Honda Car Forum

I have a 2002 RL with 130k miles. Just recently the check engine light
has started to illuminate. I had Autozone read the obd code which
turned out to be P1456 - Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) Control System
Leakage (Fuel Tank System)

Doing some research, I found that this code is usually caused by a
loose gas cap. The cap that is on there is the original OEM cap. I
retightened the cap until I heard 3+ clicks. I pulled the radio fuse
and the light went out. My wife drove the car three more times and now
the light is back on. What could be causing this to occur? The car
doesn't appear to be suffering any performance or MPG loss. I have a
replacement OEM cap on order just in case the cap itself is bad. I'm
not sure about the chances of that being the case. The only other
thing I could think of is that I've read about early 2000 model Hondas/
Acuras having bad threads on the fuel filler neck which could cause
the EVAP system to leak. Here http://www.crvownersclub.com/TSBs/2004/04-002.pdf
is a TSB for CRVs/S2000 that have the problem. I couldn't find a TSB
specific to Acura or the RL but I wouldn't be surprised if it applied.
Has anybody ever encountered this on the RL?

joshbilsky@gmail.com wrote in
news:1189179003.770375.26450@w3g2000hsg.googlegrou ps.com:

> I have a 2002 RL with 130k miles. Just recently the check engine light
> has started to illuminate. I had Autozone read the obd code which
> turned out to be P1456 - Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) Control System
> Leakage (Fuel Tank System)
>

<snip>

> I couldn't find a TSB specific to
> Acura or the RL


There is one. 04-001.


> but I wouldn't be surprised if it applied. Has anybody
> ever encountered this on the RL?
>
>


Your car has this problem.

An excerpt from the TSB:
SYMPTOM:
The fuel fill cap is binding and, if not tightened fully, it
may cause the MIL to come on and DTC P1456 (EVAP
control system leakage, fuel tank system) to set.

PROBABLE CAUSE:
The threads in the fuel fill pipe bind on the fuel fill cap.

CORRECTIVE ACTION:
Replace the fuel fill pipe, and do an EVAP system
function test with the HDS.

PARTS INFORMATION:
Fuel Fill Pipe:
2002-04 3.5 RL: P/N 17660-SZ3-A50


See your freindly local dealer with this info.

If, however, the repair has already been performed, the fuel cap's vapor
seal may be damaged. If so, replace the cap (with another OEM). And
don't drop it any more.


--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

Thanks for the quick response. Is there any way to obviously tell if
the cap is not sealing properly? I don't feel the cap "binding" when
I put it back on. Also, is there any way to identify if the filler
neck has been replaced already?

The OEM cap should be here today or Monday. I'll try that first then
reset the light. If it doesn't work, I'll call the dealer with the
TSB info you provided and see what they can do.

joshbilsky@gmail.com wrote in news:1189190077.146238.282340@
57g2000hsv.googlegroups.com:

> Thanks for the quick response. Is there any way to obviously tell if
> the cap is not sealing properly?


Unfortunately, no, there is not.

"Sealing" is a term that is far more strictly defined now than it was even
ten years ago. These days even the very tiniest of air leaks will set an
error code. Don't blame Honda, blame your federal EPA.



> I don't feel the cap "binding" when
> I put it back on.



You won't. It's not a "feel" thing, but an "effect" thing.



> Also, is there any way to identify if the filler
> neck has been replaced already?



Unless you pull everything apart, it appears there's no way to tell other
than asking your dealer. He *will* know from his central database..

With some TSB repairs they have the tech center-punch a mark above a
certain VIN character on the firewall, but not for this one.


>
> The OEM cap should be here today or Monday. I'll try that first then
> reset the light. If it doesn't work, I'll call the dealer with the
> TSB info you provided and see what they can do.
>
>

Good luck. Please let me know how it goes.


--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/

On Sep 7, 8:30 pm, Tegger <teg...@tegger.c0m> wrote:

> Good luck. Please let me know how it goes.

Just to let you know, I replaced the original cap with a new OEM cap,
and the light has not come on since (knock on wood) so I'm hoping this
fixed the problem. Thank you for your help.

joshbilsky@gmail.com wrote in news:1191166784.543930.65160@
19g2000hsx.googlegroups.com:

> On Sep 7, 8:30 pm, Tegger <teg...@tegger.c0m> wrote:
>
>> Good luck. Please let me know how it goes.
>
> Just to let you know, I replaced the original cap with a new OEM cap,
> and the light has not come on since (knock on wood) so I'm hoping this
> fixed the problem. Thank you for your help.
>



Hope it fixed the problem!

One more point: /Never/ drop the gas cap! Dropping the cap can damage the
vapor seal mechanism.

--
Tegger

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/