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Thread: Will the ECU clear EVAP MIL codes once the problem is resolved? Or reset ECU?

  1. #1
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    Will the ECU clear EVAP MIL codes once the problem is resolved? Or reset ECU?

    I have an E36 (1997 328i) and I was driving the car without the evap expansion tank, and plugged the lines that would otherwise go to the expansion tank. I don't recommend this, because when I went to put gas in the gar, I removed the gas cap a huge belching air pressure and some fuel spray came out of the gas fill tube. I had removed the expansion tank, because it tried to repair it by gluing it. It didn't hold so I got a good used expansion tank. I just installed that and a good used evap purge valve. The car idles and runs great, and I think that the problem is solved. However, I still have the P0441 code (EVAP incorrect purge flow) and P0455 code (EVAP large leak), and now the P0442 (small EVAP leak) and P0446 (a general EVAP circuit error code). These additional evap error codes were caused by driving the car with the expansion tank lines plugged. My question is this: will the ECU clear these codes by way of the self tests? If so, how long should it take? Or do I have to reset the ECU? I am hoping the codes will clear themselves as the ECU runs its ongoing self tests, but I don't know. I need to get this car smogged right away, and resetting the ECU will take too long to complete all of the self tests before the smog test. Thank you for your help!
    Alpine White '97 328i 5 speed: S50 cams, M50 Manifold, TMS Cam/Intake Specific Software, UUC Stage II Clutch Kit, EVO 3 Short Shift Kit with DSSR, CAI, Cat-Back, ASC, Fan & CDV Delete, All M3 Stock Suspension & Brakes, 3.23 LSD, 17" DS II's, Stainless Steel Brake Lines & Clutch Line, Depos Elipsoids & M3 mirrors

  2. #2
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    Clearing the codes with a scan tool may seem like it will take too long - but it is, by far, the fastest way to make the car "inspection ready".

    It can take 40 cycles with no codes reset for the system to self-clear the codes. With evap system codes, this MIGHT just take ~40 drive cycles, because the system doesn't self test every time to start it.

    Drive cycles and OBD readiness can be a bit of a crap-shoot, especially with older cars. If it were ny own car, I'd clear the codes, let it cool completely overnight, do a 50 mile highway drive at 55-60 mph the next day, then come back and check the readiness status with a scan tool.

    Chris Powell
    Racer and Instructor since, well. decades, ok?
    Master Auto Tech, owner of German Motors of Aberdeen
    BMWCCA 274412
    German Motors is hiring ! https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...1#post30831471

  3. #3
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    Will do. Thanks!
    Alpine White '97 328i 5 speed: S50 cams, M50 Manifold, TMS Cam/Intake Specific Software, UUC Stage II Clutch Kit, EVO 3 Short Shift Kit with DSSR, CAI, Cat-Back, ASC, Fan & CDV Delete, All M3 Stock Suspension & Brakes, 3.23 LSD, 17" DS II's, Stainless Steel Brake Lines & Clutch Line, Depos Elipsoids & M3 mirrors

  4. #4
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    Also the fuel tank needs to be between 1/4-3/4 full

  5. #5
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    Quote Originally Posted by jclausen View Post
    Also the fuel tank needs to be between 1/4-3/4 full
    Thanks! The tank is at 3/8 full, so perfect. I just reset my ECU and drove the car and turned it off and pulled the codes. There's no check engine light but it is showing a mil code for po455 large evap leak. I am glad I followed the advice and cleared the ECU. Now I know I still have a problem on a large evap leak.
    Alpine White '97 328i 5 speed: S50 cams, M50 Manifold, TMS Cam/Intake Specific Software, UUC Stage II Clutch Kit, EVO 3 Short Shift Kit with DSSR, CAI, Cat-Back, ASC, Fan & CDV Delete, All M3 Stock Suspension & Brakes, 3.23 LSD, 17" DS II's, Stainless Steel Brake Lines & Clutch Line, Depos Elipsoids & M3 mirrors

  6. #6
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    Is your gas cap good?

    Chris Powell
    Racer and Instructor since, well. decades, ok?
    Master Auto Tech, owner of German Motors of Aberdeen
    BMWCCA 274412
    German Motors is hiring ! https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...1#post30831471

  7. #7
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    Yes, I installed a new gas cap. I went back to my old gas cap, reset the ECU, and the large evap leak MIL code came right back. I will have both the old and new gas caps tested. If the gas caps check out okay, what should be my next guess?

  8. #8
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    You need a smoke test of the evap system.

    Certainly, you can try to inspect all the lines visually from the purge valve back, and make sure all the connections at the carbon can and the evap pump are secure.

    https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=13_1709
    https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=16_0214
    https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=16_0202
    https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=16_0203

    Really, the evap system is a royal P.I.T.A. to diagnose, and nearly impossible without a smoke machine and a great deal of patience. I had a Mini to diag this week; after an hour with the smoke machine, I found a leak at a long hard plastic hose above the fuel tank, part of an octopus of joined lines. The tank had to come out to replace it.

    Chris Powell
    Racer and Instructor since, well. decades, ok?
    Master Auto Tech, owner of German Motors of Aberdeen
    BMWCCA 274412
    German Motors is hiring ! https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...1#post30831471

  9. #9
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    Wow! Thanks Chris!
    Alpine White '97 328i 5 speed: S50 cams, M50 Manifold, TMS Cam/Intake Specific Software, UUC Stage II Clutch Kit, EVO 3 Short Shift Kit with DSSR, CAI, Cat-Back, ASC, Fan & CDV Delete, All M3 Stock Suspension & Brakes, 3.23 LSD, 17" DS II's, Stainless Steel Brake Lines & Clutch Line, Depos Elipsoids & M3 mirrors

  10. #10
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    I bet removing that Mini’s gas tank was “fun”!

  11. #11
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    Yep, but hey, at least it's got no driveshaft......

    Chris Powell
    Racer and Instructor since, well. decades, ok?
    Master Auto Tech, owner of German Motors of Aberdeen
    BMWCCA 274412
    German Motors is hiring ! https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...1#post30831471

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