P0442 on 2009-2016 Nissan Murano: EVAP Small Leak Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2009-2016 Nissan MURANO

On many Nissan vehicles of this era, including the Murano, the two most frequent culprits for a P0442 code are extremely common and simple: the gas cap and the EVAP vent control valve. Nissan has issued multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) highlighting that a loose fuel filler cap is a primary cause. Beyond the cap, the vent control valve, located near the rear charcoal canister, is notoriously prone to failure. Its location under the car exposes it to road debris, moisture, and even spider webs, which can cause the valve to stick open or closed, a well-documented issue among owners and mechanics.

Diagnostic Flowchart

Tap your situation to follow the diagnostic path that matches what you're seeing on this vehicle.

Generation note: The 2009-2016 model year range covers two Murano generations: the second (Z51, 2009-2014) and the start of the third (Z52, 2015-2016). The causes and diagnostic principles for P0442 are the same for both. The EVAP vent control valve (14935-JF00E) and purge valve (14930-JA10A) are often shared across these years, but the gas cap part number may differ (e.g., 17251-1AA0A for Z51, 17251-3JA0A for Z52).

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• A faint fuel odor may be present, though this is not common.
• A 'Loose Fuel Cap' warning may appear on the dash.
• In rare cases of a blocked vent valve, you may have difficulty refueling the vehicle.
• Hard starting immediately after refueling can occur if the purge valve is stuck open.

Most Likely Causes

1. Loose or Faulty Gas Cap 🔴 High Probability Nissan TSBs NTB13-097J and NTB09020F specifically identify a loose or faulty fuel filler cap as a primary trigger for this code. The rubber seal on the cap can also wear out, crack, or harden over time, preventing a proper seal.
   How to confirm: Remove the gas cap, inspect the rubber O-ring for cracks or damage, and check the fuel filler neck for rust or debris. Reinstall the cap, ensuring it clicks at least once. Clear the code and see if it returns after a few drive cycles.
   Typical fix: Tighten or replace the gas cap. It is highly recommended to use a genuine OEM Nissan cap, as aftermarket caps are known to cause sealing issues. A rusty filler neck sealing surface can be cleaned to ensure a good seal.
   Est. part cost: $20-$40
2. Faulty EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve 🟡 Medium Probability This valve is located underneath the rear of the car, where it is exposed to road debris, salt, and moisture. This can cause it to stick open or closed, or for its solenoid to fail. It is also a known spot for spiders to build webs, causing a blockage that triggers a P0442 or other EVAP codes.
   How to confirm: The valve can be tested with a capable scan tool that can command it to open and close while listening for a click. Alternatively, it can be removed and bench-tested by applying 9-12V power to its terminals to see if it actuates with a click. A visual inspection may reveal heavy corrosion, dirt, or even spider webs inside the valve housing.
   Typical fix: In some cases, the valve can be removed, cleaned with water and compressed air, and reinstalled. However, replacement is often necessary. The part is typically a simple twist-lock installation.
   Est. part cost: $50-$120
3. Cracked or Disconnected EVAP Hoses ⚪ Low Probability Over time, the rubber and plastic hoses that make up the EVAP system can become brittle and develop small cracks, especially at connection points or bends, particularly the small vacuum lines in the engine bay near the purge valve.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect all accessible EVAP lines, from the engine bay to the rear of the vehicle. Squeezing or bending the hoses can reveal hidden cracks. A smoke test is the most effective way to find a small, hard-to-see leak in a hose.
   Typical fix: Replace the cracked section of hose. In some cases, you can trim the end of the hose and re-secure it if the crack is near the end.
   Est. part cost: $10-$50
4. Faulty EVAP Purge Valve/Solenoid ⚪ Low Probability This valve, located in the engine bay on the driver's side of the intake plenum, can fail and get stuck slightly open, creating a leak path. While less common than the vent valve for a P0442, it is a known failure point that can also cause hard starting after refueling.
   How to confirm: With the engine off, the valve should be closed. Disconnect the hose leading from the valve to the intake manifold and try to blow through it or apply vacuum with a hand pump. It should hold vacuum/pressure. If air passes through, the valve is leaking internally and needs replacement.
   Typical fix: Replace the purge valve assembly.
   Est. part cost: $150-$250

Rare But Worth Checking

• Cracked Charcoal Canister: The plastic body of the charcoal canister can develop hairline cracks, causing a leak. This is usually found only with a smoke test after all other components have been checked.
• Leaking Fuel Tank or Filler Neck: Severe rust and corrosion on the fuel filler neck can prevent the gas cap from sealing properly. A leak in the fuel tank itself is rare but possible and would typically be accompanied by a strong fuel smell.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the code with an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0442.
2. Inspect the gas cap. Remove it, check the seal for cracks, and clean the sealing surface on the filler neck. Reinstall it until it clicks several times.
3. Clear the code with the scanner. Per Nissan TSB NTB13-097g, a test drive is not necessary; the onboard diagnostic will run on its own.
4. If the code returns, perform a thorough visual inspection of all visible EVAP hoses and lines, especially near the purge solenoid in the engine bay and around the charcoal canister in the rear.
5. Locate the EVAP canister vent control valve. On the Murano, it is mounted on or next to the charcoal canister, which is located under the vehicle near the rear axle. Inspect its wiring and consider removing it for cleaning or bench testing with a 9-12V source.
6. Locate and test the purge valve in the engine bay. With the engine off, disconnect its hoses and check if it's leaking internally by blowing through it.
7. If the leak source is still not apparent, the most effective next step is to perform a smoke test. This involves injecting low-pressure smoke into the EVAP system's service port to pinpoint the exact location of the leak.
🎬 Watch: A helpful guide on how to perform an EVAP smoke test.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Fuel Filler Cap (OEM #17251-1AA0A (2009-2014), 17251-3JA0A (2015-2016)) — This is the most common cause of a P0442 code due to a loose fit or a worn-out seal. Nissan specifically recommends checking this first per TSB NTB13-097g.
  Trusted brands: Nissan (OEM), Duralast, Motorad
  OEM price range: $25-$40
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$25
• EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve (OEM #14935-JF00E (supersedes 14935-JF00A, 14935-JF00B, 14935-JF00C, 14935-JF00D; may be replaced by 14935-JF02C)) — A very common failure point on Nissan vehicles. It gets stuck due to dirt, corrosion, or even spider webs, causing a persistent leak code after the gas cap has been ruled out.
  Trusted brands: Nissan (OEM), Dorman, Bosch, SKP, Hitachi
  OEM price range: $60-$100
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$80
• EVAP Canister Purge Valve (OEM #14930-JA10A, 14930-JA10B) — Though less common for this code than the vent valve, this engine-bay-mounted valve can leak and is a potential cause, often leading to hard starts after refueling.
  Trusted brands: Nissan (OEM), Delphi, Hitachi
  OEM price range: $200-$250
  Aftermarket price range: $100-$180

