P0496 fault code: what it means

P0496: EVAP purge flow is too high when it should be off; can cause rough starts after refuelling.

Engine and gearbox (powertrain) · Minor

Usual causes, most likely first

purge valve stuck open
faulty vent valve
saturated charcoal canister

P0496 by make

Honda

EVAP purge flow when none was commanded. On Honda CR-V and Pilot this nearly always means the purge valve is stuck open.

Usual causes: EVAP purge valve stuck open

Kia

EVAP high purge flow: vapour getting into the intake when the purge valve should be shut.

Usual causes: purge control solenoid valve stuck open; purge valve wiring/command fault

Not sure what P0496 means on your car? Ask Credov.

Before you clear it

Write the code down or photograph the scanner first. A code that comes straight back after clearing points to a fault that is still there. A car whose codes were cleared just before you arrived may be hiding one: the scanner's readiness monitors show "not ready" for a while after codes are cleared.

Researched by Credov from manufacturer and workshop sources. A fault code points to where a fault may be; a workshop confirms it with a diagnosis. Browse all fault codes.