P0440
Evaporative Emission Control System Malfunction
A general fault in the evaporative emission (EVAP) system has been detected. The system seals the fuel tank and captures fuel vapour in a charcoal canister; this code indicates a failed leak test or sensor without identifying the specific failure.
- Check engine light: Yes
- Emissions related: Yes
- Repair difficulty: easy
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- Possible smell of fuel near tank or engine bay
- Failed emissions inspection
- Loose-cap warning may appear
Common causes
Ordered by how often each turns out to be the cause.
- Fuel filler cap loose or wornCommon
- Purge valve stuck open or closedPossible
- Cracked EVAP hosePossible
Parts involved
- EVAP Canister
- EVAP Purge Valve
- Fuel Filler Cap
- EVAP Vent Valve
P0440 is a generic OBD-II code defined by SAE J2012. Exact wording and diagnostic procedure vary by manufacturer and model. Code definitions are drawn from the public-domain OBDex dataset; the workshop notes are our own.