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0456 — P0456 indicates a 'Very Small EVAP Leak.' The same underlying fault can sometimes be interpreted by the ECU as either a small or very small leak, depending on test conditions. Nissan TSBs often group P0442, P0455, and P0456 together.
• P0455 — P0455 indicates a 'Gross EVAP Leak.' If a component like the vent valve is stuck wide open or the gas cap is left off entirely, the system may register a large leak instead of a small one.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• NTB13-097J: 'EVAP LEAK DTC P0442, P0455, P0456 INFORMATION' - This is the main TSB from Nissan advising technicians to check the fuel cap first and providing a diagnostic flowchart.
• NTB09020F: 'SERVICE INFORMATION' - An earlier TSB that also points to a loose fuel fill cap as a likely cause for EVAP codes on 2007-2011 Nissans.
• NTB17-082a: 'DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING' - While for a P0456, this TSB is relevant as it shows that sometimes only the O-ring on the vent valve is the source of the leak, not the valve itself.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Vent Control Valve Contamination: On the Nissan Murano, the EVAP vent control valve is mounted under the rear of the vehicle, making it highly susceptible to contamination from road dirt, water, and debris. Owners on forums and in DIY videos frequently report that removing and cleaning the valve can be a temporary fix, but due to its design and location, replacement is often the permanent solution. A popular DIY video on YouTube by 'The DIY Yardie' shows this exact cleaning process on a 2009 Murano to resolve a P0442 code.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• EVAP Canister Purge Valve Resistance — expected: 15 to 30 Ohms (general Nissan specification). Failure: A reading significantly outside this range, or an open circuit (infinite resistance), indicates a failed solenoid coil.
• EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve Function — expected: Audible click when 9-12V is applied; valve should close and hold air pressure.. Failure: No click when voltage is applied, or air can still be blown through the valve when energized, indicates a failed solenoid or a stuck-open valve.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• Mode 6, Monitor ID $3B: This monitor ID relates to the EVAP system leak test for a 0.040" leak, which corresponds to the P0442 code. Viewing the test results can confirm if the system is failing this specific self-test. (see via An advanced OBD-II scan tool with Mode 6 data viewing capabilities.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Nissan CONSULT-III or advanced aftermarket scanner: EVAP System Test / Active Test: Vent Valve Close — This command manually closes the normally-open vent valve, which is essential for sealing the EVAP system before performing a smoke test or a pressure/vacuum decay test to find the leak's source.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• EVAP Component Ground — A common ground point for engine components is located under the battery tray. On older models, this ground wire is known to corrode and break.. A poor ground can cause intermittent or incorrect operation of the EVAP vent and purge solenoids, leading to false codes or erratic behavior that is difficult to diagnose with a smoke test.
• E21 — Located in the left rear of the engine compartment.. This is a primary ground distribution point for various engine control components. Verifying its integrity is a key step in diagnosing complex electrical issues.
• EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve Connector — At the vent valve itself, located near the charcoal canister at the rear of the vehicle.. This is the connection point for testing voltage and ground signals sent from the ECM to the valve. One pin should have battery voltage with the key on, and the other is the ground signal controlled by the ECM.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube channel 'DIY Yardie' (2009 Nissan Murano) — Check Engine Light with code P0442.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) The owner did not report trying other fixes first.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The owner removed the EVAP canister vent control valve, tested it with a 9V battery and confirmed it clicked (was not electrically failed). He then thoroughly cleaned it by running it under a faucet and blowing it out with compressed air. After reinstalling the cleaned original valve and clearing the code, the issue was resolved without replacing any parts.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 14935-JF00A, 14935-JF00B, 14935-JF00C, 14935-JF00D, 14935-JF00E → 14935-JF02C — Standard part revision and improvement by the manufacturer.
  Heads up: The newest part number, 14935-JF02C, is the correct service replacement for all the previous versions and should be used for repairs.
• 14930-JA10A → 14930-JA10B — Standard part revision for the EVAP Canister Purge Valve.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2009-2014 (Z51 Generation): Uses fuel cap P/N 17251-1AA0A. The EVAP vent control valve removal is a press-and-twist style.
• 2015-2016 (Z52 Generation): Uses fuel cap P/N 17251-3JA0A. While many EVAP components are shared with the previous generation, always verify part numbers by VIN for this transitional period.