P0455 on 2012-2016 Nissan NV: EVAP Gross Leak Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2012-2016 Nissan NV

On many Nissan trucks and SUVs from this era built on the F-Alpha platform (including the NV, Titan, and Armada), the EVAP canister vent control valve is a notoriously common failure point that leads to P0455. The original valve design was prone to getting stuck open, especially from dust and debris, prompting Nissan to release updated parts. While the gas cap is always the first check, experienced Nissan technicians and owners often suspect the vent valve as the primary cause on these trucks.

Diagnostic Flowchart

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

Symptoms You May Notice

• Check Engine Light is on
• A faint smell of fuel, particularly around the rear of the vehicle
• Gas cap feels loose or doesn't 'click' when tightened
• Difficulty filling the fuel tank (gas pump nozzle clicks off repeatedly before the tank is full), which can indicate a stuck-closed or clogged vent valve.

Most Likely Causes

1. Loose or Faulty Gas Cap 🔴 High Probability The gas cap is a frequently used part and its seal can wear out over time. It's also easy to forget to tighten it properly after refueling. Nissan TSB NTB13-097J identifies this as the most common cause.
   How to confirm: Ensure the gas cap is tightened until it clicks several times. Inspect the cap's rubber seal for cracks, tears, or stiffness. If the cap or seal looks worn, it's best to replace it. A genuine OEM cap is strongly recommended as aftermarket caps can have sealing issues.
   Typical fix: Tighten or replace the gas cap. Always use a genuine OEM Nissan cap 🎬 Watch: Common causes and fixes for the P0455 code for a guaranteed proper seal.
   Est. part cost: $30-$50
2. Failed EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve 🔴 High Probability This is a very common failure on Nissan trucks of this generation. The valve gets stuck open due to dust, debris, or internal failure, creating a large leak. Nissan has updated the part design due to this issue. TSB NTB17-082E also points to the O-ring on this valve as a known leak point.
   How to confirm: The valve is located near the EVAP canister at the rear of the vehicle, in front of the driver's side rear tire. A smoke test is definitive. For DIY diagnosis, you can test the valve directly. Disconnect it and apply 12V power (e.g., with jumper wires from the battery); you should hear an audible 'click'. No click means the solenoid is seized. You can also test the two pins with a multimeter; resistance should typically be between 20-50 ohms. If it's stuck open, you may be able to blow through it when no power is applied.
   Typical fix: Replace the EVAP canister vent control valve. It's a relatively simple replacement, often just twisting out of the canister after disconnecting a hose and electrical connector. Be prepared for the hose to be brittle or stuck on.
   Est. part cost: $60-$110
3. Cracked or Disconnected EVAP Hose 🟡 Medium Probability Rubber hoses become brittle with age and exposure to heat and the elements, leading to cracks, especially at connection points.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect all EVAP hoses running from the fuel tank to the charcoal canister and up to the engine bay. A smoke test is the most effective method, as it will clearly show smoke exiting from any cracks or loose connections.
   Typical fix: Replace the damaged section of hose and secure with new clamps.
   Est. part cost: $10-$30
4. Failed EVAP Canister Purge Volume Control Valve/Solenoid ⚪ Low Probability This valve, located in the engine bay, can also fail, but it's less common for P0455 than the rear vent valve. It typically gets stuck open.
   How to confirm: This is a normally-closed valve. A simple test is to remove the hose from the charcoal canister side, start the engine when it's cold, and feel the port on the valve. There should be no vacuum. After the engine warms up (5-10 mins), the valve should open and you'll feel a slight vacuum. If you feel vacuum immediately, it's stuck open.
   Typical fix: Replace the purge valve.
   Est. part cost: $50-$90

Rare But Worth Checking

• Cracked Charcoal Canister: The canister itself can develop a crack from road debris or age, creating a large leak. This is usually found during a smoke test after all other components have been checked.
• Leaking Fuel Tank Filler Neck: Rust or corrosion on the filler neck where the gas cap seals can prevent a proper seal, mimicking a bad gas cap. A visual inspection will reveal any significant rust or damage.
• Failed Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor: Less commonly, the sensor itself can fail. This may not cause a physical leak, but it can send incorrect data to the vehicle's computer, making it believe a large leak exists when one does not.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check the gas cap. Remove it and retighten it until it clicks at least three times. Clear the code and drive for a few days to see if it returns. This is the first step recommended by Nissan TSB NTB13-097J.
2. Visually inspect the gas cap's seal for cracks, tearing, or stiffness. If it looks worn, replace it with a genuine Nissan cap.
3. Perform a thorough visual inspection of all accessible EVAP hoses and lines from the engine bay to the fuel tank. Look for obvious cracks, breaks, or disconnected lines.
4. Locate the EVAP canister and vent control valve at the rear of the vehicle, near the fuel tank. Check for any visible damage or loose connections.
5. Test the vent control valve. Apply 12V power to its electrical connector pins and listen for a 'click'. No click indicates a failed solenoid.
6. The most effective diagnostic step is to perform a smoke test. A smoke machine injects low-pressure smoke into the EVAP system via a service port. The leak will be revealed by the smoke exiting the system.
7. If smoke exits the vent control valve, the valve has failed and needs to be replaced.
8. If smoke exits from a hose, the canister, or the filler neck, that component is the source of the leak.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Fuel Cap (OEM #17251-1PA0B) — This is the most common cause and the first thing to check. The seal wears out over time. Part listings confirm fitment for 2012 NV models.
  Trusted brands: Nissan Genuine Parts
  OEM price range: $30-$45
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$25
• EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve (OEM #14935-JF00E (Superseded by 14935-JF02C)) — This is a very common failure point on Nissan trucks and SUVs, often getting stuck open from dust and debris. The original part 14935-JF00E has been updated by Nissan to 14935-JF02C, which should be used for replacement.
  Trusted brands: Nissan Genuine Parts, Hitachi
  OEM price range: $60-$110
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$80

