Engine-CodesNissan – P0442 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan

P0442 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan Code - EVAP Control System Leak Detected Small Leak

Quick Answer

The P0442 code for a 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan indicates that there is a small leak detected in the EVAP (Evaporative Emission Control) system. Common causes include Loose or damaged fuel cap, Cracked or disconnected EVAP hoses, Faulty EVAP canister. Severity is Low - monitor the vehicle and repair when practical. The vehicle can usually be driven if no severe symptoms are present, but symptoms should be checked before extended driving.

What it means
P0442 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan indicates EVAP Control System Leak Detected Small Leak.
Common causes
Common causes include Loose or damaged fuel cap, Cracked or disconnected EVAP hoses, Faulty EVAP canister.
Severity
Low - monitor the vehicle and repair when practical.
Can I drive?
The vehicle can usually be driven if no severe symptoms are present, but symptoms should be checked before extended driving.
Table of contents Created and updated by William Orellana on Sep 12, 2024
💬 Need more help? Ask Auto Expert for instant answers — it's free!
AutoCodes App

Fix Your Car Smarter

Try the New AutoCodes App!

Get complete OBDII diagnostics, repair solutions, and cost estimates, plus AI chat support on demand.

AutoCodes App on Google Play

Code P0442 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan Description

The P0442 code for a 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan indicates that there is a small leak detected in the EVAP (Evaporative Emission Control) system. The EVAP system is responsible for capturing and storing fuel vapors to prevent them from escaping into the atmosphere. When a small leak is detected, it means that there is a breach in the system that is allowing fuel vapors to escape, which can lead to increased emissions and decreased fuel efficiency.

OBDII Code P0442 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan - EVAP Control System Leak Detected Small Leak
P0442 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan Code - EVAP Control System Leak Detected Small Leak

Common Causes of P0442 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan

  1. Loose or damaged fuel cap.
  2. Cracked or disconnected EVAP hoses.
  3. Faulty EVAP canister.
  4. Malfunctioning purge valve.
  5. Damage to the EVAP system due to road debris or corrosion.

Symptoms of P0442 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan

  1. Check engine light illuminated on the dashboard.
  2. Strong fuel odor near the vehicle.
  3. Decreased fuel efficiency.
  4. Hissing or hissing noise coming from the fuel tank area.
  5. Difficulty starting the vehicle.

How to Fix P0442 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan

  1. Inspect the fuel cap for any damage or looseness. Tighten or replace if necessary.
  2. Check all EVAP hoses for cracks, leaks, or disconnections. Repair or replace damaged hoses.
  3. Test the EVAP canister and purge valve for proper functioning. Replace if faulty.
  4. Clear the diagnostic trouble codes and reset the check engine light.
  5. Perform a smoke test to verify that the small leak has been repaired.

Cost to Fix P0442 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan

The typical repair costs for addressing a P0442 code on a 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan can range from $100 to $300, depending on the specific cause of the small leak and the cost of parts and labor. It's important to note that diagnosis time and labor rates at auto repair shops can vary, with hourly rates typically ranging between $80 and $150. Factors such as location, vehicle make and model, and engine type can also influence the final repair costs. It's recommended to check with local auto repair shops for a more accurate estimate based on your specific circumstances.

Tech Notes for P0442 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan

The fuel tank filler cap and the Purge Volume Control Valve are the more common problems that will trigger the P0442 code on Nissan vehicles.



There is a factory Nissan service bulletin to help diagnose the P0442 code:

Nissan Factory Service Bulletin OBDII Code P0442



There is a factory Nissan service bulletin for the 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan:

2009 Nissan Altima Sedan Factory Service Bulletin OBDII Code P0442











User Submitted Video

When is the Code Detected?

Malfunction is detected when EVAP control system has a leak, EVAP control system does not operate properly.

Need more information about the P0442 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan code?

Need more information on how to fix the P0442 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan code? Get Access to Factory Service Manuals

Need Help with the Code?

Get the P0442 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan code diagnosed by a professional: Find a repair shop in your area

About the author: William Orellana is a Master Mechanic and Mechanical Engineer with over 30 years of experience diagnosing and repairing vehicles. Learn more about his background.

Frequently Asked Questions about P0442 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan Code

1. What are the common symptoms of OBDII code P0442 on a 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- Common symptoms include the check engine light illuminating, a slight decrease in fuel efficiency, and potential gasoline odors near the vehicle.

2. What are the possible causes of OBDII code P0442 on a 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- Possible causes include a loose or damaged gas cap, a cracked or damaged EVAP system hose, a faulty purge control valve, or a malfunctioning EVAP canister.

3. How serious is OBDII code P0442 on a 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- While this code may not cause immediate drivability issues, it can lead to increased emissions and may result in a failed emissions test.

4. How can I diagnose OBDII code P0442 on a 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- Diagnosing this code typically involves inspecting the gas cap for proper sealing, checking the EVAP system hoses for leaks, and testing the purge control valve and EVAP canister for functionality.

5. Can I continue to drive my 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan with OBDII code P0442?

- It is generally safe to continue driving the vehicle with this code, but it is recommended to address the issue promptly to prevent potential emission problems.

6. What are some DIY repair tips for OBDII code P0442 on a 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- DIY repair tips include ensuring the gas cap is tightened properly, visually inspecting EVAP system hoses for damage, and checking for loose connections in the EVAP system.

7. How much does it typically cost to repair OBDII code P0442 on a 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- The cost of repair can vary depending on the specific cause of the code, but it may range from $100 to $500, including parts and labor.

8. Can I reset the check engine light after fixing OBDII code P0442 on a 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan?

- Yes, you can reset the check engine light using an OBDII scanner after the repair is completed to clear the stored fault code.

9. What is the EVAP system in a 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan, and how does it work?

- The EVAP (Evaporative Emission Control) system captures and stores fuel vapors from the vehicle's fuel tank to prevent them from escaping into the atmosphere, helping reduce emissions.

10. How frequently does OBDII code P0442 occur in 2009 Nissan Altima Sedans?

- OBDII code P0442 related to the EVAP Control System Leak Detected Small Leak is a relatively common issue in many vehicles, including the 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan.

Discuss the causes and fixes for P0442 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan OBDII Code

Code P0442 2009 Nissan Altima Sedan comments

No comments found for this page.