Discovery II
EMISSION CONTROL - V8
DESCRIPTION AND OPERATION 17-2-41
EVAP System, Leak Detection Diagnostic (vacuum type)
The EVAP system leak detection is performed as follows:
1 The ECM checks that the signal from the fuel tank pressure sensor is within the expected range. If the signal is
not within range, the leakage test will be cancelled.
2 Next the purge valve is held closed and the canister vent solenoid (CVS) valve is opened to atmosphere. If the
ECM detects a rise in pressure with the valves in this condition, it indicates there is a blockage in the fuel
evaporation line between the CVS valve and the EVAP canister, or that the CVS valve is stuck in the closed
position and thus preventing normalisation of pressure in the fuel evaporation system. In this instance, the
leakage test will be cancelled.
3 The CVS valve and the purge valve are both held in the closed position while the ECM checks the fuel tank
pressure sensor. If the fuel tank pressure sensor detects a decline in pressure, it indicates that the purge valve
is not closing properly and vapour is leaking past the valve seat face under the influence of the intake manifold
depression. In this instance, the leakage test will be cancelled.
4 If the preliminary checks are satisfactory, a compensation measurement is determined next. Variations in fuel
level occur within the fuel tank, which will influence the pressure signal detected by the fuel tank pressure
sensor. The pressure detected will also be influenced by the rate of change in the fuel tank pressure, caused by
the rate of fuel evaporation which itself is dependent on the ambient temperature conditions. Because of these
variations, it is necessary for the ECM to evaluate the conditions prevailing at a particular instance when testing,
to ensure that the corresponding compensation factor is included in its calculations.
The CVS valve and purge valves are both closed while the ECM checks the signal from the fuel tank pressure
sensor. The rise in fuel pressure detected over a defined period is used to determine the rate of fuel evaporation
and the consequent compensation factor necessary.
5 With the CVS valve still closed, the purge valve is opened. The inlet manifold depression present while the purge
valve is open, decreases EVAP system pressure and sets up a small vacuum in the fuel tank. The fuel tank
pressure sensor is monitored by the ECM and if the vacuum gradient does not increase as expected, a large
system leak is assumed by the ECM (e.g. missing or leaking fuel filler cap) and the diagnostic test is terminated.
If the EVAP canister is heavily loaded with hydrocarbons, purging may cause the air:fuel mixture to become
excessively rich, resulting in the upstream oxygen sensors requesting a leaner mix from the ECM to bring the
mixture back to the stoichiometric ideal. This may cause instability in the engine idle speed and consequently
the diagnostic test will have to be abandoned. The ECM checks the status of the upstream oxygen sensors
during the remainder of the diagnostic, to ensure the air:fuel mixture does not adversely affect the engine idle
speed.
6 When the fuel tank pressure sensor detects that the required vacuum has been reached (-800 Pa), the purge
valve is closed and the EVAP system is sealed. The ECM then checks the change in the fuel tank pressure
sensor signal (diminishing vacuum) over a period of time, and if it is greater than expected (after taking into
consideration the compensation factor due to fuel evaporation within the tank, determined earlier in the
diagnostic), a leak in the EVAP system is assumed. If the condition remains, the MIL warning light will be turned
on after two drive cycles.
The decrease in vacuum pressure over the defined period must be large enough to correspond to a hole
equivalent to 1 mm (0.04 in.) diameter or greater, to be considered significant enough to warrant the activation
of an emissions system failure warning.
The diagnostic test is repeated at regular intervals during the drive cycle, when the engine is at idle condition. The
diagnostic test will not be able to be performed under the following conditions:
l
During EVAP canister purging
l
During fuelling adaption
l
If excess slosh in the fuel tank is detected (excess fuel vapour will be generated, invalidating the result)
Following the test, the system returns to normal purge operation after the canister vent solenoid opens. Possible
reasons for an EVAP system leak test failure are listed below:
l
Fuel filler not tightened or cap missing.
l
Sensor or actuator open circuit.
l
Short circuit to vehicle supply or ground.
l
Either purge or CVS valve stuck open.
l
Either purge or CVS valve stuck shut or blocked pipe.
l
Piping broken or not connected.
l
Loose or leaking connection.
