Permanent Diagnostic Trouble Code P0442 - EVAP Monitor Not Ready - Need Advice

2112 Views 24 Replies 8 Participants Last post by Slammp, 1 mo ago

cdrinkh2o

Discussion Starter · 5 mo ago

I'm getting my 12C ready for a California BAR smog test. The stock ECU was reset to the original ROM by my McLaren tech, and all mods reverted to stock parts. I have driven over 850 miles in five full drive cycles. A drive cycle consists of startup from cold, 10-15 minutes of stop and go street driving, 10-15 minutes of freeway driving over 60 mph, and a further 10-15 minutes of street driving.

I have used a BlueDriver OBD2 monitoring device to check for DTC codes, and the SMOG readiness monitors to be set. There is just one Permanent DTC - P0442 - EVAP Monitor Not Ready. The car has not thrown P0442 since re-flashing the ECU, so I don't believe the EVAP system is leaking, and I think that the EVAP monitoring test simply has not yet run.

For those that have the technical experience, do you have any advice on how to get the EVAP monitoring test to complete and so remove PDTC 0442?

I'm in a time crunch (20 days to complete SMOG and registration process in CA), and don't have the time neeed to complete the 15 full drive cycles required for an exception to the EVAP monitor not getting set.

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Hypurone

· #2 · 5 mo ago

OH boy! I went down this rabbit hole on a Camaro I had! Long story short, NO ONE could clear the damn code! Not even the dealer! They said they had to replace the ECM and "hopefully" that would do it. But "if" a Permanent Code was set again, the process would start over.... I sold the car to my nephew in another state where it had no problems passing...

You did say that the code wasn't set "again" after reflash, so you stand a chance that if you can get the permanent code cleared you would be OK. Are you using MDS to read/clear codes? If so, I don't know how else you can attempt to clear it... You might need to do a NEW ECM and marry it to the other modules etc to get "clean"....

Funny thing was, the car passed the previous 2 times. They just started looking for permanent codes since.... This is why I won't tune my 650. GAH!

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cdrinkh2o

Discussion Starter · #3 · 5 mo ago

UPDATE - Just got back from the SMOG station with a fail notice and instructions to drive at least 40 cycles to clear/exempt the (P0442) permanent code.

The bar.ca.gov site says "PDTC presence will be ignored if the vehicle has completed at least 15 warm-up cycles and been driven at least 200 miles since its OBD information was last cleared". I questioned the inspector on this and he said that the test has recently changed to require at least 40 full drive cycles to exempt the P0442 PDTC code.

The shop foreman at McLaren advised me to run multiple drive cycles with between 1/4 and 1/2 tank of gas to try to get the evap test to complete, and so remove the PDTC P0442 code. I guess I will be out driving in the SF Bay Area a lot during the next few weeks. Wave if you see me!

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Hypurone

· #4 · 5 mo ago

cdrinkh2o said:
UPDATE - Just got back from the SMOG station with a fail notice and instructions to drive at least 40 cycles to clear/exempt the (P0442) permanent code.

The bar.ca.gov site says "PDTC presence will be ignored if the vehicle has completed at least 15 warm-up cycles and been driven at least 200 miles since its OBD information was last cleared". I questioned the inspector on this and he said that the test has recently changed to require at least 40 full drive cycles to exempt the P0442 PDTC code.

The shop foreman at McLaren advised me to run multiple drive cycles with between 1/4 and 1/2 tank of gas to try to get the evap test to complete, and so remove the PDTC P0442 code. I guess I will be out driving in the SF Bay Area a lot during the next few weeks. Wave if you see me!

WOW! They told me I was F'ed!! No other option than to clear the code. No, "It will be ignored"... Hope that flies for ya!

cdrinkh2o

Discussion Starter · #5 · 5 mo ago (Edited)

UPDATE -

I put another 2 drive cycles in today with 250 miles but no success. Your thoughts, ideas and comments would be appreciated no matter how crazy!

Just sent an email to [email protected] asking them for the magic spell required to clear this code and pass SMOG. Keeping my fingers crossed they respond with the details as there is no way to fit 40 full drive cycles into the 19 days I have left......

