P0455 on 2007-2009 Nissan Quest: EVAP Large Leak Causes and Fixes

What's Unique About the 2007-2009 Nissan QUEST

The 2007-2009 Nissan Quest, part of the third generation (V42), shares a common EVAP system design with many other Nissan and Infiniti vehicles of this era that use the VQ35DE engine. 🎬 Watch: Locate the EVAP and EGR components on your Quest. A frequent point of failure is the EVAP canister vent control valve, located at the rear of the vehicle near the charcoal canister. This valve is exposed to road debris and moisture, which can cause its internal plunger to corrode or get stuck open with dirt, creating a large leak. Nissan has updated the design and part number for this valve multiple times, indicating a known issue with the original part.

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 gasoline, especially around the rear of the vehicle or after filling up.
• Inability to pass an emissions inspection
• In some cases, difficulty refueling where the gas pump nozzle clicks off prematurely.

Most Likely Causes

1. Loose or Faulty Gas Cap 🔴 High Probability The gas cap seal is a critical part of the EVAP system. Over time, the rubber seal can dry out, crack, or the cap's ratchet mechanism can fail, preventing a proper seal. This is a common issue on all vehicles and is explicitly mentioned in Nissan TSB NTB09-020F as a primary cause for this code on 2007-2011 Nissan vehicles. Using an incorrect or cheap aftermarket cap can also cause sealing issues.
   How to confirm: Inspect the gas cap for any visible cracks or damage to the seal. Ensure it is tightened until it clicks at least once. If the cap looks old or worn, replacement is a cheap and effective first step. Sometimes the tether can get caught under the cap, preventing a seal.
   Typical fix: Tighten the existing cap or replace it with a new one. It is highly recommended to use a genuine OEM Nissan cap, 🎬 See this simple fix to try before buying any parts. as some aftermarket caps may not seal correctly.
   Est. part cost: $15-$30
2. Failed EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve 🔴 High Probability This valve is located under the vehicle near the rear passenger-side wheel, where it is exposed to road salt and moisture. This exposure causes corrosion and allows dirt and debris to enter the valve, making the solenoid plunger stick open and creating a large leak that triggers P0455. 🎬 Watch: How to diagnose and replace a faulty vent control valve. It is a very common failure point on Nissans of this era, including the Quest, Murano, and various Infiniti models.
   How to confirm: The valve can be tested by applying 12V power to its terminals to see if it actuates (clicks). A more definitive method is to perform a smoke test on the EVAP system; if the valve is stuck open, smoke will exit from it. Visually, the old valve may be filled with dirt.
   Typical fix: Replace the vent control valve. It is attached to the EVAP canister with a twist-lock mechanism and is accessible from under the vehicle. The new part often comes with a new O-ring.
   Est. part cost: $40-$100
3. Cracked or Disconnected EVAP Hose 🟡 Medium Probability Rubber hoses can become brittle and crack over time due to age and heat cycles. A disconnected or cracked hose, particularly the larger lines running to the charcoal canister or from the filler neck, can easily cause a large leak.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect all accessible EVAP hoses for cracks, brittleness, or loose connections. A smoke test is the most effective way to find a leak in a hose that is not easily visible.
   Typical fix: Replace the damaged section of hose. Ensure all connections are secure.
   Est. part cost: $10-$50
4. Failed EVAP Purge Valve/Solenoid ⚪ Low Probability The purge valve is located in the engine bay and is generally less exposed to the elements than the vent valve. While it can fail by getting stuck open, it's less common for it to be the source of a P0455 code compared to the vent valve on this platform.
   How to confirm: With the engine running, disconnect the vacuum hose from the valve. There should be no suction at idle. If there is, the valve is stuck open and needs to be replaced. A scan tool can also be used to command the valve open and closed to test its function.
   Typical fix: Replace the purge valve.
   Est. part cost: $30-$80

Rare But Worth Checking

• Cracked EVAP Charcoal Canister: The plastic housing of the canister can crack from age or impact from road debris, creating a large leak. This is usually found during a smoke test when other common components have been ruled out.
• Leaking Fuel Tank Filler Neck: Corrosion, especially in regions that use road salt, can cause pinholes or cracks in the metal filler neck where you insert the gas pump nozzle, allowing vapors to escape. A smoke test is the best way to identify this, as smoke will be seen escaping from the filler neck area.
• Faulty Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor: In rare cases, the sensor that monitors EVAP system pressure can fail and send incorrect data to the computer, tricking it into thinking there is a leak when there isn't one. This is a possibility after other components have been ruled out.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Check the Gas Cap: Remove the gas cap, inspect the seal for cracks or damage, and check that the tether isn't caught. Reinstall it, ensuring it clicks several times. Clear the code and drive for a few days to see if it returns. This is the most common and cheapest fix.
2. Visual Inspection: Look under the vehicle near the rear passenger wheel for the EVAP canister and vent valve. Inspect the valve, canister, and all connected hoses for obvious cracks, damage, or loose connections. Also inspect the fuel filler neck for significant rust or damage.
3. Test the EVAP Vent Control Valve: If accessible, you can test the valve by applying 12 volts to its electrical pins. You should hear a distinct click as it opens or closes. If it doesn't click, or if it's full of dirt, it has likely failed.
4. Perform a Smoke Test: This is the most effective way to find the leak. A smoke machine forces low-pressure smoke into the EVAP system via a service port. Smoke will exit from any leak, whether it's a cracked hose, a faulty valve, a bad canister seal, or a rusted filler neck.
5. Test the Purge Valve: Locate the purge valve in the engine bay. With the engine running at idle, disconnect the hose leading from the valve to the intake manifold and check for vacuum. There should be none. If there is, the valve is stuck open.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• Fuel Cap (OEM #17251-ZZ62D) — This is the most frequent cause of P0455, as highlighted by Nissan TSBs. The seal wears out or the cap is not tightened properly, causing a large leak. Using a genuine Nissan cap is recommended for a proper seal.
  Trusted brands: Nissan (Genuine), Stant
  OEM price range: $20-$30
  Aftermarket price range: $15-$25
• EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve (OEM #14935-JF00A) — This valve is a known high-failure part on this platform due to its location under the vehicle, which exposes it to the elements. It often gets stuck open with dirt and corrosion, causing a large leak. This part has been superseded multiple times, with newer versions including 14935-JF00B and 14935-JF02C, indicating an updated design.
  Trusted brands: Nissan (Genuine), Dorman (e.g., 911-503), Standard Motor Products (SMP), SKP
  OEM price range: $80-$110
  Aftermarket price range: $40-$70

