EVAP shut off valve stuck closed

[Geo31]

I've been getting this code and I replaced the evap valve yesterday. I reset the CEL and it stayed off for a while, but came back on within 50 miles. I reset it again today and it came on much sooner.

I did a search on this code and only came up with 3 rather old threads. Anyone have any ideas?

I could attack this randomly and start replacing parts, but I really hate to do that. My first guess (purely a guess) would be the carbon canister. This is frustrating as it's keeping from getting my car inspected (over due).

[Gofast]

What's the specific code?
Have you checked the gas cap seal? Mine was fixed with a new rubber gasket.
It's a simple issue that really upsets the evap system.

[Geo31]

What's the specific code?
Have you checked the gas cap seal? Mine was fixed with a new rubber gasket.
It's a simple issue that really upsets the evap system.

From my Peake Reader: Table 16, Code FC "EVAP shut off valve stuck closed"

I forgot to mention I replaced the gas cap as well a couple of weeks ago.

One of the things I've been thinking about is the "failure" mode. Does it fail closed or open? Anybody know? If it fails closed, I could see where it could be an electrical issue.

Also, in the old threads I saw, someone mentioned a TSB for reflashing the ECU. Anybody know anything about that? Something about the ECU being over-sensitive in throwing this code. I've kind of ruled this out as the car is 15 years old with 100k miles before throwing the code.

This is frustrating.

[Gofast]

Looks like the valve defaults closed, but it might also be a clog in the vent line.
A couple threads you may have already seen:

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum....php?t=1272017

http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic...ster-question/

I'd try blowing out the line.

[Geo31]

Thanks for the help. I was planning on trying the E36 M3 boards next. My issue seems exactly like what is going on in the first link. Since blowing out the line is easy and free, I'll try that as well.

I was thinking electrical. Unfortunately, I'm not very good with electrical stuff. I can follow basic wiring, but trouble shooting is a mystery to me. I plan on hitting the contacts with contact cleaner tonight (go with the simplest first). The location of the connector is ripe for corrosion.

I really don't want to have to take this to a shop. I'm reasonably confident that it's not the canister as I don't think a bad canister would through this code based upon the descsription.

This is going to be fun.