First Check Engine Light @ 11,000 Miles: P0496/P0451

[JordMord]

Long time ghoster, first time poster! Purchased a base XL in May, 2022 and got my first check engine light today around 11,000 miles.

I dropped my vehicle off at Best Ford Service in Amherst, NH this morning and will document my experience with the incident here. Details below:

Make/Model: Ford XL silver
Mileage: ~11,000
Check Engine Codes: P0496/P0451
Code details: These are the classic "missing fuel cap" codes, but the Maverick doesn't have a fuel cap, so it can't be that. Here's the description of each code:

"Error code P0496 simply indicates high purge flow. This means that more air is flowing into the charcoal canister, which triggers an increase in fuel vapor channeled to the engine."

"A P0451 code is an OBD-II fault code defined as “Evaporative Emission System Pressure Sensor/Switch.” This code is triggered when the vehicle's Powertrain Control Module (PCM) detects an inaccurate or erratic voltage signal from the Evaporative Emission Control System Pressure Sensor."

Has anyone had any experience with these codes on their Ford Maverick? Curious what the diagnosis/repair was.

Also, very curious to see if Ford Service is going to honor the warranty, or try to screw me over. Already slight "screw overtures" in the conversation with the representative this morning about whether the "$150 diagnosis fee" to read the codes is covered under warranty. The rep was basically like "you probably did something to the car you're not telling me about, so you're probably going to have to pay."

Will keep you all updated and let you know how it goes!

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[WhiteMaverick12]

Hi JordMord! I looked into this on the forum and saw a few other people with similar problems. This gentleman took his 2.0L to the dealer and had this to say:

Got it back today. Airbag and brake recalls done. Oil change and tire rotation done. Evap purge valve and charcoal canister replaced. Time will tell if my mpg goes back up.

Left without paying a dime, all under warranty. Oil change prepaid during purchase.

 

[JordMord]

Hi JordMord! I looked into this on the forum and saw a few other people with similar problems. This gentleman took his 2.0L to the dealer and had this to say:

That's good news! Hopefully it goes the same for me.

 

[WhiteMaverick12]

That's good news! Hopefully it goes the same for me.

I hope so. Keep us posted!

 

[Ford Motor Company]

Long time ghoster, first time poster! Purchased a base XL in May, 2022 and got my first check engine light today around 11,000 miles.

I dropped my vehicle off at Best Ford Service in Amherst, NH this morning and will document my experience with the incident here. Details below:

Make/Model: Ford XL silver
Mileage: ~11,000
Check Engine Codes: P0496/P0451
Code details: These are the classic "missing fuel cap" codes, but the Maverick doesn't have a fuel cap, so it can't be that. Here's the description of each code:

"Error code P0496 simply indicates high purge flow. This means that more air is flowing into the charcoal canister, which triggers an increase in fuel vapor channeled to the engine."

"A P0451 code is an OBD-II fault code defined as “Evaporative Emission System Pressure Sensor/Switch.” This code is triggered when the vehicle's Powertrain Control Module (PCM) detects an inaccurate or erratic voltage signal from the Evaporative Emission Control System Pressure Sensor."

Has anyone had any experience with these codes on their Ford Maverick? Curious what the diagnosis/repair was.

Also, very curious to see if Ford Service is going to honor the warranty, or try to screw me over. Already slight "screw overtures" in the conversation with the representative this morning about whether the "$150 diagnosis fee" to read the codes is covered under warranty. The rep was basically like "you probably did something to the car you're not telling me about, so you're probably going to have to pay."

Will keep you all updated and let you know how it goes!

Hey there! Can you please send over a private message with your VIN and the name/location of your local Ford dealer? I would like to take a closer look at your engine concerns.

 

[fossil]

Make/Model: Ford XL silver
Mileage: ~11,000
Check Engine Codes: P0496/P0451
Code details: These are the classic "missing fuel cap" codes, but the Maverick doesn't have a fuel cap, so it can't be that. Here's the description of each code:

"Error code P0496 simply indicates high purge flow. This means that more air is flowing into the charcoal canister, which triggers an increase in fuel vapor channeled to the engine."

"A P0451 code is an OBD-II fault code defined as “Evaporative Emission System Pressure Sensor/Switch.” This code is triggered when the vehicle's Powertrain Control Module (PCM) detects an inaccurate or erratic voltage signal from the Evaporative Emission Control System Pressure Sensor."

With the capless fuel system there is a check valve that takes the place of the cap. If the check doesn't seal for any reason those codes can appear. My F150 threw those codes a few years back and my mechanic suggested poking the Ford included white funnel into the opening a few times to dislodge any contaminants, something anyone can do and it costs nothing. In my case it worked and the next day the code was gone. Those codes do not disappear instantly as the PCM goes through a few test cycles before it's convinced the problem has gone away.

 

[generalmgr]

I have a 2.0 XLT AWD. Same P0496 code popped up on our way back from the Ford Nationals in Carlisle (I had the code checked at an auto parts store to see what it was). Just got it in for service on Monday. Dealer cleared code, had no explanation as to why it tripped and said to bring it back if it happens again. Service advisor also said it will not reset on its own.