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P0442 — This code indicates a small EVAP leak. Sometimes a component is beginning to fail and may initially set a P0442 before the leak worsens and triggers a P0455. Both can be caused by the same faulty components.
• P0456 — This code indicates a very small EVAP leak. Like P0442, it can appear alongside P0455 if the system has multiple leaks of different sizes or a component is failing intermittently. TSB NTB09-020F groups these three codes together with the gas cap as a primary cause.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• NTB09-020F: States that a loose fuel fill cap may be the cause for EVAP leak codes P0442, P0455, or P0456.

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Per Nissan Technical Service Bulletin NTB09-020F, a loose fuel filler cap is a primary suspect for EVAP codes P0442, P0455, or P0456 on 2007-2011 Nissan models. Always check this first.
• The EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve's location behind the rear passenger wheel makes it highly susceptible to dirt and moisture, leading to frequent failures on the Quest and its platform mates. Owners often find the old valve full of dirt upon removal.

Mechanic-Grade Diagnostic Values

• EVAP Purge Valve Solenoid Coil Resistance — expected: Approximately 30-36 Ohms at room temperature (around 68-70°F).. Failure: A reading of 0 Ohms (short circuit), infinite/OL (open circuit), or a very high resistance value indicates a failed coil.
• Fuel Tank Pressure (FTP) Sensor Voltage — expected: Approximately 1.3V to 1.7V with the gas cap off (atmospheric pressure). The voltage should vary between approximately 0.5V and 4.5V depending on the pressure/vacuum in the tank.. Failure: A reading stuck at 0V or 5V, or a reading that does not change when vacuum/pressure is applied to the system, points to a faulty sensor or wiring issue.

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• Nissan CONSULT (or advanced bidirectional scan tool): EVAP System Leak Test / Active Test — This function allows a technician to command the EVAP system's solenoids (purge valve, vent valve) to close, sealing the system. This is a necessary step before performing a smoke test or a vacuum decay test to accurately check for leaks without the valves operating normally.
• Nissan CONSULT (or advanced bidirectional scan tool): Purge Volume Control Valve Test — This command manually opens and closes the purge valve. A technician can use this to verify the valve is not stuck. While the command is active, they can check for vacuum flow or listen for the valve clicking, confirming its mechanical and electrical operation without having to remove it.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• EVAP Canister Vent Control Valve — Under the left rear of the vehicle, mounted on or near the charcoal canister.. This is the physical location for the most common failed part besides the gas cap. Knowing its location is critical for inspection and replacement.
• EVAP Control System Pressure Sensor — Under the right rear of the vehicle, mounted on the EVAP canister.. This sensor provides the pressure readings to the ECM. A fault here can mimic a leak. Its location is needed for testing voltage and connections.
• EVAP Canister Purge Volume Control Valve — In the engine compartment, on the right front of the engine.. This valve is a less common but possible cause. Its location is needed for testing. A wiring diagram shows it connected to the ECM.
• Ground E9 — Located in the right rear of the engine compartment.. This is a ground point for the ECM, which controls the entire EVAP system. A poor ground here could cause erratic behavior of EVAP solenoids and sensors, leading to false codes.

Real Owner Repair Stories

• YouTube video on a 2009 Nissan Frontier (similar EVAP system) (2009 Nissan Frontier XE) — Check Engine Light with code P0455.
  ❌ Tried (didn't work) Clearing the code (it returned)., Inspecting and tightening the gas cap., Performing a visual inspection of all EVAP hoses., Performing a low-pressure smoke test using incense, which did not reveal any visible leaks.
  ✅ What actually fixed it The EVAP canister vent control valve was removed and found to be full of dirt and debris. After cleaning the valve thoroughly and reinstalling it, the code was cleared and did not return. The ultimate fix was servicing the contaminated vent control valve.

"I Checked Everything" — The Actual Cause

• In some cases, a smoke test may not reveal a leak if the EVAP canister vent control valve is intermittently sticking or if the leak only occurs under specific vacuum conditions created by the ECM's self-test. A user on a forum reported having a P0455 code return even after a smoke test found no leaks; the issue was not resolved in the thread, highlighting the difficulty when standard tests pass.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 14935-JF00A → 14935-JF00B, 14935-JF00C, 14935-JF00D, 14935-JF00E, and finally 14935-JF02C. — The frequent supersessions indicate that Nissan made several design revisions to improve the durability and sealing of the EVAP canister vent control valve, likely to address the common failures from contamination and corrosion.
  Heads up: The latest part number, 14935-JF02C, is the recommended replacement for all previous versions and should be used to ensure the most updated design is installed.