Auto Systems and Repair
Charcoal Canister
In order to prevent fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere, a brick of charcoal inside the charcoal canister collects the vapors and later purges them so they can burn in the combustion process.
Symptoms of Wear or Failure
- Check Engine Light may illuminate
- Fuel tank may be hard to fill
- Fuel smell may be noted
Related Repair Advice
- Evaporative system diagnosis can be difficult and trouble codes can be triggered by sensors and components other than the charcoal canister
- It is not uncommon for bits of charcoal to separate from the charcoal brick inside the canister and cause the canister purge valve to stick in the open or closed position
