Chevy Traverse P0496 Trouble Code Diagnostic OBDII

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

Similar: P0420 Chevy Trverse

Chevy Traverse P0496 Symptoms

A Chevy Traverse P0496 code is often accompanied with an intermittent idle. In order to determine the right idle speed, your engine may rev up or down. This is often what happens right after you purchase 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. The air fuel mixture is off.

Chevy Traverse 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 Emissions System High Purge Flow

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

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

Chevy Traverse P0496 Causes

P0496 Trouble code may appear on your Chevrolet Traverse for many reasons. The most frequent problems that cause this code are listed below.

Vapor Canister Purge Valve– The most common culprit with the P0496 trouble code and the Chevy Traverse 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. A few clips are required to be removed. 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. However, you shouldn't start there.

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

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. It may be worth your time to change the fuel cap on your Chevy Traverse and to see if it disappears.

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.

Here’s a good video on it:

You will be able to fix your Traverse. This should help. You can add any additional information by leaving a comment.