Chevy Sonic OBDII Code Diagnosis

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

Related: P0420 Chevy Spark

Chevy Sonic P0496 Signs

The Chevy Sonic's P0496 code will frequently be associated with an irregular idle. In order to determine the right idle speed, your engine may rev up or down. This can often occur right after buying gas. Sometimes it might not even start at the station.

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 car. It is because the mixture of air and fuel has been contaminated.

Chevy Sonic P0496 meaning

The universal OBDII code P0496 can be used to diagnose trouble codes. It means that the code is universal and will be the same regardless of make and model. Technically, the code stands for:

Evaporative emission system High Purge Flow

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

The Chevy Sonic computer will emit the OBDII P0496 code if it detects the EVAP system purging in an unintentional manner.

Here’s a good video on it:

Chevy Sonic P0496 Causes

Many things can lead to the Chevrolet Sonic's P0496 code. These are some of the more common issues that can cause the code to appear.

Vapor Canister Purge Valve– The most common culprit with the P0496 trouble code and the Chevy Sonic is going to be the vapor canister purge valve. When it goes bad, it typically causes issues with the vehicle’s idle speed. It is particularly true after filling up your vehicle.

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. This is not the place you should be starting.

The wiring– It is possible for shorts in the wiring harness leading to the Vapor Canister Purge Valve has gone bad. You can check it.

Capacity for Fuel– 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 that message if you have a Chevy Sonic. It could save you time and money by replacing the fuel cap to check if it is gone.

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

We wish you all the best in diagnosing Sonic's problems. We trust this helped. You can add any additional information by leaving a comment.