Thread 28702032

My 03 avalon has been showing these codes on and off for years. Whenever I try to research what exactly is wrong, I get a bunch of different reponses, some saying check the valves under the hood, some say check the charcoal canister, some say its just the fuel neck. In the last several months I've noticed a strong exhaust smell coming through my cabin air vents, almost always after coming to a stop after doing highway speeds for 45+ mins.

I can reset them when they show up but after 2-3 day of driving it comes back. I've ignored it this long because to get to the charcoal canister I need to lift the car and drop the fuel tank, which is beyond my wrench skills. but with the exhaust smell coming into the car thats a problem

Without googling anything, it's likely the charcoal canister is shot or there's a break in the line somewhere (either wiring for the sensor or hoses for the fuel vapor). Maybe the sensor is dead or slightly unplugged.

There's multiple VSVs where is where it gets confusing

>>28702032 (OP)
>Whenever I try to research what exactly is wrong, I get a bunch of different reponses
Because codes can’t tell you exactly what is wrong. They basically give you a place to start looking. More troubleshooting is required to identify what’s actually wrong.

>>28702032 (OP)
>Whenever I try to research what exactly is wrong, I get a bunch of different reponses, some saying check the valves under the hood, some say check the charcoal canister, some say its just the fuel neck.
So, rather than check these things you've opted to do nothing?

>>28702074
I have. Without having a lift or a garage, all I've been able to do is look at the solenoids under the hood. I replaced the VSV EVAP solenoid which made no difference. I changed the gas cap which made no difference. I've ran tests on the car when its on with the OBD app. I'm trying to get a clear direction before I have to take it to a shop and they charge me a diagostic fee

Circuit fault and purge either calc'd wrong to reading or reading wrong to calc'd is most likely the canister is chock full of garbage.

You're playing a guessing game though. Get a smoke leak test or just plan to replace the lines along with the canister too. Might have to if they're original and that old - plastic likes to break.

>>28702086
one thing you could check without a lift or serious work is the exhaust gas recirculation valve, assuming your engine has one it's usually not hard to access. they can get clogged with carbon and throw evap related codes. you just unbolt the valve body from the engine then clear any carbon deposits with brake cleaner.

>>28702193
yeah i could try that. I've done throttle body cleaning before, usually there's black dusty buildup on the walls over time.

>>28702207
may have spoke too soon, I dont think this 1MZ-FE has it