2006 Sentra Has A Massive Air Leak In Fuel System

[Radman]

My 2006 Sentra has its first check engine light. The AutoZone scanner reported an air leak in the fuel system, i.e. Fuel cap, vapor canister, etc.

Not knowing what commonly fails on this car I would like to ask the board members if anyone else had this problem and what the remedy was?

Thanks ~ Radman

 

[gathermewool]

First thing to do is add a few more clicks to the gas cap. I've only seen this pop up a few times, personally, and all three times it was the cap not being tightened. Well, one instance was when my gas cap was replaced by the dealer with another model's cap, so it didn't seal, resulting in this TDC.

 

[Radman]

If it were only as simple as a loose gas cap I would be all set. Unfortunately the gas cap always gets 3+ clicks.

 

[bepperb]

Give your gas cap a dozen clicks. Our HL is a pain, three clicks is not enough.

 

[tinmanSC]

This happens to my Lexus SC and my GS sometimes. I have to push hard down on the cap, then click many times.

 

[eljefino]

What if there were a burr on the filler neck to cap interface? Maybe try a glob of grease or vaseline on there.

But a massive leak sounds like a bad purge valve or something more sinister. I've had several cars complain of "small leaks" (which I ignore) but have yet to witness a "large leak" first hand.

 

[SuperDave456]

Sister's car needed a State Inspection. It would not pass due to a CEL. She had the same issue you did,so I replaced my sister's gas cap.
It solved the problem.

I think the gas cap was $5. 11 year old gas cap had done its duty.

 

[MrCritical]

Massive leak is usually run with no cap at all.

 

[mechtech2]

You gotta check all the vacuum lines.

 

[Radman]

Thanks Everyone!!

It is looking more and more like the Purge Valve.

 

[Virtuoso]

Who called it "Massive"?

For a minor EVAP leak I would replace the gas cap first, if tightening doesn't fix it.

 

[Cutehumor]

stick with cheapest/simplest to do first. replace the gas cap.

 

[SLCraig]

Had a similar code, if not the same one on my 2002 Maxima.
The evap canister on that particular model liked to crack right where the purge valve attaches.

I ended up replacing the canister and valve together with one I got from the wreckers and the CEL stayed away indefinitely after that.

 

[Radman]

Originally Posted By: SLCraig
Had a similar code, if not the same one on my 2002 Maxima.
The evap canister on that particular model liked to crack right where the purge valve attaches.

I ended up replacing the canister and valve together with one I got from the wreckers and the CEL stayed away indefinitely after that.


Yep, that is what I have too. Thanks for your post it lead me right to the problem.