EVAP Smoke Test

Tiny
CHICHA
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 2.2L
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
I am in El Salvador. I mistakenly purchased my car in Arizona and then registered it here. Most parts I need to import from the U.S. And the local Chevrolet dealership is pretty much incompetent when it comes to Malibu's. Apparently the dealership here has balked at paying GM's fee to access the GM database over the internet. A lot of repairs cannot be done without that access.

The current issue I have: Code P0442. A Smoke Test would locate the source of the leak. Is the device that performs this Smoke Test unique to this car? Or can I go to another dealership that repairs say Asian vehicles for this Smoke Test?

Last year, I had the fuel pump replaced. The installation was done incorrectly. The problem was subsequently resolved. I am thinking this problem may trace back to that problem. I would have to pay someone to drop the fuel tank to find out, though. I have absolutely ZERO confidence in the automotive repairs done in this country!

For anyone planning on living in Latin America, buy a Toyota or Mitsubishi or Nissan! And have any repairs done at a dealership. Preferably, buy the vehicle from that dealership!
Sunday, August 28th, 2016 AT 9:37 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
A smoke machine is universal on GM cars all the connection points are the same size. The first thing I would check for that code is the gas cap. Check the seal to it for cracking and weather checking. What I would probably do for that is replace the gas cap and clear the codes and see if it comes back. A resource for you that has dealer parts diagrams is www. Parts. Com you can the part numbers on there as well. Also www. Rockauto. Com has a great deal of parts plus they GM/AC Delco parts as well aftermarket parts.
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Sunday, August 28th, 2016 AT 9:50 PM
Tiny
CHICHA
  • MEMBER
  • 41 POSTS
Thanks. I have used Rock Auto for years. Are there any non-G.M. Vehicles that have the same size connection points? I refuse to have any dealings with the local Chevrolet dealership in this country. When I had a change of heart last year, they told me they no longer service Chevrolet's from the U.S, only the one's that they sell here. They charge too much anyways.
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Sunday, August 28th, 2016 AT 10:03 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
They can adapt something to do but would need a scan tool to close the vent valve to perform the test to deal the system. But I would try the gas cap first before spending the money on the smoke test. The gas cap is a really common reason for the p0442 code. Also that www. Parts. Com has factory parts diagram that will help you in the future.
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Sunday, August 28th, 2016 AT 10:13 PM

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