What Should I Do?

[brc19761]

You can see my older post of where I keep getting a P0455 code which is a "evap" leak on my 2008 Nissan Pathfinder. I bought a new cap from Autozone and the check engine light came back on after I erased with my OB2 scanner. I have researched and read the fsm about the fuel system. I even tried a manual clearing of the code (I was thinking this would permantly erase the code from computer). I was definitely wrong on this one. You can read the post where I said I need help and see that I thought I had fried the computer on my Pathfinder.

I have seen where some earlier Pathfinder's have a charcoal canister, purge solenoid, vent solenoid, and such. I was wondering if my 2008 had the Charcoal canister ? The fsm also states that I need to replace the gas cap with a Nissan brand only. So, my question is should I buy a factory Nissan gas cap from the local Nissan dealer and see if it works? Did I mess up when I cleared the code when I replaced the new cap from Autozone and did not let the "service engine soon" light go off by itself?

This has been going on since before Christmas and this is the middle of January and I have not been able to drive my Pathfinder b/c I am scared I am going to damage it while driving it with the warning light on.

Should I try a Nissan gas cap and see what happens ? Or take it to the dealer b/c other than a gas cap change I have no idea what to do? But I know taking it to the dealer will cost me a fortune that I do not have right now.

I priced a new cap from my local Nissan dealer and they have one for around $36.00. Also, when I purchased the Pathfinder I bought a 3 year 36 thousand mile warranty. But I think all it covers is powertrain. According to the warranty no matter what it cost to fix the Pathfinde if it tears up it will cost me $100.00. I will take the warranty with me when I go to purchase the gas cap, but I seriously doubt it will cover the evap system.

Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You,


brc

[Leo1998]

I would start with the OEM gas cap, then the EVAP canister vent control valve(should be at the EVAP canister in the back) then the EVAP canister purge volume control solenoid valve(should be under the hood) or spend the money and have a 'smoke' test done.

[brc19761]

Thanks. I will try the factory gas cap. I have a shop here at home and I usually try to fix things myself before taking it to a mechanic or especially a dealer. But if the gas cap is not the answer the Nissan dealer will have to find the problem b/c other than fuel pump and filter issues, I have never dealt with this kind of problem.

One other thing. Should I let the "check engine soon" light stay on and see if after driving it around a couple of times with new gas cap if it goes off on its on? Or should I erase the code with my obd2 scanner and see if the light comes back on with the new gas cap?

Thanks,

brc

[Buzzman]

One other thing. Should I let the "check engine soon" light stay on and see if after driving it around a couple of times with new gas cap if it goes off on its on? Or should I erase the code with my obd2 scanner and see if the light comes back on with the new gas cap?

Thanks,

brc

Having had similar on going issues with my 2002 Pathy, I suggest leaving the light on and seeing if it goes out by itself. That's what I did.

FYI, replacing the gas cap on mine didn't work.
I'm still not 100% sure what my problem is/was, but for now my light is off.

[Leo1998]

From what i read about similar issues it seems the problem maybe related to the EVAP canister vent control valve. I read to remove and clean because road grime gets in the opening and causes problems for the plunger inside the control valve, I read people making a breathable filter( like one for a lawnmower or chainsaw) and stuffing it in the opening to keep the crap out after cleaning it. Something cheap and easy to try first. The thing about the gas cap is its a crap shoot, hope it works.

Edit: Also either way works...leave the light on and it goes off after so many miles or clear the code and it will come back on after so many miles if still a problem.

[brc19761]

Thanks for the info. I saw some pics as to where the charcoal canister is located. I don't know, however, if it was on a 2005-2012 or an older version Pathfinder. All I remember is it said you had to remove the spare tire and it looked as if it was on the rear passenger side. If the cap does not work I will try the canister next.

Thanks so much for the replies and info. Keep them coming .

brc

[brc19761]

Well it was not the gas cap. I bought the new oem gas cap Friday from my Nissan dealer. I put the new gas cap on in the dealership parking lot and drove it home with the service engine soon light on. I had to make several stops before going home (more than three) and the light did not come on. When I got home that day I reset the code with my obd2 scanner. I drove around and took it out on the hwy for a total of about 25 miles and the light never came on.

On Sat. I headed out and within a short distance it came back on. I will closely inspect the lines and hoses. But what about solenoid's and sensor's where are they located in the fsm and how would I be able to see if they are good or bad?

Thanks,


brc

[brc19761]

First I would like to thank everyone that posted comments, provided much needed information, and very helpful links. I really haven't got to read and research all the information everyone provided me, even in the earlier posts. All b/c of time issues or I guess you could best describe it as "life" and all we have to due in a day and those things that come up and catch us off guard.

I have taken the time this evening and had the time to go over all the information everyone has provided me and even doing a little research of my own.

Well it was not the gas cap. Two caps one oem and still did not solve the problem. Now my next steps will be 1) carefully check all the evap hoses for any cracks or tears. 2) check the vent control valve to see if it is faulty or stuck. 3) check the purge valve. 4) Check for damage or cracks to the charcoal canister.

I have seen in the fsm the drawn diagrams of both of the solenoids and would recognize them if I saw them. If I remember right the purge valve is under the hood, but I don't exactly know where. The vent control valve is located next to, on top of, or somewhere close to the charcoal canister.

My questions are does anyone have any pictures or diagram of the two solenoids? Do you have to remove the spare tire to gain access to work on the canister and vent control valve?

Thanks,

brc

[rgk]

Here is the FSM for your 2008 Pathfinder, engine control system.

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Pathfinder/ ... der/ec.pdf

There are diagrams beginning with page 236. The underhood location of the purge solenoid is on page 237. A close-up diagram of the canister solenoid is on page 240.

A schematic of the entire EVAP system is on page 229, and troubleshooting/diagnosis directions begin on page 230.

Good luck!

[brc19761]

Thanks so much. I went through every section of the 2008 fsm looking for something that mentioned the evap system. It wasn't until I followed a earlier link that got me close, but I didn't have time to read the entire thing.

Thanks to you and the info.

brc

[rgk]

No problem. When you track it down and find it, please remember to get back to us with the results!