P0497: EVAP system low purge flow
The engine cannot draw off the petrol vapour stored in the canister. Usually a purge valve that will not open or a blocked or disconnected hose.
| Code | P0497 |
|---|---|
| System | Engine and transmission |
| Group | P04xx, Emissions control |
| Type | Generic: it means the same on every make |
| Can you keep driving? | Yes, no rush |
What P0497 means
Tank vapour is stored in the canister, a charcoal filter, and the engine burns it off through the purge valve. The ECU checks that vapour or vacuum flows when the valve opens. Here it sees far less flow than expected.
Most common causes
- Purge valve not opening or blocked
- Hose between valve and intake manifold loose, kinked or blocked
- Clogged filter or screen in the valve
- Blocked canister
- EVAP pressure sensor reading incorrectly
Symptoms
- Engine warning light on
- Usually no change in how the car drives
- Sometimes a smell of petrol
Can you drive with P0497?
Yes, no rush It does not affect the engine or how the car drives. It is worth fixing to stop vapour escaping and to pass inspection.
Open the bonnetthe in-depth explanation
How to check it
Ask your scanner to cycle the purge valve with the engine idling and hold a finger over its outlet: you should feel suction when it opens. If not, check the hose to the intake.
How to read and clear P0497 with Final OBD
Plug an OBD2 scanner in under the steering wheel, switch the ignition on and open Final OBD. Under Faults you’ll see P0497 with its description and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.
If the engine stores it over standard OBD, with FREE you read this code with its explanation for nothing and clear it. With PRO you also read the faults of every control unit and clear them in all of them.
Clearing the code only turns the light off: if the cause is still there, it comes back. Clear it once it’s fixed, and not right before an inspection. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in inspections and OBD.
Similar codes
- P0493 The coolant fan runs too fast because its clutch is locked
- P0494 The radiator fan is turning slower than it should
- P0495 The fan speed is above normal
- P0496 EVAP system high purge flow
- P0498 The evaporative emission system vent control gives a lower signal than normal
- P0499 The evaporative emission system vent control gives a higher signal than normal
- P049A There is a fault in the exhaust gas recirculation B flow
- P049B The EGR B exhaust gas recirculation flow is insufficient
- P0400 Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) flow malfunction
- P0401 Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) flow insufficient
- P0402 Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) flow excessive
- P0403 EGR control circuit malfunction
What does code P0497 mean?
Tank vapour is stored in the canister, a charcoal filter, and the engine burns it off through the purge valve. The ECU checks that vapour or vacuum flows when the valve opens. Here it sees far less flow than expected.
Can you drive with P0497?
It does not affect the engine or how the car drives. It is worth fixing to stop vapour escaping and to pass inspection.
How do you clear P0497?
With an OBD2 scanner and an app like Final OBD, which clears it for free if it’s stored by the engine control unit. But clearing it only turns the light off: if the cause isn’t fixed, P0497 comes back.
Read it on your car
Final OBD reads and clears engine faults through standard OBD for free, each one explained in plain English. With PRO it also reads the faults of every control unit, each make’s own codes included, and clears them in all of them.
