P2402 on 2022 Volkswagen GTI: EVAP Leak Detection Pump Circuit High Causes & Fixes

What's Unique About the 2022-2022 Volkswagen GTI

The 2022 GTI is part of the Mk8 generation, which uses the EA888 Evo4 engine on the MQB Evo platform. While EVAP system components can fail on any car, the leak detection pump has become a notably common failure item on modern Volkswagens, including the GTI, Golf R, Atlas, and Taos. Forum discussions and YouTube repair videos specifically for the Mk8 GTI and Golf R confirm this is a frequent issue, often failing within the first 10,000-30,000 miles and being replaced under warranty. The provided NHTSA technical service bulletins show that dealers are frequently seeing this code alongside other EVAP leak codes, indicating a pattern of issues with this system on recent VW models. [VIN4APIN20230522, VIN4APIN20230518, VIN4APIN20230330]

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.
• Vehicle will fail an emissions test.
• Fault code is stored and may return immediately or shortly after clearing if the pump is shorted.

Most Likely Causes

1. Faulty EVAP Leak Detection Pump (LDP) 🔴 High Probability This is a widely reported failure item on modern VW MQB platforms, including the Mk8 GTI, Golf R, and Atlas. The internal electronics of the pump can short, causing it to draw too much current and trigger the 'Circuit High' or 'Short to Plus' fault. Owners on forums for the Mk8 Golf R report this exact failure, often at low mileage.
   How to confirm: Using a capable OBD-II scanner (like VCDS or an Autel for VWs), run an output test on the leak detection pump (V144). If the old pump makes no noise or just clicks, while a new pump buzzes when activated, the old pump is bad. You can also check the resistance across the pump's pins with a multimeter; an out-of-spec or shorted reading indicates an internal failure.
   Typical fix: Replace the leak detection pump assembly. It is located behind the passenger-side rear wheel well liner, held by three T20 or T25 Torx screws. 🎬 Watch: How to replace the EVAP leak detection pump
   Est. part cost: $60-$100
2. Damaged Wiring or Corroded Connector 🟡 Medium Probability The pump is located in the wheel well, exposing its wiring and connector to road salt, water, and debris, which can lead to corrosion or physical damage over time.
   How to confirm: Visually inspect the wiring harness and connector going to the leak detection pump. Look for any green/white crust (corrosion), chafed or broken wires, or melted plastic. Use a multimeter to check for battery voltage on the power wire and a good ground at the connector with the key on. The control circuit is pulse-width modulated (PWM) by the ECM.
   Typical fix: Clean the connector pins with electrical contact cleaner. If wiring is damaged, repair the broken section and protect it with heat-shrink tubing.
   Est. part cost: $5-$50

Rare But Worth Checking

• Blown Fuse or Faulty Relay: A shorted leak detection pump can sometimes blow its associated fuse or damage the power supply relay (e.g., J757 on some older Audis). Always check the fuse after replacing a failed pump. The P2402 code specifically points to a 'circuit high' condition, which is more often the component itself shorting rather than an open fuse.
• Faulty Engine Control Module (ECM): This is very rare. The ECM's internal driver for the pump circuit can fail, but all other possibilities, especially the pump itself, should be exhausted before considering ECM replacement.

Diagnosis Steps

1. Read the fault codes with an OBD-II scanner to confirm P2402 is present and note any other codes.
2. Inspect the gas cap to ensure it is tight, but do not replace it as a primary fix for this specific code.
3. Raise the rear of the vehicle and remove the passenger-side rear wheel and felt fender liner to access the EVAP system components. The liner is held by T20/T25 Torx screws.
4. Locate the Leak Detection Pump (LDP). It is a black plastic assembly with an electrical connector and two hoses. Visually inspect its electrical connector and nearby wiring for any signs of corrosion, melting, or physical damage.
5. If a bidirectional scanner is available (like VCDS), navigate to the Engine Control Module (01) and perform an Output Test on the 'Leak Detection Pump (V144)'. Command the LDP to activate. Listen for a buzzing or humming sound. No sound or a weak click suggests the pump has failed.
6. If no bidirectional tool is available, use a multimeter to test the connector. Check for battery voltage on the power wire and a good ground. The signal wire voltage will be a PWM signal from the ECM.
7. If wiring and power/ground are good but the pump doesn't activate (or immediately sets the code), the LDP is almost certainly the culprit.
8. Replace the LDP. The VW part number is 5Q0-906-207-E. It is held to its bracket by three Torx screws.
9. Clear the fault codes, and perform a road test or run the EVAP system monitor to confirm the fix.

