DIY Fix for "Loose Gas Cap" indicator aka code P0449 w/Pics
 

Driving down the road and you see "Check Gas Cap" warning come up on the Drivers Info Center (DIC)...take heart, it's an easy fix :) and does not take much time or money to repair yourself.

First, check your fuses and your gas cap. The cap should be on good and make sure it's secure. Tank up and drive your car for about 50 miles. If the code does not clear you should replace your gas cap. I purchased one from my local Chevrolet dealer for $22.

Secondly, if after tanking up and replacing your gas cap the warning does not clear, then it's time to use your trusty code reader and see if you can't read and clear the code. If you don't have one you can purchase them at your local parts store for about $50.

Plug it in the OBD adapter located under the driver’s side dash.
Attachment 48187110
Follow your reader’s instructions and read the codes.

In my case I had a P0449 and a P0455. P0449 Evaporative Emission Control System Vent Valve/Solenoid Circuit Malfunction and P0455 Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (gross leak)
Attachment 48187111

Attachment 48187112

I tried resetting my codes, but they would come back within seconds. The next step is purchase a new Fuel Vent Solenoid from your local dealer. In my case it was about $25. GM also recommends an upgraded harness ($30)...but it was not needed, so I will return it.
Attachment 48187113

The Fuel Vent Solenoid is located on the passenger side tank near it’s top and is easy to get to. I removed my rear tire, jacked up the car, placed jack stands and chocks (I'm super cautious under a car).
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Once under the car this is what you will see, and I have my finger on the part:
Attachment 48187116

Remove the Vent Hose (it runs to your emissions canister) using a pair of pliers. You can rotate the clamp if needed to access the dog ears to open the clamp.
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Attachment 48187118

Unplug the power connection
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Slide the Vent Solenoid Assy of its bracket. Although it looks like it would slide towards the front of the car it does not. Simply lift the back of the assy high enough for the dog ear to clear the back of the bracket and slide toward the rear of the car. The pic below shows you how it mounts and the dog ear location.
Attachment 48187120

Put the new Vent Solenoid Assy back on by placing it on the bracket and slide it towards the front of the car. You will hear it click in place. Plug the power plug back in and reconnect the hose.

Here is the new one installed.
Attachment 48187121

Now plug your code reader back in and scan for codes. If they come up hit erase.

This is what you should now see on your code reader. No Codes and the DIC is clear with no check engine light or warnings.

Attachment 48187122

Attachment 48187123

From start to finish the repair took 20 mins. The cost of the parts, including gas cap was about $50 and if the harness is needed it's about $80. If you don't have a code reader add another $50. Only tool needed is a pair of pliers.

In all this is a simple repair and does not cost much in terms of time or money to do yourself.

I hope this helps,:thumbs:
John

Nice write up!

Thanks,well done!

:iagree: and I don't think I've ever read here anyone needing to replace a Fuel Vent Solenoid before.

I had the same gas cap message on my 2012. Turns out, unlike most cars, where you need to push the gas cap inward and turn, the 'Vette requires simply that one set the cap on the nozzle and gently twist the cap. DO NOT push at all, just turn clockwise and you're set (my dealer pointed this out).

No error messages since I learned this simple process...:thumbs:

Nice fix!:thumbs:
I assume it fixed the malfunction, but what was the leak code about?

Thanks for the info. Appreciated! :thumbs::thumbs:

you need to contact one of the mods and have this put into the DIYS sticky. It's worth it's weight in gold !

They are both related to the failure of the Fuel Vent Solenoid. The system was detecting a large escape of fumes...I suspect because the solenoid was in the open position at all times.

This is also why you may get the same code when the gas cap is loose or off because the fumes are freely escaping and not being routed to the emissions canister.

Hope this helps,
John

Good info, thanks.

P0449 is strictly the Vent Valve Solenoid Failure and is not the same as the gas cap which is generally a P0442 Small Leak or P0455 Gross leak

Super Job!

That is what this Forum is all about!...thanks!

:yesnod:

The gas cap is covered and replaced free by GM under the Emission Select Component Ltd Wty if the vette was delivered less than 8 years ago and has less than 80,000 miles on it since delivery.

:thumbs:Nice write up it will benefit others in the future. That's what the forum is all about.

Thanks!

Nice write up and the gas caps have a 10 year 120,000 mile warranty on them since 2005.:thumbs:

Im thinking I may need to do this. Keep getting the silly "check gas cap" message on DIC after replacing gas cap with a new one. Thanks for posting up.

:thumbs::lurk::bigears

:iagree: Excellent post. Thanks! :cheers:

Tom

I replaced mine about a year ago to fix a P0449 Code. They do fail.