P0455 on 2009-2016 Nissan Murano: EVAP Large Leak Causes and Fixes - Gas Cap, Vent Valve, and More

What's Unique About the 2009-2016 Nissan MURANO

On many Nissan vehicles of this era, including the Murano, the P0455 code is frequently caused by a failed EVAP canister vent control valve. While a loose gas cap is always the first thing to check, this specific valve is a known common failure point. 🎬 Watch this complete guide to fixing P0455 on a Nissan. It is a normally-open valve that can get stuck open due to internal corrosion or debris (like dust from dirt roads), creating a permanent large leak that the system detects during its self-test. The issue is prevalent across both the second (2009-2014) and third (2015-2016) generations of the Murano covered in this guide.

Diagnostic Flowchart

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

Generation note: This range covers two Murano generations: the second-gen (Z51, 2009-2014) and the start of the third-gen (Z52, 2015-2016). The EVAP system design and common failure points, such as the gas cap and vent control valve, are similar across these years and shared with many other Nissan models on the 'D' platform.

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• A faint smell of fuel, especially around the rear of the vehicle near the gas tank.
• The vehicle will fail an emissions test.
• Difficulty starting the engine immediately after refueling (a symptom often tied to a faulty purge or vent valve).

Most Likely Causes

1. Loose, Damaged, or Incorrect Gas Cap 🔴 High Probability This is the most common cause for a P0455 code on any vehicle. The gas cap seal can wear out, get damaged, or the cap may not have been tightened properly after refueling. Nissan TSB NTB09020F and NTB13-097J both explicitly identify a loose or faulty fuel fill cap as a primary potential cause for P0455.
   How to confirm: Inspect the gas cap for any visible cracks on the cap or its rubber O-ring seal. Ensure it is tightened until it clicks at least once. If the seal is worn, stiff, or damaged, replacement is the best option. An aftermarket cap can sometimes cause this code if its seal doesn't meet OEM specifications.
   Typical fix: Tighten or replace the fuel filler cap. An OEM replacement is often recommended.
   Est. part cost: $25-$40 for OEM
2. Failed EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve 🔴 High Probability This valve is a very common failure point on many Nissan models. It is located in a vulnerable area under the rear of the car, exposed to road debris and moisture. It can get stuck open, creating a permanent large leak that the system detects during its self-test.
   How to confirm: The valve is located bolted to the charcoal canister, which is at the rear of the vehicle, often above the rear subframe. It can be tested by applying 12v power to its two terminals; a healthy valve will 'click' shut. If it doesn't click, or if you can still blow air through it when power is applied, it has failed. A professional can also command it closed with a scan tool to test the seal.
   Typical fix: Replace the EVAP canister vent control valve. The OEM part number is often updated; a common replacement is 14935-JF02C, which supersedes older versions like 14935-JF00A.
   Est. part cost: $50-$120
3. Cracked or Disconnected EVAP Hoses 🟡 Medium Probability Rubber hoses can become brittle and crack over time due to age and exposure to the elements. A disconnected or broken hose creates a large leak. This can happen to any of the lines running from the tank to the canister or from the canister to the purge valve in the engine bay.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect all accessible EVAP lines running from the fuel tank and charcoal canister to the engine bay. Pay close attention to connection points. A smoke test is the most effective way to find a leak that isn't obvious, as it will make the vapor leak visible.
   Typical fix: Replace the cracked section of hose or reconnect a loose line. A simple hose clamp can sometimes fix a loose connection.
   Est. part cost: $10-$50
4. Failed EVAP Purge Solenoid Valve ⚪ Low Probability While less common than the vent valve for a large leak, the purge valve (located in the engine bay) can fail by getting stuck open. This would create a constant vacuum leak into the intake manifold.
   How to confirm: With the engine off, disconnect the hose leading from the charcoal canister to the purge valve and try to blow through the valve. If air passes through, it is stuck open and has failed. It should be normally closed with the engine off.
   Typical fix: Replace the purge solenoid valve.
   Est. part cost: $40-$90

Rare But Worth Checking

• Cracked Charcoal Canister: The plastic housing of the charcoal canister can crack from road debris, impact, or age, creating a large leak. This should be inspected during a smoke test if other, more common causes have been ruled out.
• Leaking Fuel Filler Neck: The metal tube leading from the gas cap to the fuel tank can rust and develop holes, particularly in areas where road salt is used (the 'salt belt'). This will create an EVAP leak that a new gas cap cannot fix. A visual inspection or smoke test will reveal leaks here.
• Failed Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor: A faulty fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor can send incorrect data to the ECM, making it believe there is a large leak when there isn't one. This is a less common cause and should be considered after physical leaks have been ruled out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the code with an OBD-II scanner to confirm P0455 is present.
2. Inspect the gas cap. Remove it, check the seal for cracks or damage, and reinstall it, ensuring it clicks several times. Clear the code and drive for a few days to see if it returns. This is the simplest and most common fix.
3. If the code returns, perform a thorough visual inspection of all accessible EVAP hoses between the engine bay and the fuel tank area for obvious cracks, rot, or disconnections.
4. Locate the EVAP canister vent control valve. On the Murano, it is bolted to the charcoal canister, which is located at the rear of the vehicle, above the rear subframe, usually on the driver's side. Inspect it for cracks. Test its function by applying 12v power or using a scan tool to command it closed. If it fails to operate or seal, it must be replaced.
5. If the leak source is still not found, a smoke test is the most effective next step. This involves injecting pressurized, vaporized mineral oil (smoke) into the EVAP system's service port. Smoke will escape from the point of the leak, making it easy to pinpoint.
6. Based on the smoke test results, replace the faulty component. This could be a hose, the purge valve, the charcoal canister, the vent valve O-ring, or the fuel filler neck.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Fuel Cap (OEM #17251-1AA0A (Verify with VIN, but this is common for Z51 gen)) — This is the simplest and most frequent cause of a P0455 code. The seal wears out or the cap is not tightened correctly.
  Trusted brands: Nissan OE, Stant, Motorad
  OEM price range: $25-$40
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$25
• EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve (OEM #14935-JF02C (Supersedes 14935-JF00A, 14935-JF00B, etc.)) — This is a very common failure item on Nissan vehicles that gets stuck open due to debris or corrosion, causing a large leak.
  Trusted brands: Nissan OE, Bosch, Dorman (P/N 911-504), Hitachi
  OEM price range: $90-$150
  Aftermarket price range: $50-$100