Parts You'll Likely Need

• EVAP Leak Detection Pump (OEM #5Q0-906-207-E) — This is the most common failure point for code P2402 on this platform due to internal electrical shorts. A YouTube video for a 2022 GTI specifically shows this part number as the replacement.
  Trusted brands: Volkswagen (OEM), Bosch (OEM supplier, part # 0261222033), Dorman
  OEM price range: $60-$90
  Aftermarket price range: $50-$80

Related Codes That Often Appear With This One

• P04F0 — This code for 'EVAP System High Pressure Purge Line Faulty' was reported alongside P2402 by a Mk8 Golf R owner, indicating a related system fault that was resolved by replacing the LDP.
• P0442 — This code for a medium EVAP leak is often seen with P2402, as documented in VW TSBs. A failing LDP may not be able to seal or test the system correctly, leading to associated leak codes. [VIN4APIN20230522]
• P0456 — This code for a small EVAP leak is also frequently logged alongside P2402 per VW TSBs, likely for the same reason as P0442. [VIN4APIN20230330]
• P2401 — This code indicates 'EVAP Leak Detection Pump Control Circuit Low'. It's the opposite of P2402 and points to a different electrical fault (like an open circuit or short to ground) in the same system.

Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) & Recalls

• VIN4APIN20230522: Customer states MIL-on, fault P2402 stored in ECM memory
• VIN4APIN20230518: Customer states MIL-on, fault P2402 stored in ECM memory
• VIN4APIN20230330: Customer states MIL-on, fault P2402 stored in ECM memory

Platform-Specific Known Issues

• Multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) from Volkswagen list P2402 as a common fault causing the check engine light on 2022 models, often appearing with other EVAP codes like P0456 and P0442. [VIN4APIN20230522, VIN4APIN20230518, VIN4APIN20230330]
• A Reddit user with a Mk8 Golf R reported getting codes P2402 and P04F0, and the dealer confirmed a faulty LDP which was replaced under warranty.
• Another Mk8 Golf R owner on Reddit experienced code P2402 at just 11,000 miles, which was also fixed by a warranty replacement of the LDP located in the right rear wheel well.

Hidden / Shadow Codes Worth Checking

• 009218: This is the VAG-specific fault code that corresponds to the generic P2402. It is often accompanied by the text 'Short to Plus', which explicitly points to an electrical short to a power source. (see via Volkswagen/Audi-specific scan tools like VCDS (by Ross-Tech) or OBDeleven will display this code.)

Scan Tool Commands That Help

• VCDS (Ross-Tech): Engine (01) -> Output Tests -> EVAP Leak Detection Pump (V144) — This is the primary method to functionally test the LDP. When activated, a healthy pump should produce an audible buzzing or humming sound. A lack of sound, or just a single click, points to a failed pump.
• VCDS (Ross-Tech) or OBDeleven: Engine (01) -> Basic Settings -> EVAP System Test (Leak Test) — After replacing the LDP and clearing codes, this function can be run to force the EVAP monitor to run and verify the system can hold pressure, confirming the repair. This helps ensure the Check Engine Light will not return for an EVAP-related issue.

Wiring & Ground Locations

• LDP Connector (T3an) — On the Leak Detection Pump (V144) itself, located in the rear passenger-side wheel well.. This 3-pin connector is where all electrical testing for the pump occurs. A 'Short to Plus' (P2402) suggests a problem with the signal wire or an internal pump failure. Pinout is typically: Pin 1: Signal (PWM Ground from ECM), Pin 2: Ground, Pin 3: Power (12V+ from fuse).
• Ground Point 389 — A common ground point in the main wiring harness, though the specific ground for the LDP may be closer to its location in the rear of the vehicle.. While P2402 is a 'circuit high' code and not typically caused by a bad ground, verifying a clean and tight ground connection at Pin 2 of the LDP connector is a crucial step in ruling out wiring issues.

OEM Part Supersession History

• 5Q0-906-207-E → No supersession found. 5Q0-906-207-E remains the current part number. — N/A
  Heads up: The part number 5Q0-906-207 (without a letter suffix) or with other suffixes like 'A' or 'B' may refer to a different sensor, such as a brake booster pressure sensor, and should not be used. Only part number 5Q0-906-207-E is confirmed for this application.