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EmissionsSeverity Medium: diagnose soon

P0496Evaporative Emission System High Purge Flow

What it means

Purge flow is too high, often because the purge valve leaks when it should be closed. Fuel vapour enters the intake at the wrong time.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light
  • Possibly a fuel smell
  • Usually no change in how the car drives

Common causes

  • Purge valve stuck open
  • Wrong purge valve fitted
  • Faulty vent valve

What to check first

  1. Pinch the purge hose at idle and watch fuel trims
  2. Apply vacuum to the valve when closed: it should hold
  3. Check for hard starting after refuelling (typical symptom)
Can I drive with P0496? Usually yes for a short distance, but performance or economy may suffer and the fault can get worse. Diagnose it soon.

Generic OBD-II meaning. Manufacturer-specific meanings and checks can differ; always check the service information for the car.

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P0496: questions and answers

What does P0496 mean?

P0496: Evaporative Emission System High Purge Flow. Purge flow is too high, often because the purge valve leaks when it should be closed. Fuel vapour enters the intake at the wrong time.

What are the symptoms of P0496?

Check engine light. Possibly a fuel smell. Usually no change in how the car drives.

What causes P0496?

Purge valve stuck open. Wrong purge valve fitted. Faulty vent valve.

How do you diagnose P0496?

1. Pinch the purge hose at idle and watch fuel trims 2. Apply vacuum to the valve when closed: it should hold 3. Check for hard starting after refuelling (typical symptom)

Can I drive with P0496?

Usually yes for a short distance, but performance or economy may suffer and the fault can get worse. Diagnose it soon.