P0496 Chevy Colorado: High Purge Evaporative Emissions System

The most frequent trouble code with the Chevy Colorado The Code P0496. The code refers to a number you receive when your Colorado is plugged into an OBDII scanner.

Similar: P0420 Chevy Colorado

Chevy Colorado P0496 Symptoms

A Chevy Colorado P0496 code is often accompanied with an intermittent idle. To find the correct idle speed, the engine will increase and decrease in revs. This is often what happens right after you purchase gas. The gas station might also not be able to start it.

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 Colorado P0496 Meaning

The universal OBDII code P0496 can be used to diagnose trouble codes. The code can be used regardless of the make and model of your vehicle. Technically the code is:

Evaporative emission system High Purge Flow

The EVAP captures any fuel vapor in the fuel tank. They are then sent to the engines intake to start the normal combustion process.

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

Chevy Colorado P0496 Diagnosis

The Chevrolet Colorado can be affected by many factors. 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 Colorado 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. There are some clips you will need to identify and then remove. 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.

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 not get the message but it could save your life and help you to change it.

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:

We wish you all the best in finding out the problem with Colorado. This should help. You can add any additional information by leaving a comment.