.

Note: 

•	Larger volume fuel tanks, and/or those with lower fuel levels, may require several minutes to fill with nitrogen.

•	Static buildup may cause the float indicator to stick. It may be necessary to tap on the flow meter to free the float.

7. Press and release the remote switch to activate the nitrogen flow and fill the system.
8. Compare the stable floating indicator position to the red flag. The floating indicator should be below the red flag. If above the red flag, go to the smoke procedure.
9. Press and release the remote switch to deactivate the tester.

Note: It is not recommended to use the tester in an outside repair bay area because wind and sunlight may affect temperature and your ability to see the smoke.

1. Turn OFF any fans that may cause air movement around or near the vehicle.

Note: Completely unwind the nitrogen/smoke hose from the bracket for optimal tester performance.

2. Connect the nitrogen/smoke hose to the vehicle as directed in the service manual. Some vehicles require that the nitrogen/smoke hose be connected at the front of the EVAP system at the EVAP service port. An adapter may be necessary. Other vehicles require the connection be made at the rear of the system using an adapter at the fuel fill cap. Consult the service manual for vehicle specific instructions regarding connection location and adapters.
3. Open the nitrogen tank valve and turn the nitrogen/smoke valve on the control panel to smoke.

Note: The remote switch operates in a push ON, push OFF fashion.

4. Press and release the remote switch to activate the tester and inject smoke into the EVAP system.
5. Verify smoke has filled the EVAP system by opening the system opposite the end where smoke is injected. When injecting smoke at the service port, remove the fuel fill cap and temporarily leave the evaporative emission (EVAP) canister vent solenoid valve open, and EVAP leak detection pump switching valve in the vent position, until smoke is observed. Then close the system and continue testing. If using a special tool fuel fill cap adapter at the filler neck, use the EN 41413-VLV EVAP Service Port Vent Fitting tool at the service port until smoke is observed, then remove the EN 41413-VLV EVAP Service Port Vent Fitting tool and continue with the test.

Note: Inject smoke in less than 2 min cycles for optimal tester performance.

6. Press and release the remote switch to deactivate the tester.

Note: For optimal visual smoke performance, deactivate the smoke flow and allow the system pressure to drop. Allowing the smoke to exit through small holes at a low flow rate greatly enhances visibility.

7. Introduce smoke into the system for an additional 60 s. Continue introducing smoke at 15 s intervals, as necessary.
8. Using a high-intensity white light, inspect the entire EVAP system path, and look for the source of the leak indicated by the exiting smoke. Introduce smoke at 15 s intervals, as needed, until the source of the leak is identified.

The Concern

Ideal circumstances for conducting the EVAP flow meter test require equal temperatures between the nitrogen gas and the vehicle EVAP system. Significant differences in temperature between them can result in a flow or pressure change during testing, causing misleading results. Typically, the evaporative emissions system tester is stored indoors, approximately 21°C (70°F). Vehicles brought in for diagnosis may have an EVAP system at significantly different temperatures -40 to +43°C (-40 to +110°F).

For Example

Note: With no temperature difference between the nitrogen gas and EVAP system, the resulting vehicle EVAP system pressure will remain stable at 3.2 kPa (22.3 PSI) once pressurised, providing no leaks are present.

When the EVAP flow meter tests are performed with significant differences in temperature between the nitrogen gas and the vehicle EVAP system, the following results can occur:

The Solution

When working on a vehicle with significant differences in temperature between the vehicle EVAP system and the nitrogen gas, allow the vehicle EVAP system temperature to stabilise as close as possible to the temperature of the nitrogen gas before conducting the Flow Meter Test.