Skip to content
Language: EN
Download

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 at a glance
CodeP0497
SystemEngine and transmission
GroupP04xx, Emissions control
TypeGeneric: 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.

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 this same explanation and whether it’s confirmed, pending or permanent.

With Free you read this code with its short description for nothing, and clear it if the engine stores it over standard OBD. With Pro you get the full explanation, how the car was running when it was logged (revs, temperature, load) and clearing in every control unit.

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 the ITV. It’s all in how to read and clear fault codes and in the ITV and OBD.

Similar codes

P0497 is a generic code, so it means the same on any make, for example on Abarth, Cupra, Jeep, Mini, Nissan, Seat. See what Final OBD does on your car in makes and models.

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.