Dear Customer Service,

Problem Statement:
I'm having great difficulty getting my 2014 MP4-12C (VIN: SBM11BAA7EW003462) to pass the California SMOG test. The stock ECU fails to set the OBD2 EVAP Readiness Monitor. This shows up as Permanent Diagnostic Trouble Code (PDTC) P0442 when scanning the stored error codes. There are no other stored or pending DTC codes to prevent the EVAP monitoring test from completing. The MIL light is not on.

Impact:
PDTC P0442 unfortunately caused the vehicle to fail the 2023 California BAR SMOG test. I now have just 20 days to pass SMOG and complete the registration process otherwise I must pay a steep financial penalty. Ultimately, if I cannot get it to pass SMOG the state of California can impound the car and force me to scrap it! It is nearly impossible to fit 40 full drive cycles into the 20 days I have left to pass SMOG.

Additional Background Facts:

The vehicle is completely stock and was checked to ensure it is running the OEM ECU software image by the McLaren dealer I bought it from.
I am a qualified mechanical engineer with 15 years experience of programming engine management systems. I understand that the vehicle has to complete multiple specific OBD2 Drive Cycles to allow the monitors to run.
So far I have completed multiple OBD2 drive cycles from a cold startup, covering a total of 950 miles. I still cannot get the EVAP monitors to run and remove the P0442 PDTC.
The SMOG station engineer that failed the car advised me to run at least 40 drive cycles with 1/4 to 3/4 tank of gas and cover at least 200 miles to try to get the EVAP monitor to set and clear the P0442 PDTC.
The maintenance shop foreman at my McLaren dealer advised me to run multiple drive cycles with between 1/4 and 1/2 tank of gas to try to get the EVAP tests to complete.

Questions for McLaren Tech:
1. What is the specific OBD2 Drive Cycle required to run the EVAP readiness monitors?
This is an example of what I'm looking for:

Starting from cold (standing overnight), idle for 5 minutes to enter closed loop
Drive in stop-and-go traffic for five minutes using smooth acceleration and deceleration.
Stop and idle for 4 minutes.
Accelerate smoothly to a constant 55 to 65 mph and hold for five minutes
Decelerate without changing gear to 20 mph
Accelerate smoothly back up to 55 to 65 mph and hold for another 5 minutes
Decelerate without changing gear to 20 mph
Accelerate smoothly back up to 55 to 65 mph and hold for another 5 minutes
Decelerate smoothly to a stop and idle for 5 minutes

2. What are the enabling criteria to run the EVAP monitors during the drive cycle?
Examples of the enabling criteria I'm looking for are:

The malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) must be off
Barometric pressure exceeds 75 Kpa1.
At start-up, IAT and ECT is between 45°F and 85°F
IAT is not more than 2°F greater than ECT
ECT is not more than 12°F greater than IAT
Fuel tank level is between 26 percent and 74 percent
The TPS is between 9 percent and 35 percent
The EVAP solenoid is at 50 percent pulse width PWM, within 65 seconds of engine run time

If I know what the answers are, I at least have a fighting chance of getting the EVAP monitors to run and pass the SMOG test.

Please, please help me, as I don't want to have to sell this beautiful McLaren masterpiece!

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Hypurone

· #6 · 5 mo ago

You never replied if the MDS was used in an attempt to clear the code in your posts.... If not, I can offer to try to clear it for you for free! I have one here at my house in Green Valley (near Cordelia) that I use on my 650S... Let me know..

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cdrinkh2o

Discussion Starter · #7 · 5 mo ago

Hi Chuck - Thanks for your follow up and kind offer

Green Valley is very nice! I'm often out that way riding my Yamaha R1M motorcycle up Wooden Valley. I would love to stop by sometime and say hi in my (new-to-me) 12C.

