P0442 on a 2017 Ford F 150 Supercab
P0442 means the EVAP system could not hold pressure or vacuum during a leak test, but the leak is small.
Not your vehicle? See general P0442 info.
Most common causes on the 2017 Ford F 150 Supercab
Ranked from 1,066 NHTSA owner complaints filed for this vehicle.
- 1
Capless "Easy Fuel" filler flap/seal failure
Medium severityMultiple owners report gasoline vapor smell and fuel spraying back out at the capless filler neck, meaning the sealing flap isn't sealing fully and letting a small amount of tank vapor escape.
Reported in 2 NHTSA complaintsParts:fuel filler neck seal - 2
Purge valve stuck open (stall right after refueling)
Medium severityOne truck died repeatedly immediately after fill-ups, a classic sign the purge valve is staying open and pulling excess raw vapor into the intake, which also shows up as a small EVAP leak/flow fault.
Reported in 1 NHTSA complaintParts:purge valve - 3
Cracked or brittle EVAP hose/line
Low severityHeat-cycled rubber EVAP lines crack over time, leaking a small amount of tank vapor; smoke-test the EVAP system to find the leak point.
Common causeParts:EVAP hose - 4
EVAP vent valve stuck partially open
Low severityA vent valve that doesn't fully seat lets outside air leak into the EVAP system during the monitor's leak test.
Common causeParts:vent valve - 5
Charcoal canister crack
Low severityA cracked or corroded canister shell allows vapor to escape before it can be purged, tripping a small-leak code.
Common causeParts:charcoal canister - 6
Fuel tank pressure sensor fault
Low severityA drifting FTP sensor can make the PCM believe there's a small leak even when the system is sealed; check its reading against a scan tool at key-on.
Common cause
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These causes are aggregated from NHTSA owner complaints and general repair knowledge — this is not a diagnosis. P0442 on your car still needs shop confirmation before any repair.
Common symptoms
- Check engine light
- Fuel smell near vehicle
- Usually drives normally
- Hard start after fueling in some cases
What to check before replacing parts
Tighten and inspect the gas cap
Look for: A cap that doesn't click to full tightness, has a visibly cracked or flattened seal, or is simply missing is the single most common cause of a small EVAP leak — rule it out first.
Smoke-test the EVAP system
Look for: Because this is a small leak, expect only a thin wisp of smoke or a faint hiss at one spot (a hose, seam, or valve) rather than an obvious cloud — look closely and take your time.
Check purge valve sealing
Look for: A purge valve that doesn't hold vacuum when commanded closed lets a small amount of air bleed through, which the system reads as a leak during its self-test.
Inspect hoses near the tank and engine bay
Look for: Look for small cracks, soft/collapsed spots, or a hose that has pulled loose slightly at a fitting — any of these can leak just enough to trip a small-leak code without an obvious fuel smell.
Verify vent valve operation
Look for: A vent valve that doesn't seal fully when commanded closed prevents the system from holding vacuum during its self-test, which reads as a small leak even with no physical leak in the hoses.
Rather have a pro handle it? Find a vetted local mechanic.