Fuel Emmisions Sensor in gas tank

[sep1006]

Anyone had this go out on them? Got the P440 code and had it checked out at a mechanic I've been using for 30 years and highly trust. He thought it might be under warranty but it's not. Apparently there are 2 different emmisions warranty. One covers the Catalytic Converter and something else which is an 8 year warranty. The other, which includes this sensor is a 3 year 36k warranty.

 

[SD Rebel]

Not in my RAM, but my F150. It popped up early, maybe at the first year, but I just used my OBDII reader to clear it, it would take about 1,500 miles to pop up again, so I just kept clearing it until I was near my warranty ending.

They had to drop the fuel tank to replace the sensor, assuming it's the same issues as your. Hook up an OBDII reader and clear the code, see how long it takes for it to pop back up, it's only for emissions, not a big deal if you don't fix it right away.

Pay your mechanic for a proper diag, then call the dealer to see if that is covered. Or just have the dealer do the diag, but that's likely even more expensive, especially if it isn't covered and the diag isn't absorbed.

 

[sep1006]

Not in my RAM, but my F150. It popped up early, maybe at the first year, but I just used my OBDII reader to clear it, it would take about 1,500 miles to pop up again, so I just kept clearing it until I was near my warranty ending.

They had to drop the fuel tank to replace the sensor, assuming it's the same issues as your. Hook up an OBDII reader and clear the code, see how long it takes for it to pop back up, it's only for emissions, not a big deal if you don't fix it right away.

Pay your mechanic for a proper diag, then call the dealer to see if that is covered. Or just have the dealer do the diag, but that's likely even more expensive, especially if it isn't covered and the diag isn't absorbed.

Well I didn't go into detail but that's pretty much what I have done for close to a year. Engine Light initially came on almost a year ago. Would get it cleared and it would stay off for maybe a week at the most then come back on. Did this several time then figured he!! with it. The truck runs fine and no mileage changes, just the annoying light. My nephew is best friends with the Service Manager at my local Ram dealer. Of course this specific sensor is only covered for 3 years / 36k max.

Only reason I'm even fixing it now is because my inspection sticker is out. And with the engine light on it won't pass inspection.

 

[SD Rebel]

Well I didn't go into detail but that's pretty much what I have done for close to a year. Engine Light initially came on almost a year ago. Would get it cleared and it would stay off for maybe a week at the most then come back on. Did this several time then figured he!! with it. The truck runs fine and no mileage changes, just the annoying light. My nephew is best friends with the Service Manager at my local Ram dealer. Of course this specific sensor is only covered for 3 years / 36k max.

Only reason I'm even fixing it now is because my inspection sticker is out. And with the engine light on it won't pass inspection.

Gotcha, can't you time the clearing of the code for your inspection?

Even in CA, it's easy to do, once the light is cleared on an OBDII, you should be smog ready after about 75 - 100 miles of driving. Of course this is assuming your light doesn't come back on right after that. My sensor took about 1,500 miles after clearing to come back.

To be honest, never had to do a smog test since in CA, your first smog test isn't until after 8 years old for gasoline vehicles, but I would not have had a problem based on how long it took my light to come back.

 

[Scram1500]

p0440 is pretty generic, just points to a problem in the fuel evap system. Might be as simple as a clogged charcoal canister or a loose fitting. Mine had this code come and go for the first few years of ownership, most likely from me overfilling the tank once. It hasn't come on in a while (knock on wood), last time it did there was a large change in temperature. Air would get sucked into the tank when the filler flap was opened during that time. My morning routine used to involve venting the tank so I wouldn't have to connect my OBD tool

 

[Jako]

p0440 is pretty generic, just points to a problem in the fuel evap system. Might be as simple as a clogged charcoal canister or a loose fitting. Mine had this code come and go for the first few years of ownership, most likely from me overfilling the tank once. It hasn't come on in a while (knock on wood), last time it did there was a large change in temperature. Air would get sucked into the tank when the filler flap was opened during that time. My morning routine used to involve venting the tank so I wouldn't have to connect my OBD tool

My 1990 Toyota Celica had a similar problem with the gas tank having a vacuum. I needed to leave the gas cap loose. Cleaning the charcoal canister solved the issue.

 

[sep1006]

Gotcha, can't you time the clearing of the code for your inspection?

Even in CA, it's easy to do, once the light is cleared on an OBDII, you should be smog ready after about 75 - 100 miles of driving. Of course this is assuming your light doesn't come back on right after that. My sensor took about 1,500 miles after clearing to come back.

To be honest, never had to do a smog test since in CA, your first smog test isn't until after 8 years old for gasoline vehicles, but I would not have had a problem based on how long it took my light to come back.

Yeh I thought about doing that and still may try. Just really tired of looking at the "check engine light" anyway. And if something else serious goes wrong the light is already on so I may not know.

 

[SD Rebel]

Yeh I thought about doing that and still may try. Just really tired of looking at the "check engine light" anyway. And if something else serious goes wrong the light is already on so I may not know.

Good point on potentially masking a real issue, it's really just to buy time until you have the time and budget to handle it out of warranty.