Permanent Diagnostic Trouble Codes (PDTC) are stored in protected, non-volatile RAM, and cannot be reset by MDS, or any other OBD2 code scanners. This is by design, to prevent people from circumventing SMOG regulations by simply clearing all the codes prior to the test. You can clear only active and pending codes with MDS, but you cannot clear stored PDTCs which point to an emissions problem in the past. This "enhancement" to the SMOG test has been in place since the end of 2019 for all 2010+ vehicles, to close the loophole specifically for EVAP test failures. Unfortunately for me, it is notoriously difficult to get the EVAP monitoring tests to re-run after clearing the codes, which is the only thing that will clear my PDTC P0442!

My McLaren dealer had already cleared the active codes using MDS. The SMOG check found a stored PDTC, P0442, which is not visible to normal scanners. This just means that there was a pinhole sized leak in my 12C's evaporation control system at some time prior to my dealer clearing the codes. There is no longer a leak otherwise I would have an active DTC of P0442.

Early this morning I called and spoke to BAR's Customer Support line and was lucky to get Dave, who knows this problem well. He explained that all I have to do is complete 15 warm up cycles from cold, get retested, and the automated process will pass me, even with PDTC P0442. A warm-up cycle means driving so that the engine coolant temperature rises by at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit after the engine is started and reaches at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit. This means I'm currently busy running short drives of 10-15 minutes to hit operating temp, waiting a couple of hours for cool down and then repeating the cycle. Doing the math it looks like it's going to take me 5 days to get there.

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cdrinkh2o

Discussion Starter · #8 · 5 mo ago

My 12C EVAP issue took another more complicated turn this morning. It eventually ran the EVAP test at the start of the 7th warm up cycle and threw a pending DTC P0442. This means I have a real evap system leak that must be smoke tested, located and fixed. I don't currently have a smoke test rig or I would DIY it so I'm now scheduled for a service appointment at McLaren SF 9 am on Monday. 💲💲💲

If anyone has experience diagnosing evap leaks on the 12C, what do you think of the filler flap seal? The design of the seal around the four small flaps that you have to push in with the gas filler spout looks like it will leak like a sieve.

Hypurone

· #9 · 5 mo ago

cdrinkh2o said:
My 12C EVAP issue took another more complicated turn this morning. It eventually ran the EVAP test at the start of the 7th warm up cycle and threw a pending DTC P0442. This means I have a real evap system leak that must be smoke tested, located and fixed. I don't currently have a smoke test rig or I would DIY it so I'm now scheduled for a service appointment at McLaren SF 9 am on Monday. 💲💲💲

If anyone has experience diagnosing evap leaks on the 12C, what do you think of the filler flap seal? The design of the seal around the four small flaps that you have to push in with the gas filler spout looks like it will leak like a sieve.

See my PM... LAR can help and maybe sooner!

Reactions: 1

invisiblewave

· #10 · 5 mo ago

It probably doesn't help you much, but the factories don't set readiness by driving, they do it electronically. The VAG tool I have is capable of running this, I don't know if there's an equivalent function available in any of the McLaren tools. It works while the car is stationary and runs a guided function that has you operate the throttle. It sets readiness in a couple of minutes I believe.

cdrinkh2o

Discussion Starter · #11 · 5 mo ago (Edited)

invisiblewave said:
It probably doesn't help you much, but the factories don't set readiness by driving, they do it electronically. The VAG tool I have is capable of running this, I don't know if there's an equivalent function available in any of the McLaren tools. It works while the car is stationary and runs a guided function that has you operate the throttle. It sets readiness in a couple of minutes I believe.

@invisiblewave Thanks for the tip. If anyone is familiar with an equivalent function in MDS let me know as this will save time running drive cycles post fix to prepare for SMOG.

This has now turned into hunt the pinhole vapor leak in the fuel system. I spoke to Mike at LAR and he kindly scheduled me for a smoke test next week to hopefully find and fix it. I am hoping it is something easy like a hose or the fuel filler capless (11K0192CP), which looks like it could leak like a sieve.

Automotive tire Window Camera lens Lens Camera accessory

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Proflyer

· #12 · 5 mo ago

For what it’s worth, my Raptor was giving me a random CEL code that pointed to EVAP system as well. After some searching on that forum, it seems to be a pretty common problem with these new cap-less filler systems.