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0442 — This code indicates a small EVAP leak. Sometimes a component on the verge of failure (like a deteriorating hose or valve seal) may initially cause an intermittent or small leak before it fails completely and registers as a large leak (P0455).
• P0456 — This code indicates a very small EVAP leak. As with P0442, it can sometimes appear before a larger failure triggers P0455. Nissan TSBs often group P0442, P0455, and P0456 together as related EVAP leak codes requiring a similar diagnostic flow.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• NTB13-097J: EVAP LEAK DTC P0442, P0455, P0456 INFORMATION
• NTB09020F: SERVICE INFORMATION (regarding loose fuel fill cap causing P0442, P0455, P0456)
• NTB17-082E

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Nissan Technical Service Bulletin NTB09020F explicitly states that for 2007-2011 models, a loose fuel fill cap may be the cause for P0455.
• Multiple Nissan TSBs (including NTB13-097J) group P0455 with P0442 and P0456, indicating a common diagnostic path for all EVAP leak sizes, starting with the gas cap.
• A separate TSB, NTB17-082E, addresses a P0456 (very small leak) caused by a faulty O-ring on the vent control valve. While for a smaller leak, it highlights the valve assembly as a known weak point that could degrade further to cause a P0455.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• EVAP Canister Purge Solenoid Valve Resistance — expected: 15 to 30 Ohms is a common range; one source cited 36 Ohms at 55-60°F as a good reading.. Failure: An open circuit (infinite resistance) or a reading significantly outside the expected range indicates a failed coil.
• EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve Resistance — expected: Typically between 20 and 50 Ohms.. Failure: A reading far outside this range suggests the internal coil has failed.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Nissan CONSULT or advanced bidirectional scanner: EVAP System Leak Test / Vent Valve Control — This function allows a technician to command the normally-open EVAP vent valve to close. This seals the system for testing. With the valve commanded shut, a technician can then perform a smoke test or monitor the fuel tank pressure sensor for a pressure drop to confirm a leak. On some models like a 2015 Murano, full bidirectional control may be limited, but the valve can still be tested manually by applying 12V power to see if it closes.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve — At the rear of the vehicle, mounted on or near the charcoal canister. The canister is typically located above the rear subframe, often behind the passenger-side rear wheel.. This is the most common failure point for a P0455 after the gas cap. Its location makes it vulnerable to road debris and corrosion, causing it to get stuck open. Knowing its location is critical for inspection and replacement.
• EVAP Canister Purge Volume Control Solenoid Valve — In the engine bay, located on the top, driver's side of the intake plenum.. This valve can get stuck open, causing a P0455 code. While less common than the vent valve, it must be tested. It is normally closed when the engine is off.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• RepairPal (Nissan Murano (model years not specified, but problem is common to the platform)) — Persistent Check Engine Light with code P0455.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Replacing vacuum lines, Replacing catalytic converters, Replacing O2 sensors, Replacing the gas cap, Replacing an EVAP valve (unspecified which one initially)
  ✅ What actually fixed it The report suggests the root cause is often a poorly designed EVAP vent valve that fails repeatedly, requiring a professional diagnosis to pinpoint rather than just replacing parts. The final fix is the correct identification and replacement of the faulty vent valve assembly.

"I Checked Everything" — The Actual Cause

• If a smoke test of the EVAP system does not reveal any leaks, the issue may not be a physical leak in a hose or component. In these cases, the problem could be a faulty Fuel Tank Pressure (FTP) sensor providing incorrect readings to the computer, or a poor seal between the gas cap and the fuel filler neck that doesn't show up on a standard smoke test.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 14935-JF00A → 14935-JF02C — The EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve has undergone multiple revisions by Nissan to improve its design and address common failures like getting stuck open or developing cracks.
  Heads up: The full supersession chain is 14935-JF00A, 14935-JF00B, 14935-JF00C, 14935-JF00D, 14935-JF00E, and finally 14935-JF02C. It is highly recommended to use the latest part number (14935-JF02C) to get the most current and reliable design.

Model Year Variations Within This Range

• 2009-2014 (Z51) vs. 2015-2016 (Z52): While the fundamental cause of P0455 (gas cap or vent valve) is consistent across the generation change, the physical layout of EVAP components, wiring harnesses, and specific part numbers may differ slightly. However, Nissan TSBs like NTB17-082b (for the related P0456 code) confirm that the vent valve assembly is a known issue on both Z51 and Z52 platforms, indicating a shared design weakness.