Check Engine light, code P0456, fuel tank leaking

Hi,

That is a tough question to answer, not being there to see the vehicle. I can tell you the code is related to a leak in the evap system and is likely being caused by the tank leaking.

Also, the condition of the vehicle needs to be taken into consideration. If it runs good, you may want to consider repairs. It is very difficult to find anything that is worth having for a good price at this time.

Tell me, has it been confirmed that it is the tank leaking and not one of the hoses from the tank? You can check it somewhat easily. Under the rear seat is an access port to work on the fuel pump. There you will see the fuel lines. I would first confirm it isn't one of them that is the problem and not the tank.

Once you remove the rear seat, you will find an access port. Open it and inspect the top of the fuel pump and around it to see if there are any leaks that are visible. Pic 1 shows what you will see. Letter B is the fuel supply line.

Even if the tank is bad, a new original equipment one is under 50 dollars (OEM part number 312202F800) and labor is under 2 hours (1.6 hours). Unless the vehicle is in really unsafe condition, I would likely fix it. I don't know the labor rate, but multiply it by 1.6 and that should tell you what to expect for a labor charge. There may be a few other miscellaneous things, but nothing too expensive.

If you look at pic 2, it shows the retail cost of the fuel tank and the number of hours allowed for replacement.

If you want to replace it yourself, it's a bit messy, but you could do it. Check where I said and let me know what you find as far as a leak.

Let me know if you have questions or if I can help. I hope this information is helpful to you.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Hi Joe! Thanks for responding. So, I had a smoke test done and that is how it was discovered. The mechanic I went to said that the estimate would be between $1,400.00 to $1,500.00 to repair but warned that parts need to be removed and could possibly become damaged and also need fixed so that it is a risk. The trade in value for the car is a little over $1,500.00. I’m torn because I don’t want a car payment and the market isn’t great to purchase a car. Also, I am wondering how much longer before the original parts of the car start failing and need fixed. Also, if I continue to drive the car could that be causing more damage? Should I not drive it at all or is locally fine? Thanks.

Angela

Hello again. I just wanted to ask your opinion also about those fuel tank repair kits. Is that something that might be helpful to try and correct the leak? Thanks

Angela,

That doesn't sound right. You don't find a fuel leak via a smoke test. That type of test is used to locate EVAP (evaporative emissions system) leaks. In other words, the hoses that are responsible for maintaining fuel vapors.

As far as repairs are concerned, a fuel tank (in my mind) is something that needs to be replaced if it is bad. You don't want it to rupture in the event of an accident. However, many people use them. Also, a new tank being $50.00 is so cheap, the repair kit is likely half the cost.

Has he told you exactly what is being replaced? Also, do you actually see gas leaking from the vehicle? I can't justify that cost for a fuel tank. It is not making sense to me. Also, let me know if this is someone you used in the past and if you trust them.

If this is nothing more than an EVAP leak, it's likely you could fix it for under 150.00, but again, I'm not completely clear about what you're being told.

Joe

Hi Joe. Yes, I was charged for a smoke test. He apparently raised the car and looked under it, but I didn’t actually see this. You can smell gas at times when you are around my car. He told me the gas tank is leaking and needs to be replaced. I mentioned I didn’t see gas leaking under the car, and I was told it is because it is leaking at the top of the tank? The person who actually told me about this was not someone I have dealt with before. The mechanic I deal with told me I should have a smoke test done to determine the cause of the P0456 code, however I went to a different location to have this done. Same company different location. Thoughts? Thanks.

Here is what was on the invoice. Thanks.

Hi:
Yes, the smoke test makes sense for the code. As far as the receipt is concerned, all I can tell is they charge $125.00 an hour and are indicating the tank and additional labor.

So, you own them $125.00. Let's say they double the price on the tank, $100.00. Then, charge an additional 2 hours labor, $250.00. That totals $500.00 including the diagnostics. If there is a broken hose in the EVAP system, it shouldn't be more than $50.00. Why are they telling you $1,400.00? That is what is upsetting me. The labor and parts costs I attached above are from a certified manual for parts and labor prices.

