Just bought a Maxima and the check engine light went on. The car only has 43k miles. It's a 97 and I ran the codes to get 0705 and 0903 which are "EVAP (SMALL LEAK)" and "VENT CONTROL VALVE"...

Could someone tell me, in laymens terms, what this means? What's really wrong with my car and how much to fix it?

Thanks guys!

 

try clearing the codes and then tightening that fuel cap. That should take care of it!

SHUMAX

 

I know that one ALL too well, happened to me! It's just one of those annoying MIL bugs. Your car's fine.

Here's the deal:
evap small leak means that there's a leak somewhere between your gas tank and engine, the part of the systems where gas fumes from the tank are vented to engine.

The vent control valve is around the charcoal canister which is under your left rear wheel. It opens and closes to de-smell the fumes with the charcoal.

Great news. You have a federal warranty. 3 years or 50K miles for any emmisions related check engine problems, which is just what you have. Take it to the dealer. When I did, they denied the warranty. I wrote to Nissan corporate, faxed them the invoice, then the dealership refunded me 2 weeks later.

Good luck!

DW

 

Also, If you are "Topping Off" your gas tank every time you fill it, this can cause this code to be displayed. All Cars since 1997 have sealed fuel systems, and when you fill up the tank beyond a certain point, the gas fills all the way up the filler neck and blocks the valve, thus resulting in this code. This can also happen, as said before, if you don't turn your cap on tight enough.

 

Alright,

I got two responses regarding it being a simple fillup problem or the gas cap problem. And one saying something really is wrong and I should contact the dealer.

I tightened the gas cap and reset the code. The light went off and hasn't come back on. If it DOES come on again, I will contact the dealer.

Thanks for all your help.

 

was simple to change.