Code P0440 - I need some help guys

Evaporative Emission System - Code 0440

I started throwing this code a couple weeks ago as the weather turned colder. I reset the computer and got rid of it for a couple weeks and now it has come back on.

Is this a possible gas cap issue we read so much about?

I also read it could bean EGR valve or the EVAP hoses might be leaking. Where are these hoses and the EGR valve located on a 2003 Hemi? Some pics would be really helpful.

Anyway, where should I start?

Thanks!

yes i have this code as well on my 03 hemi, someone help us!

P0440 Evap Sys Perf

Check the evap hoses under the truck (approximately under the driver's seat). They crack and throw emission codes. I just repalced one and zip tied all the connections. I was getting p0440 and p0456.

I found the link to a thread about this

http://www.dodgetalk.com/forums/show...ighlight=p0456

Dude if you got a friend or someone that works for a dealer. My 03 had that code, took it to my brother and he flashed the system and ran a test and everything was fine, no leaks no nothing! SO you could have the same problem I had...maybe

Thanks! That was a good link w/ pics. My 2003 only has 40,000 miles on it. Is the Evap system still covered under any warranty for me?

Braydon, I don't have any friends like that man. You are one lucky dude to have your bro' that can help you out. The truck is running fine, but I HATE that damn check engine light. Makes me wanna puke.

Originally Posted by GETRAMMD

Thanks! That was a good link w/ pics. My 2003 only has 40,000 miles on it. Is the Evap system still covered under any warranty for me?

Braydon, I don't have any friends like that man. You are one lucky dude to have your bro' that can help you out. The truck is running fine, but I HATE that damn check engine light. Makes me wanna puke.

You and me both man! Good luck, I hope you find it! My bor said that this was normal for the 03, if your truck still has warranty take it in and have em chack it!

I think it's 6 years and 60k but check your user's manual for warranty coverage. Or you can call the dealer and ask them.

I get this code about every 2 years. I replace the gas cap and I'm good to go. I need to pick up cap #3 soon, this code has been coming up off and on for the past few months already.

I found this information while researching today. Thought I would share it.

P0440 & P0441 Codes

Common misconception: The EVAP system is a useless addition and is only for "Smog" reasons...FALSE. The EVAP system actually saves the fuel that you spent your hard earned money on. It captures all the vapors and stores them in the EVAP canister to be introduced into the combustion chamber (via the intake). So...does it waste money...nope (and it also keeps the hydrocarbons out of our air).

After you have done a repair on the EVAP system and reset/cleared the codes, it can take up to 1700 - 4200 minutes for the EVAP monitors to run (Engine OFF/Key OFF). They start after the first 10 minutes of turning the vehicle off and can take up to 60 minutes to start running. First, the small leak detection monitor will run...if it passes - done deal. If not, the medium leak and then the large leak monitors will run. However...during this time, driving the vehicle will turn the monitors OFF - they won't run while you're driving and you'll have to wait again until they turn on. Park the vehicle for at least a day or two, after you've done your repair and driven the vehicle a little bit, in order to let it run the LDP (or NVLD) test and then the monitors.

The purge monitors are a different story, they will only run at specific running conditions and if you reset the PCM at anytime during this process...you're back to square one. The conditions vary from vehicle to vehicle so there's no 100% correct answer without looking at the actual monitor pre-test conditions on the DRB and making sure that it's within those parameters. Also, when you think you're "just clearing the codes"...you're also clearing the monitor data which puts you right back to square one. Now, if you clear the monitors...you may have to wait even longer as some monitors (O2 and Fuel) need to run sooner in some cases and can cause the EVAP monitors to be delayed (that's where the 4200 minutes comes into play). Be careful what you do.

Check ALL of the vacuum hoses for leaks. If you see ANY cracks in the lines, replace them as the system will detect up to a .010-.020" leak (that's small). The best test is to watch the LDP (or NVLD) switch from closed to open with a vacuum pump (1" H20 is all that's required to change the switch). DON'T run the vacuum test from the fuel tank cap either - it's not a proper test to find a leak. You'll need to know which system is on your truck though - LDP is standard on up to most early 2000 models with NVLD on most all newer vehicles.

A gas cap will NOT cause this problem. That would be detected with a P0456 code (Small Leak) and sometimes with a Medium Leak...unless you left the cap completely off. P0440 is a General EVAP Performance Failure and a P0441 is a EVAP Purge Performance issue. It's also NOT going to be the EVAP Filter as it's on the opposite side of the system that's actually failing (P0440). From experience with these hard to diagnose issues - it'll either be a cracked line(s), the LDP/NVLD, Purge Solenoid, or the actual EVAP can that has been fuel soaked from "topping off" the tank. You'll have to do the leg work and proper tests to verify it.

Hope that helps get the myths out of the P0440 code (it's NOT a gas cap) and i've seen the code come back after several months myself by people who thought it was a gas cap.

A trained technician can test and repair the system rather easily...the first time. I've seen too many "parts changers" that don't and all the customer gets is a large bill and more "Check Engine" lights. Even if they show you an EELD Machine...while it is a nice piece of equipment and does work in most cases...a simple Mighty-Vac Pump and a cup of water will work to test the NVLD/LPD system and vacuum lines. If they don't know how to use those simple tools to test the system...go somewhere else and save your money and Tylenol.

BTW:

LDP = Leak Detection Pump
NVLD = Natural Vacuum Leak Detection Pump
1" H2O does not equal 1" HG
_________________
Chrysler/Dodge Certified Technician
2003-2008 Performance/Driveability/Electrical/HVAC/Viper Specialist/Dealership Mentor

man about the nvld pump that went bad on mine 2003 2500....have warrety on my truck but there is no after market warrenty the covers emissions.....it cost me 186.00 for the pump and they have to smoke test to see whats wrong....good luck hope its a simple fix for ya..

Check the hoses first and look over the pump and canister to make sure they are not damaged. From what I remember I used 5/8 heater hose and it fits perfectly and it's better quality than the cheap factory hose. Zip tie or clamp all the connections. If it comes back then do the gas cap. If that doesn't work then you may need a new nvld pump.

My buddy has had these codes on his Caravan since new. It's been back so many times it isn't funny. After it ran out of warranty, he just said screw it. Now what I would've done but he still gets the codes today. His caravan is a 2002 0r 2003 i think.

I have the same issue on mine (getting both codes) i will look at the hoses when i have time. But just out of curiousity where are u guys getting new gas caps from? I dont think i want some generic one from a parts store. Would i have to get the oem style one from the stealership? TIA

Originally Posted by xTomKx

Check the hoses first and look over the pump and canister to make sure they are not damaged. From what I remember I used 5/8 heater hose and it fits perfectly and it's better quality than the cheap factory hose. Zip tie or clamp all the connections. If it comes back then do the gas cap. If that doesn't work then you may need a new nvld pump.

x2 thats what was wrong when I had this code, was a hose between the canisters under the drivers side of the truck, almost under where the driver sits.

i was throwing a medium and small evap code like every three days i found an evap hose with a hole, replaced it and it still threw the codes. i got a new gas cap(from autozone) and it still threw codes, i put petroleum jelly on the seal of the cheap ass gas cap and no code for weeks. get your cap from the dealer, i know my next one will be from the dealership. and getrammd the 2003 hemi doesn't have an egr valve