P0496: EVAP Flow During Non-Purge Condition
Severity: low
What it means: Fuel vapor is flowing into the engine when the purge valve should be closed.
Safe to drive? Generally drivable, but you may get hard starts after refueling.
Common symptoms
- Check-engine light
- Hard start or rough idle after refueling
Likely causes, ranked
- Purge valve stuck open$144DIY
CarMD 2024 national average about $144
- Wiring fault to the purge valveShop
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What it means: Fuel vapor is flowing into the engine when the purge valve should be closed.
Severity: Low. Safe to drive? Generally drivable, but you may get hard starts after refueling.
DIY or shop?
Replacing the purge valve is commonly DIY.
Before you replace parts
- Read all stored codes and freeze-frame data. Fix misfire, fuel or sensor codes before chasing emissions codes.
- Check the simple things first: connectors, vacuum hoses, fluid levels and the gas cap.
- Clear the code only after a repair, then confirm it stays off after a few drives.
- Check your VIN for recalls and service bulletins.
Safety / mechanic note
Generally not urgent, but a code only points to a system, not always a specific part. Verify with a mechanic before buying expensive parts.
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