Question about EVAP system (ODB message)

I have a '99 Accord (4-cyl, 5-speed), and the "Check Engine Light" came
on. I had Auto Zone use their ODB diagnostic machine, and got message
"P1457," which, according to the Interweb means: "Leak Detected In EVAP
Control System" The gentleman at Auto Zone said that usually just
meant a loose or faulty gas cap. Can anybody confirm this? It's not
that I don't trust the guy at Auto Zone, it's just... OK, that's
exactly what it is.

Also, is the remedy for this, assuming my gas cap is fine, to simply
reset the light? How do I do that? I've heard different things from
different people.

Thanks in advance.

 

Consider it confirmed. A loose (or more accurately, not properly tightened)
gas cap will set off this CEL code. Very common. Other things can set it
off, too, but this is one of the first you want to eliminate.

Do you have an owner's manual? (I'm not trying to be smart. Some folks buy
their Hondas used and don't get an owner's manual with it.) It should say
how to reset the CEL, or if it does not, see
http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/faq.html#engelectrical .

 

yes, i can.

at least ya arent payin for the advice.

they shouldve reset the light for you. my scanner has a feature to clear
the codes/reset the light.

 

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The manual says that three 'trips' will reset the light if it's caused
by the gas cap (after you correct the fault). That means the engine has
to heat up, then cool down three times.

'Curly'

 

It's more than likely the gas cap.

Three *complete* warm-ups and cooldowns will reset the light if the error
does not recur.

 

Thanks for the tips. Does that mean that if the light doesn't turn off
after three trips, it's a recurring problem?

 

Then replace the gas cap.

 

there are two codes for evap leaks. they are P01456 and P01457. As a
general rule the P01456 code covers from the fuel tank to the cap.
The P01457 goes from the tank to the engine, in your case it may be
an FTP sensor, two way valve, canister shut valve or purge control
solenoid.
Good luck with that
Chip

 

Chip is right. My own FAQ even says so. I should have checked first before
relying on my porous memory.

This list:
http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/error_codes.html#enhanced
says the P1456/1457 are as follows:
* P1456 Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) Control System Leakage
(Fuel Tank System)
* P1457 Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) Control System Leakage
(EVAP Canister System)

 

Thanks for the clarification. I called the Honda dealer near me, and
they said it could be a) the gas cap, b) the EVAP canisters c) gas
spillage into the neck of the fuel system.

He said to give it as many as 10-12 trips to see if it resets, and if
not, then to look into it further.

 

Have someone actuate the 3 solenoids, the put a smoke machine on it
and you'll find it.
Chip

 

Man I wish I knew about cars so that would have made sense to me.
Thanks for the tip though. (I don't usually make a point of my
ignorance, but no sense hiding it.)

 

I think he means that
1) if all 3 solenoids are opened up at the same time (artifically
activated),
2) and smoke is deliberately fed into the system under pressure,
3) then where the smoke comes out of is where your leak is.

 

Well, this morning I just noticed that the light did not come on. It
took a while, but the dealer said it could take 10-12 trips. Plus,
most of those "trips" I made were very short, but this weekend I
managed to actually drive on the highway, so that might've helped.

Just thought I'd post in case anybody stumbles upon this topic sometime
later.