P0449 and P0455

[J Wikoff]

I had P0449 pop up after filling the gas tank the other day. P0455 was pending. I tried reseating the gas cap to no avail. Hoping that I didn't have to drop the fuel tank and replace an evap canister or something like that, I ordered the newest iteration of the gas cap from Amazon, $20 or so. I kept clearing it over the next couple days, P0449 was always active with P0455 pending. Got the new cap on yesterday. After 4 or so drives the CEL has not come back on, so I think I finally fell victim to the wonky stock gas cap after nearly 70k miles.

[J Wikoff]

Well, fuck and a half. I spoke too soon. Codes came back today. In fact, I can clear them, key on/engine off, and they come back several seconds later. The engine isn't even running. Now what? I swear this car is the worst. I haven't had a whole lot of cars, but this one needs a relatively lot of damn hand holding. There's always something to fix. I finally think I have my water leaks fixed, and whammo, check engine light.

[TonyKarter]

I have them too. For so long I forgot them. Clearing "check engine" prompt happens subconsciously now, without thinking. Come on, admit it. You know you want to drop that tank, don't you?

Gonna' make it a positive and use it to motivate me to install that fuel pump I may need one day.

[J Wikoff]

This no remote start because of the CEL is ticking me off.

[J Wikoff]

What should I need to replace the purge valve? Are there any bolts that are likely to break? Any install tips? I might have a chance to replace it next weekend.

[WhatNext]

Saw multiple posts where the valve (and canister?) were able to be changed from the wheel well. Not easy but sounds better than messing with the rear cradle and gas tank.

For those not familiar, a dealer charged me $850 to do this job.

[LDM]

What should I need to replace the purge valve? Are there any bolts that are likely to break? Any install tips? I might have a chance to replace it next weekend.

The purge valve or the vent valve? The purge valve is easy, it's under the hood clipped to the cylinder head. The vent valve, which is what throws P0449, is the hard one that's back under the car. This thread has a couple of tips: http://forum.grrrr8.net/showthread.php?t=18849 When I did mine, I dropped out the right rear exhaust section (I have a Corsa so this wasn't that difficult) and was able to reach in from above the differential. Doing it this way I was able to do it without lowering the cradle at all. The whole thing was a major pain in the ass and very frustrating, but if you have some patience it is possible.

[todds87ss]

What should I need to replace the purge valve? Are there any bolts that are likely to break? Any install tips? I might have a chance to replace it next weekend.

The cradle bolts are a PITA if you choose to lower it. I removed the drivers side and loosened the passenger side. They are loc-tited in. Go slow or whatever method you choose. The valve itself is clipped into the pan under the trunk. You will have to work it to get it out. Mine failed shortly after I overfilled the fuel tank due to a bad fuel nozzle failed to auto shut off. The P0449 code is a bad valve, not bad pressure, so it needs to be replaced. Don't worry so much about getting it out - break it if you have to. You just need enough of it to ensure you get the right replacement. And do not worry about the canister. It will dry out and be just fine. Take a look at the thread referenced below.
Good luck.

The purge valve or the vent valve? The purge valve is easy, it's under the hood clipped to the cylinder head. The vent valve, which is what throws P0449, is the hard one that's back under the car. This thread has a couple of tips: http://forum.grrrr8.net/showthread.php?t=18849 When I did mine, I dropped out the right rear exhaust section (I have a Corsa so this wasn't that difficult) and was able to reach in from above the differential. Doing it this way I was able to do it without lowering the cradle at all. The whole thing was a major pain in the ass and very frustrating, but if you have some patience it is possible.

[J Wikoff]

Yeah, I meant the one by the gas tank. Thanks guys!

[Napalm]

uhm before getting too far down the road.

did you check your gas cap and have you considered replacing it. I had purge codes along with something else. And for 8 dollar I tried it in an effort to save major pain.

new Stant Gas Cap (I could get it easier than an Gm part) and bickety Bam - no more lights. and that was 2 years ago.