OBD II Code 440

The Check Engine light came on in my 1998 Olds 88. I hooked up my OBD II Tester and it gave me code 440 which is Evaporative Emission Control System Malfunction. Does anyone know what that means. Could it be the EGR valve (I've never replaced it) and where would that be located on this vehicle? I have a new one but have never been able to locate it on the vehicle (I think it's hidden somewhere).

Thanks

 

It could be the gas cap. Not tight enough or needs to be replaced. Tighten the cap, erase the code and see if it comes back.

 

#1 cause of this code
Loose gas cap from the last time it was filled up

 

The EGR valve has nothing to do with the EVAP system. As stated above, a loose or bad gas cap will cause this code. Second most known cause is the EVAP vent valve, aka vent solenoid. After that, the filler necks rust where the gas cap seals to it, causing an improper seal. We cannot tell you for sure what is causing the code, but here are the possibilities:

• Disconnected or malfunctioning fuel tank pressure sensor.

• Missing or malfunctioning fuel cap.

• Disconnected, damaged, pinched, or blocked EVAP purge line.

• Disconnected or damaged EVAP canister vent hose.

• Disconnected, damaged, pinched, or blocked fuel tank vapor line.

• Disconnected or malfunctioning EVAP purge valve.

• Disconnected or malfunctioning EVAP canister vent valve.

• Open ignition feed circuit to the EVAP canister vent or purge valve.

• Damaged evaporative emissions canister.

• Leaking fuel sender assembly o-ring.

• Leaking fuel tank or fuel filler neck

The only way to diagnose this problem without guessing and throwing parts at it, is to connect a special EVAP system leak detection machine on it and connecting a scan tool to monitor data/command solenoids that control the EVAP system.

But, as stated, tighten the cap at least 3 clicks and clear code. drive it a while and see what happens. If the code resets, try a new gas cap since they are pretty cheap.

If that don't work, you can expect to pay $50-$85 for diagnosis at the dealership.

I hope the gas cap does the trick though, let us know.

 

I think it must have been the gas cap. I just checked and someone had left it loose.

I'd still like to replace the EGR valve since I have a new one sitting around collecting dust. Anyone know where that sucker is in this car?

 

Yup. It is located on the drivers side between the rear valve cover and the throttle body. You will probably need to remove the engine oil fill cap and take that plastic engine cover off (with the "3800" on it to get to it). Takes a 13mm socket with an extension for the nuts, I believe.

 

Thanks a lot. I'll check that out.

 

Now here is a guy that is determined to fix something that ain't broke. Something tells me Murphy of Murphy's Law is watching this EGR replacement. Have a good one. Geo