I ordered this little guy on AMZN FloTool 10719 Capless Gas Tank Funnel https://a.co/d/7kbLxXF

Then I sprayed it with some brake clean, and sprayed some around the inside (sparingly) of the filler neck. Then I jammed this sucker in and out like prom night, just for a lot longer

Basically the idea is gas over time turns to varnish crap, and gums up the seal a little bit. Then it truly doesn’t seal very well, which throws the code. They’re pretty sensitive systems and any leak can cause this. It’ll do the same if you fill with the vehicle running. Since doing it, my CEL hasn’t come back.

You can grab one of these at any parts store, I just wasn’t in a hurry.

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Hypurone

· #13 · 5 mo ago

Proflyer said:
Then I jammed this sucker in and out like prom night, just for a lot longer

Reactions: 1

invisiblewave

· #14 · 5 mo ago

Proflyer said:
For what it’s worth, my Raptor was giving me a random CEL code that pointed to EVAP system as well. After some searching on that forum, it seems to be a pretty common problem with these new cap-less filler systems.

I ordered this little guy on AMZN FloTool 10719 Capless Gas Tank Funnel https://a.co/d/7kbLxXF

Then I sprayed it with some brake clean, and sprayed some around the inside (sparingly) of the filler neck. Then I jammed this sucker in and out like prom night, just for a lot longer

Basically the idea is gas over time turns to varnish crap, and gums up the seal a little bit. Then it truly doesn’t seal very well, which throws the code. They’re pretty sensitive systems and any leak can cause this. It’ll do the same if you fill with the vehicle running. Since doing it, my CEL hasn’t come back.

You can grab one of these at any parts store, I just wasn’t in a hurry.

There should be a funnel in the kit in the frunk. The first time I filled up, I thought you had to use it all the time!

Reactions: 1

cdrinkh2o

Discussion Starter · #15 · 5 mo ago (Edited)

Thanks for your comments. I cleaned and leak tested the cap-less filler with soap solution. After letting the car heat soak after a run it didn't blow any bubbles. I guess this could be because it already leaked any differential pressure out somewhere else, or because it is sealed up well. Next step is a smoke test on Wednesday at LAR.

maddy

· #16 · 5 mo ago

Hi,

What is the current milage on IC ?
After performing the leak test, incase no leaks found. Check your carbon canister. That might me the cause route for the EVAP fault.

cdrinkh2o

Discussion Starter · #17 · 5 mo ago

maddy said:
Hi,

What is the current milage on IC ?
After performing the leak test, incase no leaks found. Check your carbon canister. That might me the cause route for the EVAP fault.

I have 28k miles on the car. AFAIK the activated carbon in an EVAP canister will last for the lifetime of the vehicle.

My issue is P0442, which is usually set when there is a pressure change (a leak) in the fuel system of >0.2 psi when both purge and EVAP canister valves are closed, measured over 60-75 seconds. This is the equivalent of a 0.020 inch pin hole in the system.

The way I am trying to trigger the EVAP test is to drive at 65 mph for 10-15 minutes with no A/C or accessories on, then coast down to 5 mph in gear, and then rinse and repeat. So far I have logged 10 warm up cycles with no active EVAP codes, and only one pending P0442. My understanding is that if I get to 15 cycles, and still have the permanent P0442, I should be able to pass SMOG. I don't believe pending code P0442 will cause it to fail.

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cdrinkh2o

Discussion Starter · #18 · 5 mo ago

This one is now resolved!
Thanks to all your advice, I was able to fix the leak and pass smog this afternoon by completing the 15 drive cycles required to get the exception for the permanent DTC.

Reactions: 2

moonjuice

· #19 · 5 mo ago

I'm in a time crunch (20 days to complete SMOG and registration process in CA), and don't have the time neeed to complete the 15 full drive cycles required for an exception to the EVAP monitor not getting set.

Hypurone

· #20 · 5 mo ago

cdrinkh2o said:
This one is now resolved!
Thanks to all your advice, I was able to fix the leak and pass smog this afternoon by completing the 15 drive cycles required to get the exception for the permanent DTC.

Awesome! What was the "leak" in the system?

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