Evaporative Emissions System: Description and Operation
EVAP/PURGE SOLENOIDAll vehicles use a proportional purge solenoid. The solenoid regulates the rate of vapor flow from the EVAP canister to the throttle body. The PCM operates the solenoid.
During the cold start warm-up period and the hot start time delay, the PCM does not energize the solenoid. When de-energized, no vapors are purged.
Fig.1 Proportional Purge Solenoid:
The proportional purge solenoid operates at a frequency of 200 hz and is controlled by an engine controller circuit that senses the current being applied to the proportional purge solenoid and then adjusts that current to achieve the desired purge flow. The proportional purge solenoid controls the purge rate of fuel vapors from the vapor canister and fuel tank to the engine intake manifold.
FUEL FILLER CAP
The plastic fuel fill cap is threaded/quarter turn onto the end of the fuel filler tube. It's purpose is to retain vapors and fuel in the fuel tank.
The fuel filler cap incorporates a two-way relief valve that is closed to atmosphere during normal operating conditions. The relief valve is calibrated to open when a pressure of 17 kPa (2.5 psi) or vacuum of 2 kPa (0.6 in. Hg) occurs in the fuel tank. When the pressure or vacuum is relieved, the valve returns to the normally closed position.
CAUTION: Remove the fuel filler cap to release fuel tank pressure before disconnecting any fuel system component.
Fig.3 System Components:
LEAK DETECTION PUMP
The evaporative emission system is designed to prevent the escape of fuel vapors from the fuel system. Leaks in the system, even small ones, can allow fuel vapors to escape into the atmosphere. Government regulations require onboard testing to make sure that the evaporative (EVAP) system is functioning properly The leak detection system tests for EVAP system leaks and blockage. It also performs self-diagnostics. During self-diagnostics, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) first checks the Leak Detection Pump (LDP) for electrical and mechanical faults. If the first checks pass, the PCM then uses the LDP to seal the vent valve and pump air into the system to pressurize it. If a leak is present, the PCM will continue pumping the LDP to replace the air that leaks out. The PCM determines the size of the leak based on how fast/long it must pump the LDP as it tries to maintain pressure in the system.
EVAP Leak Detection System Components
Service Port: Used with special tools like the Miller Evaporative Emissions Leak Detector (EELD) to test for leaks in the system.
EVAP Purge Solenoid: The PCM uses the EVAP purge solenoid to control purging of excess fuel vapors stored in the EVAP canister. It remains closed during leak testing to prevent loss of pressure.
EVAP Canister: The EVAP canister stores fuel vapors from the fuel tank for purging.
EVAP Purge Orifice: Limits purge volume.
EVAP System Air Filter: Provides air to the LDP for pressurizing the system. It filters out dirt while allowing a vent to atmosphere for the EVAP system.
The main purpose of the LDP is to pressurize the fuel system for leak checking. It closes the EVAP system vent to atmospheric pressure so the system can be pressurized for leak testing. The diaphragm is powered by engine vacuum. It pumps air into the EVAP system to develop a pressure of about 7.5" H2O (1/4) psi. A reed switch in the LDP allows the PCM to monitor the position of the LDP diaphragm. The PCM uses the reed switch input to monitor how fast the LDP is pumping air into the EVAP system.
Fig.4 EVAP Leak Detection System Components:
This allows detection of leaks and blockage. The LDP assembly consists of several parts. The solenoid is controlled by the PCM, and it connects the upper pump cavity to either engine vacuum or atmospheric pressure. A vent valve closes the EVAP system to atmosphere, sealing the system during leak testing. The pump section of the LDP consists of a diaphragm that moves up and down to bring air in through the air filter and inlet check valve, and pump it out through an outlet check valve into the EVAP system. The diaphragm is pulled up by engine vacuum, and pushed down by spring pressure, as the LDP solenoid turns ON and OFF. The LDP also has a magnetic reed switch to signal diaphragm position to the PCM. When the diaphragm is down, the switch is closed, which sends a 12 V (system voltage) signal to the PCM. When the diaphragm is up, the switch is open, and there is no voltage sent to the PCM. This allows the PCM to monitor LDP pumping action as it turns the LDP solenoid ON and OFF.
Fig.5 LDP At Rest:
LDP At Rest (not Powered)
When the LDP is at rest (no electrical/vacuum) the diaphragm is allowed to drop down if the internal (EVAP system) pressure is not greater than the return spring. The LDP solenoid blocks the engine vacuum port and opens the atmospheric pressure port connected through the EVAP system air filter. The vent valve is held open by the diaphragm. This allows the canister to see atmospheric pressure.
Fig.6 Diaphragm Upward Movement:
Diaphragm Upward Movement
When the PCM energizes the LDP solenoid, the solenoid blocks the atmospheric port leading through the EVAP air filter and at the same time opens the engine vacuum port to the pump cavity above the diaphragm. The diaphragm moves upward when vacuum above the diaphragm exceeds spring force. This upward movement closes the vent valve. It also causes low pressure below the diaphragm, unseating the inlet check valve and allowing air in from the EVAP air filter. When the diaphragm completes its upward movement, the LDP reed switch turns from closed to open.
