Chevy Cruze P0496 | Drivetrain Resource

This is one of the most commonly encountered trouble codes for the Chevy Cruze The P0496 Code.  Refers to a code that you receive when your Cruze is plugged into an OBDII scanner.

Related:  Chevy Cruze P1101 and P0171 Trouble Codes

Chevy Cruze P0496 Symptoms

An erratic idle will be common with the P0496 code for a Chevy Cruze.  You will hear the engine revving up and down to try and find the correct idle speed.  This can often happen after you purchase gas.  The gas station might also not be able to start it.

If you’re old enough to have driven a carbeurated vehicle the old stomp the gas and crank the engine method does actually help start the car.

Chevy Cruze P0496 Meaning

OBDII Trouble Code P0496.  Technically, the code stands for:

Evaporative Emissions System High Purge Flow

The EVAP system collects fuel vapor from your fuel tank, and then sends it to your engines intake to ignite the combustion process.

When the Chevy Cruze’s computer detects that the EVAP system is purging when it should not be, it will throw the P0496 code.

Chevy Cruze P0496 Reasons

Many things can lead to the Chevrolet Cruze P0496 trouble code.  It is most likely the one that follows.

Vapor Canister Purge Valve–  The most common culprit with the P0496 trouble code and the Chevy Cruze 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 the vehicle has been fueled up.

It’s really easy to replace, and Not very costly. You will need to locate and take out a few pieces.  Here’s a great YouTube video on diagnosing the problem, as well as how to replace the part.  It’s fantastic.

PCM–  It is possible that the engines computer system itself has gone bad and is registering a P0496 when it shouldn’t be.  This is not the place you should be starting.

Connectivity–  It is possible for shorts in the wiring harness leading to the Vapor Canister Purge Valve has gone bad.  It is worth checking.

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 get this message along with a P0496 on Chevy Cruze. This will save you time and money.

Check the Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor–  If the fuel tank pressure sensor has gone bad, it can cause all sorts of problems, including the P0496 code.

You will be able to identify the problem with Cruze.  We hope this helps.