Next, if there is a broken hose in the EVAP identified by the smoke test, that is where you could be possibly smelling gas from, but I can't confirm that without being there to see it.

Is it possible for you to remove the rear seat and open the access plate so we can see what is going on? It really isn't too hard. That is what the mechanic would have done. I'm sure he didn't remove the tank for inspection. Also, did they ever tell you what part of the EVAP system needs to be replaced?

I hope I'm not being a pain. LOL I just went through a similar issue on a Toyota Venza. The dealership wanted $2,600.00 to repair a charcoal canister and install rear shocks. I was able to do it for $1,700.00 less. It just drives me crazy.

Let me know.

Joe

Please understand, not being there is causing me to question things that aren't making sense. If there is another shop you trust or even a dealership, contact them and ask what replacing the fuel tank costs. Tell them you have the part number and retail price of the tank and flat rate times. You just want their confirmation on the price.

No, I appreciate your help. He said something about the tank costing around $800.00 and then with labor it would cost around $1,400.00 to 1,500.00. I assume that includes tax. Do you know where I could find instructions to remove the seat and check what you are referring to? Would you know what tools I need to complete this? Thanks again!

Also, I don’t go to the dealership for repairs. I had a bad experience with the dealership telling me I needed a cat converter for a bad O2 sensor. The place I go to now discovered it was only a flex pipe that needed replaced. I also reached out to your site when I was having issues before. The mechanic I dealt with really helped and encouraged me to keep digging because it probably was not a bad cat and I did. So I value your help!

Hi,

It has been some time since I've done one of these, but I don't think you need any tools other than maybe a screwdriver. There are release buttons for the seat cushion. There is either one or two of them. See pic 1 below.

Press the release button and pull toward you and then up to remove the seat cushion,

Once it is removed, you will see the access port. See pic 2. Some of these had a screw holding them and others were secured with an adhesive. If there is no screw, gently pry upwards at each corner with a flat screwdriver to remove it.

Let me know if this helps or if you have questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Just so you know I don’t deal with the dealership because they tried getting me to replace a catalytic converter when all I needed was a flex pipe after I changed my O2 sensor a few times. Your site was helpful during that time and the mechanic I spoke with encouraged me to keep digging because he didn’t think I needed a new catalytic converter. So, I reached out again. I value your input.

Is the fuel tank right under the back seat? I would take pictures and send them to you so you can see what it looks like. What all would you need to see? Thanks! Sorry for all the questions!

You are very welcome. It bothers me when I hear things like this. Simply there is nothing concrete. Is the fuel tank leaking? Where from? There is an EVAP leak, what needs to be done to fix it? Why is the tank and labor price so high? There are too many variables that aren't adding up in my head. LOL Sorry... There may be a very rational reason for what is being said, I just would rather you keep the money in your pocket if possible.

Take care and let me know what you find. Also, once the port is open, if there is nothing obviously wet, cycle the key from off to on a couple of times to pressurize the system. If there is a leak, you should see it then.

Take care and I'll watch for your reply.

Joe

Hi Joe. I had another quick question. If there is a leak at the top of the fuel tank that would be visible right? If I took my car back to the location I normally deal with and advised them that the smoke test indicates a gas tank leak, can they show me, it? One thing that I did like is whenever I did have issues with my car, they would show me the car what was wrong. I guess I’m looking for a second opinion since I went to a different location for the test. I don’t want to waste their time so I wanted to see if I took it in and told them the issue if they can show me it and confirm without another smoke test. Thanks.

Hi,

I would think they should be able to show you. Anytime I do work, I always try to show the customer where the problem is and then return the faulty parts. I believe by law; the old parts need to be returned or at least offered to be returned. So, yes, I don't know why they wouldn't at least try.

Let me know what you find or if I can help in any way.

Joe