Fig.7 Diaphragm Downward Movement:
Diaphragm Downward Movement
Based on reed switch input, the PCM de-energizes the LDP solenoid, causing it to block the vacuum port, and open the atmospheric port. This connects the upper pump cavity to atmosphere through the EVAP air filter. The spring is now able to push the diaphragm down. The downward movement of the diaphragm closes the inlet check valve and opens the outlet check valve pumping air into the evaporative system. The LDP reed switch turns from open to closed, allowing the PCM to monitor LDP pumping (diaphragm up/down) activity. During the pumping mode, the diaphragm will not move down far enough to open the vent valve. The pumping cycle is repeated as the solenoid is turned ON and OFF. When the evaporative system begins to pressurize, the pressure on the bottom of the diaphragm will begin to oppose the spring pressure, slowing the pumping action. The PCM watches the time from when the solenoid is de-energized, until the diaphragm drops down far enough for the reed switch to change from opened to closed. If the reed switch changes too quickly, a leak may be indicated. The longer it takes the reed switch to change state, the tighter the evaporative system is sealed. If the system pressurizes too quickly, a restriction somewhere in the EVAP system may be indicated.
Pumping Action
ACTION During portions of this test, the PCM uses the reed switch to monitor diaphragm movement. The solenoid is only turned ON by the PCM after the reed switch changes from open to closed, indicating that the diaphragm has moved down. At other times during the test, the PCM will rapidly cycle the LDP solenoid ON and OFF to quickly pressurize the system. During rapid cycling, the diaphragm will not move enough to change the reed switch state. In the state of rapid cycling, the PCM will use a fixed time interval to cycle the solenoid. If the system does not pass the EVAP Leak Detection Test, the following DTCs may be set:
- P0442 - EVAP LEAK MONITOR 0.040" LEAK DETECTED
- P0455 - EVAP LEAK MONITOR LARGE LEAK DETECTED
- P0456 - EVAP LEAK MONITOR 0.020" LEAK DETECTED
- P1486 - EVAP LEAK MON PINCHED HOSE FOUND
- P1494 - LEAK DETECTION PUMP SW OR MECH FAULT
- P1495 - LEAK DETECTION PUMP SOLENOID CIRCUIT
ON-BOARD REFUELING VAPOR RECOVERY
Fig.8 ORVR System Schematic:
ORVR System Schematic and components.
Fig.9 ORVR System Schematic:
The emission control principle used in the ORVR system is that the fuel flowing into the filler tube (appx. 1" J.D.) creates an aspiration effect which draws air into the fill tube. During refueling, the fuel tank is vented to the vapor canister to capture escaping vapors. With air flowing into the filler tube, there are no fuel vapors escaping to the atmosphere. Once the refueling vapors are captured by the canister, the vehicle's computer controlled purge system draws vapor out of the canister for the engine to burn. The vapors flow is metered by the purge solenoid so that there is no or minimal impact on driveability or tailpipe emissions.
As fuel starts to flow through the fill tube, it opens the normally closed check valve and enters the fuel tank. Vapor or air is expelled from the tank through the control valve to the vapor canister. Vapor is absorbed in the canister until vapor flow in the lines stops, either following shut-off or by having the fuel level in the tank rise high enough to close the control valve. The control valve contains a float that rises to seal the large diameter vent path to the canister. At this point in the fueling of the vehicle, the tank pressure increases, the check valve closes (preventing tank fuel from spitting back at the operator), and fuel then rises up the filler tube to shut-off the dispensing nozzle.
If the engine is shut-off while the On-Board diagnostics test is running, low level tank pressure can be trapped in the fuel tank and fuel can not be added to the tank until the pressure is relieved. This is due to the leak detection pump closing the vapor outlet from the top of the tank and the one-way check valve not allowing the tank to vent through the fill tube to atmosphere. Therefore, when fuel is added, it will back-up in the fill tube and shut off the dispensing nozzle. The pressure can be eliminated in two ways:
1. Vehicle purge must be activated and for a long enough period to eliminate the pressure. 2. Removing the fuel cap and allowing enough time for the system to vent thru the recirculation tube.
PCV VALVE
Fig.10 PCV System - 2.0L:
Is a plastic valve in the engine valve cover.
Fig.11 Engine OFF Or Engine Backfire No Vapor Flow:
When the engine is not operating or during an engine backfire, the spring forces the plunger back against the seat. This prevents vapors from flowing through the valve.
Fig.12 High Intake Manifold Vacuum Minimal Vapor Flow:
When the engine is at idle or cruising, high manifold vacuum is present. At these times manifold vacuum is able to completely compress the spring and pull the plunger to the top of the valve. In this position there is minimal vapor flow through the valve.
Fig.13 Moderate Intake Manifold Vacuum Maximum Vapor Flow:
During periods of moderate intake manifold vacuum the plunger is only pulled part way back from the inlet. This results in maximum vapor flow through the valve.
Fig.16 EVAP Canister:
VAPOR CANISTER
The vacuum and vapor tubes connect to the top of the canister.
All vehicles use a maintenance free, evaporative (EVAP) canister. Fuel tank vapors vent into the canister. The canister temporarily holds the fuel vapors until intake manifold vacuum draws them into the combustion chamber. The Powertrain Control Module (PCM) purges the canister through the proportional purge solenoid. The PCM purges the canister at predetermined intervals and engine conditions.
Purge Free Cells
Purge-free memory cells are used to identify the fuel vapor content of the evaporative canister. Since the evaporative canister is not purged 100% of the time, the PCM stores information about the evaporative canister's vapor content in a memory cell.
The purge-free cells are constructed similar to certain purge-normal cells. The purge-free cells can be monitored by the DRB III Scan Tool. The only difference between the purge-free cells and normal adaptive cells is that in purge-free, the purge is completely turned OFF. This gives the PCM the ability to compare purge and purge-free operation.