 

[JordMord]

Hey there! Can you please send over a private message with your VIN and the name/location of your local Ford dealer? I would like to take a closer look at your engine concerns.

Thank you, will do! Look for a PM.

 

[Montana]

Yea this is one of those codes that is so vague sometimes.

Hopefully it's the evap system and something simple. NGL, this is one code I hate very much. At least now days we can rule out the gas caps lol.

 

[JordMord]

UPDATE:

So, couple slight hiccups . . . I got my truck back, but they didn't have the part and need to order it. Said it was okay to keep driving even with the light on. Waiting to hear that I can bring it in to get fixed.

They are claiming that the problem was caused by "fluid film saturating the sensor." Since I live in a high-snow area, I had the underbody coated with Fluid Film this winter. This is a popular move for vehicles in snowy areas, and Fluid Film and Ford have never said anything about this voiding the warranty.

The dealership rep said they would try to put it through as a warranty -- Probably because a lot of Ford owners are worried about rust, and Fluid Film is easy insurance. I doubt they would want to say that Fluid Film or any undercoating voids the warranty, since this would make people less confident about purchasing.

Anybody have any experience with Fluid Film or other undercoating issues? Attaching the write-up from the dealer here . . . .We'll see how it goes!

 

[Montana]

UPDATE:

So, couple slight hiccups . . . I got my truck back, but they didn't have the part and need to order it. Said it was okay to keep driving even with the light on. Waiting to hear that I can bring it in to get fixed.

They are claiming that the problem was caused by "fluid film saturating the sensor." Since I live in a high-snow area, I had the underbody coated with Fluid Film this winter. This is a popular move for vehicles in snowy areas, and Fluid Film and Ford have never said anything about this voiding the warranty.

The dealership rep said they would try to put it through as a warranty -- Probably because a lot of Ford owners are worried about rust, and Fluid Film is easy insurance. I doubt they would want to say that Fluid Film or any undercoating voids the warranty, since this would make people less confident about purchasing.

Anybody have any experience with Fluid Film or other undercoating issues? Attaching the write-up from the dealer here . . . .We'll see how it goes!

Well, that was quick. Sounds like they did a terrible spray job though... no surprise. I made the mistake of asking for the "underbody spray" once years ago and learned the hard way their version of it is a joke. Best to DIY it. I do wool wax yearly. Cosmoline is another good one, maybe the best. FYI, FluidFilm and WoolWax are made by the same company, but from my experience, FF is less viscous and does tend to drip/run during warmer weather.

 

[ShadowBlack XL440]

UPDATE:

So, couple slight hiccups . . . I got my truck back, but they didn't have the part and need to order it. Said it was okay to keep driving even with the light on. Waiting to hear that I can bring it in to get fixed.

They are claiming that the problem was caused by "fluid film saturating the sensor." Since I live in a high-snow area, I had the underbody coated with Fluid Film this winter. This is a popular move for vehicles in snowy areas, and Fluid Film and Ford have never said anything about this voiding the warranty.

The dealership rep said they would try to put it through as a warranty -- Probably because a lot of Ford owners are worried about rust, and Fluid Film is easy insurance. I doubt they would want to say that Fluid Film or any undercoating voids the warranty, since this would make people less confident about purchasing.

Anybody have any experience with Fluid Film or other undercoating issues? Attaching the write-up from the dealer here . . . .We'll see how it goes!

Any update on this issue? Did you get the sensor replaced? Did it fix the issue? Covered under warranty? Thanks.

 

[ShadowBlack XL440]

UPDATE:

So, couple slight hiccups . . . I got my truck back, but they didn't have the part and need to order it. Said it was okay to keep driving even with the light on. Waiting to hear that I can bring it in to get fixed.

They are claiming that the problem was caused by "fluid film saturating the sensor." Since I live in a high-snow area, I had the underbody coated with Fluid Film this winter. This is a popular move for vehicles in snowy areas, and Fluid Film and Ford have never said anything about this voiding the warranty.

The dealership rep said they would try to put it through as a warranty -- Probably because a lot of Ford owners are worried about rust, and Fluid Film is easy insurance. I doubt they would want to say that Fluid Film or any undercoating voids the warranty, since this would make people less confident about purchasing.

Anybody have any experience with Fluid Film or other undercoating issues? Attaching the write-up from the dealer here . . . .We'll see how it goes!

I would have to argue if fluid film could penetrate the sensor or connector, so could salt water. It should be weather tight which would include Fluid Film tight. It would have failed anyways if it had a bad seal.

 

[wax87]

Hi JordMord! I looked into this on the forum and saw a few other people with similar problems. This gentleman took his 2.0L to the dealer and had this to say:

Evap purge valve and charcoal canister replaced. <<< Is very expensive to replace on your own nickel, just saying

 

[JordMord]

Evap purge valve and charcoal canister replaced. <<< Is very expensive to replace on your own nickel, just saying

Yeah, I believe you.

The part finally came in, and my Maverick is back at the dealership today, *hopefully* to get repaired under warranty. I'll keep you all updated!

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