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0442 — P0442 is for a small EVAP leak. Sometimes a deteriorating component, like a vent valve O-ring, will first cause a small leak before it fails completely and causes a large leak (P0455).
• P0456 — P0456 is for a very small EVAP leak. Similar to P0442, it can be a precursor to the larger leak detected by P0455 as a component continues to degrade. TSB NTB17-082E specifically links P0456 to a failing vent valve O-ring.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• NTB13-097J: EVAP LEAK DTC P0442, P0455, P0456 INFORMATION
• NTB17-082E: DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Nissan issued Technical Service Bulletin NTB13-097J which addresses diagnostic information for EVAP leak codes P0442, P0455, and P0456 on all 2012 and newer Nissan vehicles. It stresses checking the fuel cap first and warns dealers that warranty claims for replaced parts found to be functional will be charged back.
• Nissan TSB NTB17-082E specifically identifies a leak at the EVAP vent control valve O-ring as a cause for code P0456 (very small leak), which further implicates the valve assembly as a common weak point that can degrade and eventually cause a P0455 large leak.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• EVAP Canister Purge Volume Control Solenoid Valve Resistance — expected: 15 to 30 Ohms. Failure: A reading significantly outside this range, or an open circuit (infinite resistance), indicates a failed coil in the solenoid.
• Fuel Tank Pressure (FTP) Sensor Voltage (General) — expected: Approximately 1.5V with no pressure/vacuum in the tank (atmospheric pressure). A normal operating range is often between 1.3V and 1.7V.. Failure: A reading stuck low (near 0V - 0.3V) or high (near 5V) regardless of tank pressure suggests a faulty sensor or wiring issue.

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 code P0442, but is relevant to the system's integrity). (see via An advanced OBD-II scan tool that can display Mode 6 test results.)
• Mode 6, Monitor ID $3D: This monitor ID is also associated with EVAP system self-tests on Nissan vehicles. The specific Test ID under this monitor will have values that must be within a certain range to pass. (see via An advanced OBD-II scan tool that can display Mode 6 test results.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Nissan CONSULT-III plus (or equivalent advanced 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 to perform a smoke test or a pressure/vacuum decay test to find the source of a leak.
• Nissan Essential Tool J-42909 (EVAP Service Port Adapter): EVAP System Leak Check — This is the dealer-specified tool for connecting a smoke machine or pressure tester to the EVAP service port to perform a system leak check as outlined in TSB NTB13-097g.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• EVAP Control System Pressure Sensor — Located at the front of the fuel tank.. This sensor provides the pressure readings the ECM uses to detect leaks. A faulty sensor, wiring, or poor connection at its connector (F14) could mimic a leak.
• ECM (Engine Control Module) — Located in the right rear corner of the engine compartment.. The ECM is the computer that receives data from the EVAP pressure sensor and controls the purge and vent valves. All related wiring terminates here.
• Connector F14 — The electrical connector for the EVAP Control System Pressure Sensor at the fuel tank.. A corroded or loose connection at this point can cause incorrect pressure readings, leading to a false P0455 code.
• Data Link Connector (OBD-II Port) — Located under the left side of the dash.. This is the primary interface for scanning codes, viewing live data, and performing bidirectional tests on the EVAP system.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube channel 'Beginner way' (2016 Nissan NV 3500) — Persistent P0448 code (EVAP Vent Control Circuit), which is closely related to the vent valve that causes P0455.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Testing the vent control valve electrically., Measuring power to the valve., Clearing the code, only for it to return immediately.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The owner discovered the EVAP canister and vent valve area were severely clogged with dirt and debris. After thoroughly cleaning the components and blowing out all the dirt with compressed air, the code was cleared and did not return after more than 9 days and 500 miles of driving.

"I Checked Everything" — The Actual Cause

• In some cases, a smoke test may not reveal a leak, but the P0455 code persists. This can happen if the Fuel Tank Pressure (FTP) sensor itself has failed. The sensor may send incorrect data to the computer, making it believe a large leak exists when the system is actually sealed. In this scenario, the sensor's voltage output should be tested directly.

When the Usual Fixes Don't Work

• While replacing the EVAP vent control valve is a very common fix, it is not always the solution even when the symptoms point to it. A documented case on a 2016 NV3500 showed that a related EVAP code (P0448) was not resolved by testing the valve, which appeared to be functional. The actual root cause was a severe buildup of dirt and debris physically obstructing the valve and canister area. A thorough cleaning with compressed air resolved the issue without any parts being replaced, highlighting the importance of physical inspection in addition to electrical testing.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 14935-JF00A, 14935-JF00B, 14935-JF00C, 14935-JF00D, 14935-JF00E → 14935-JF02C — The original valve design was prone to failure. The new part is an updated design for better durability and resistance to sticking.
  Heads up: The newer part number 14935-JF02C is the correct replacement for all previous versions and should be used for repairs.