Cadillac CTS P0496 OBDII Diagnostics

The most frequent trouble code with the Cadillac CTS The P0496 Code. Refers to a code that you receive when your CTS is plugged into an OBDII scanner.

Below, you’ll find the most common symptoms and ways to diagnose the P0496 in your Cadillac CTS. You are very welcome!

Cadillac CTS Symptoms P0496

These are some of the symptoms most commonly associated with P0496.

• Erratic Idle– P0496 code in the Cadillac CTS will often be accompanied by an erratic idle. To find the ideal idle speed, your engine will start revving up and down. This can often occur right after buying gas. Sometimes it might not even start at all when you go to the station.
• Fuel Smell– There may be a noticeable fuel smell right after filling up.
• We are soon to service the engine– More often than not, the only symptom of P0496 will be the OBDII trouble code itself.

If you’re old enough to have driven a carbureted vehicle the old stomp the gas and crank the engine method does actually help start the vehicle. The air fuel mixture is off.
Similar: P0420 Cadillac CTS

Cadillac CTS P0496 Meaning

P0496 stands for a universal OBDII Trouble Code. The code can be used regardless of the make and model of your vehicle. Technically the code is:

The EVAP captures any fuel vapor in the fuel tank. They are then sent to the intake to incite the regular combustion process.

If the Cadillac CTS computer notices that the EVAP is not purging properly, the code P0496 will be thrown.

Cadillac CTS Causes

The P0496 code can be caused by many factors on Cadillac CTS. These are some of the more common issues that can cause the P0496 code to appear.

• Vapor Purge Valve– The most common culprit with the P0496 trouble code and the Cadillac CTS is going to be the vapor canister purge valve. When it goes bad, it typically causes issues with the vehicle’s idle speed. This happens especially after you have fueled the car up. It’s really easy to replace. You will need to locate and delete a few clips. The following YouTube video demonstrates how to fix the problem.
• PCM– It is possible that the engines computer system itself has gone bad and is registering a P0496 when it shouldn’t be. It is not a good place to begin.
• Connectivity– It is possible for shorts in the wiring harness leading to the Vapor Canister Purge Valve has gone bad. This is a good article. Here’s a good article on Diagnose a problem with a vehicle.
• Fuel Cap– A bad fuel cap can cause the P0496 code to be thrown for sure. Often, you’ll get a message informing you that the fuel cap is off even when it is on. You may not get the message but it could save your money and time.
• Oil Tank Pressure Sensor– If the fuel tank pressure sensor has gone bad, it can cause all sorts of problems, including the P0496 code.

Here’s a good video on it:

To determine the source of the leak, a mechanic may perform a smoke test. If you have a hard time figuring it out, it’s pretty easy to do the test.

Conclusion

We wish you all the best in diagnosing your CTS. This should help. Please feel free to add anything below.