5 Symptoms of a Faulty Activated Carbon Canister
You probably never thought about what would happen if your car’s charcoal canister failed. That’s because it’s likely one of the most reliable parts of your car. Here are some symptoms of a broken charcoal canister. If you don’t replace it right away, you’ll face even bigger problems later.
Symptoms of a Faulty Activated Carbon Canister
1) Check the Engine Light
Often, your car’s computer will detect that there’s a problem with your car’s charcoal canister before you even know it. Since this is a relatively independent car part, it is not usually the first thing a mechanic looks for when diagnosing a check engine light. Be sure to look out for other symptoms of a faulty charcoal canister so that you can properly pinpoint the cause of your engine problem.
2) Failing Emissions Tests
If you have noticed a significant increase in your car’s exhaust emissions, the charcoal canister may be the culprit. The EVAP system’s main role is to prevent excess gasoline vapors from being released into the environment. You may notice your car’s engine revving richer or a pungent smell of fuel wafting from the exhaust.
3) Degraded Vehicle Performance
Because the EVAP system is directly connected to the engine through the bleeder valve, problems with the charcoal canister can affect your car’s performance. If this system is defective, the bleeder valve can remain open, affecting the air-fuel mixture in the engine. As a result, your vehicle’s performance can be degraded.
4) Gas tank filling problems
If your charcoal canister is full or your fuel vapor vent line is clogged, the first thing you’ll notice is a problem with the gas pump. You may not be able to fill the tank or the fuel nozzle may stop before the tank is full. If the charcoal canister can’t remove fumes from the gas tank, they will take up volume and minimize the space you can fill.
5) Fuel odor in or around the car
A faulty charcoal canister won’t be able to capture fuel vapors before they escape the drivetrain, resulting in a strong fuel odor around the car. In some cases, these harmful gases can build up inside the car, which is a problem for most drivers. These fumes are dangerous with prolonged exposure and can cause headaches, confusion and even loss of consciousness.