Anybody know what exactly what causes this code and exactly how to fix it. It has popped up every once in a while ever since the car was new.

I'm not looking for the generic code explanation. Been there done that.

Did when stock. I have done h/c headers and several other mods. No codes ever except this one.

Thanks

 

Could be your gas cap, screw it on tight.

That is a low pressure code for the fuel system...

Peace
Chip

 

If that's not the easy fix, you may have an EVAP system leak.

It has to be fairly large to trip this code. If you're not familiar with the EVAP system, I doubt you're going to troubleshoot it easily as it's fairly extensive. It connects to engine vacuum as well as the fuel tank and works off a closed-looped control that opens and closes the purge and vent solenoids. Here's some of the diagnostic out of the '04 SM.

DTC P0455

System Description

The control module tests the Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System for a large leak. The control module monitors the fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor signal to determine the EVAP system vacuum level. When the conditions for running are met, the control module commands the EVAP canister purge solenoid valve OPEN and the EVAP canister vent solenoid valve CLOSED . This allows engine vacuum to enter the EVAP system. At a calibrated time, or vacuum level, the control module commands the EVAP canister purge solenoid valve closed, sealing the system, and monitors the FTP sensor input in order to determine the EVAP system vacuum level. If the system is unable to achieve the calibrated vacuum level, or the vacuum level decreases too rapidly, this DTC sets.

The following table illustrates the relationship between the ON and OFF states, and the OPEN or CLOSED states of the EVAP canister purge and vent solenoid valves.

Control Module Command
EVAP Canister Purge Solenoid Valve
EVAP Canister Vent Solenoid Valve

ON
Open
Closed

OFF
Closed
Open


Conditions for Running the DTC

DTCs P0107, P0108, P0112, P0113, P0116, P0117, P0118, P0125, P0442, P0443, P0449, P0452, P0453, P1112, P1114, P1115, P1120, P1133, P1134, P1153, P1154, P1220, P1221 are not set.
The engine is running.
The ignition voltage is between 10-18 volts.
The barometric pressure (BARO) is more than 75 kPa.
The fuel level is between 15-85 percent.
The engine coolant temperature (ECT) is between 4-30°C (39-86°F).
The intake air temperature (IAT) is between 4-30°C (39-86°F).
The start-up ECT and IAT are within 9°C (16°F) of each other.
The vehicle speed sensor (VSS) is less than 121 km/h (75 mph).

Conditions For Setting the DTC

The EVAP system is not able to achieve or maintain vacuum during the diagnostic test.

Action Taken When the DTC Sets

The control module illuminates the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) on the second consecutive ignition cycle that the diagnostic runs and fails.
The control module records the operating conditions at the time the diagnostic fails. The first time the diagnostic fails, the control module stores this information in the Failure Records. If the diagnostic reports a failure on the second consecutive ignition cycle, the control module records the operating conditions at the time of the failure. The control module writes the operating conditions to the Freeze Frame and updates the Failure Records.

Conditions for Clearing the MIL/DTC

The control module turns OFF the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) after 3 consecutive ignition cycles that the diagnostic runs and does not fail.
A current DTC, Last Test Failed, clears when the diagnostic runs and passes.
A history DTC clears after 40 consecutive warm-up cycles, if no failures are reported by this or any other emission related diagnostic.
Clear the MIL and the DTC with a scan tool.

Diagnostic Aids

To help locate intermittent leaks, use the J 41413-200 Evaporative Emissions System Tester (EEST) to introduce smoke into the EVAP system. Move all EVAP components while observing smoke with the J 41413-SPT High Intensity White Light. Introducing smoke in 15 second intervals will allow less pressure into the EVAP System. When the system is less pressurized, the smoke will sometimes escape in a more condensed manner.
A temporary blockage in the EVAP canister purge solenoid valve, purge pipe or EVAP canister could cause an intermittent condition. Inspect and repair any restriction in the EVAP system.
To improve the visibility of the smoke exiting the EVAP System, observe the suspected leak area from different angles with the J 41413-SPT .
Reviewing the Failure Records vehicle mileage since the diagnostic test last failed may help determine how often the condition that caused the DTC to be set occurs. This may assist in diagnosing the condition.
A condition may exist where a leak in the EVAP System only exists under a vacuum condition. By using the scan tool PURGE/SEAL function to create a vacuum, seal the system and observe the FTP parameter for vacuum decay, this type of leak may be detected.
For intermittent conditions, refer to Intermittent Conditions .
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

This step verifies proper operation of the FTP sensor.

A normal operating FTP sensor should increase above 5 inches of H2O and stop between 6 inches of H2O and 7 inches of H2O.

 

I had heard it may be the gas cap. I know it's on tight but I'll get a new one or replace the gasket.

Funny thing is I'll clear the code and drive it several times NO code. if there is any pattern to it at all it seems that it happens if I stop for 10 or 15 mins somewhere then I get in start the car and the MIL is on.

Also wondering if there is a EVAP leak, gas cap or otherwise, does it hurt anything other the me having to clear the code once in a while?