Learning,

How to Test a Charcoal Canister (6-Step Guide)

In this article, I will teach you how to test your vehicle’s charcoal canister quickly and efficiently.

A damaged or clogged charcoal canister will prevent gasoline vapor from expelling, resulting in higher emissions of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide as toxic pollutants go into the air, causing acid rain and general environmental deterioration. As an engineer, I have a good understanding of charcoal canisters and their environmental effects. So, I regularly check my car’s canister to ensure it is running as expected. Testing a charcoal canister will help you to diagnose any fault before considering a renovation.

Checking a car’s charcoal canister is not a complicated process; you can do it in a few minutes:

  • Locate the canister – near the engine compartments
  • Examine the exterior visually
  • Connect a hand-held pump
  • Begin the hand pump while observing the valve
  • Listen to and observe the purge valve
  • Disconnect the hand pump from the purge valve
  • Check if the canister is releasing fumes

I’ll cover much more detail below.

The Mechanism of The Charcoal Canister

charcoal canister
Video | CarsNToys

Because activated charcoal is more porous than conventional charcoal, it may hold onto dangerous fumes when the engine is off.

The fumes are “purged” once the engine operates at normal speed as the car moves. Fresh air is sucked through the canister by a valve, bringing the gases into the engine, where they are burned in the fresh-air hose connected to the charcoal canister. Modern vehicles also have a vent valve. The valve keeps the canister closed when the system needs leakage analysis. The valve opens to let air flow during the purge.

The car’s computer manages these procedures, including purging, venting, and system monitoring, and it bases these decisions on data it gathers from sensors placed all around the vehicle.


How to Test a Charcoal Canister

Follow these steps to test your car’s charcoal canister.

Step 1: Find the Charcoal Canister

engine compartment
Video | CarsNToys

The canister is a black cylinder often mounted in one of the corners of the engine compartment.

Step 2:  Examine the Canister

examining the canister visually
Video | CarsNToys

Examine the canister visually. Verify that the exterior is free of any glaring cracks or gaps.

Step 3: Connect a Hand-Held Vacuum Pump

connecting a hand-held vacuum pump
Video | CarsNToys

Connect a hand-held vacuum pump to the top-side purge valve of the canister.

Step 4: Start the Hand-Pump

Start the hand-held pump, then observe the valve. The hand pump will cause the canister and purge valve assembly to react by opening the valve’s assembly.

Step 5: Listen and Observe the Purge Valve

While the hand pump is still running, listen and observe the purge valve. No vacuum should escape from the canister while the valve is still open. The air should flow right through it. If there is a vacuum leak, change the purge valve and canister design.

purge valve
Video | CarsNToys

Step 6: Disconnect the Hand Pump from the Purge Valve

To do that, park the car securely in a park and then turn on the engine. Check out the engine bay. Check to see whether the canister is not giving out any fumes.


Indicators of a Failing Charcoal Canister 

The most typical indications of a faulty charcoal canister are as follows:

Check Engine Lights Coming On

The check engine light will come on if the car’s computer detects an evaporation system leak, including one from a fractured charcoal canister. Likewise, it will turn on the light if it detects insufficient airflow because of a blocked canister.

Fuel Odor

Your car won’t accept gas when you refuel it because the charcoal canister may be blocked or unable to vent in specific circumstances.

Failed Emissions Inspection

The check engine light will come on if the charcoal canister fails, and the car won’t pass this examination. Therefore, inspecting your vehicle regularly is imperative to offset this malfunction.


Wrapping Up

Testing a canister shouldn’t be an expensive trip to the mechanic. I hope this guide’s straightforward steps help you to diagnose your vehicle’s charcoal canister seamlessly. (1, 2)

Take a look at some of our related articles below.




References
(1) mechanic – https://www.thebalancecareers.com/automotive-mechanic-job-description-salary-and-skills-2061763
(2) charcoal – https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/charcoal

Video Reference

How helpful was this article?

Were Sorry This Was Not Helpful!

Let us improve this post!

Please Tell Us How We Can Improve This Article.

About Sam Orlovsky

AvatarCertifications: B.E.E.
Education: University Of Denver - Electric Engineering
Lives In: Denver Colorado

Electrical engineering is my passion, and I’ve been in the industry for over 20 years. This gives me a unique ability to give you expert home improvement and DIY recommendations. I’m not only an electrician, but I also like machinery and anything to do with carpentry. One of my career paths started as a general handyman, so I also have a lot of experience with home improvement I love to share.

| Reach Me

Leave a Comment