EVAP error SES light

[TriX5]

Hoping to help some others suffering EVAP errors by posting this experience.

About two years ago I replaced the EVAP purge valve (front of the engine block) as INPA reported a failed activation circuit. I still got the occasional EVAP error but infrequently. Some time back I replaced my gas cap in the hope of curing this EVAP error. For a few weeks no error and all was well. Then my fuel pump went out and a new fuel filter turned out to have a defective regulator. Frustrating, not much fun and too much time spent crawling around under the car to remove and replace stuff.

After that was all back in order I started getting EVAP codes again. For example, I reset the SES last Friday and while running some errands on Saturday morning it came back on again. My INPA and ISTA versions do not give much more than cryptic descriptions. "Initial too small and actual too small. Hmmm, what to make of that? After pondering for a while on how the DMTL works I figured that the DMTL pump was probably still functioning ok as it has a self test mode before each EVAP test. The "Too low"" should thus refer to a lack of pressure holding capacity in the fuel tank and associated items.

So, yesterday I lifted the back seat out again and removed the fuel pump. The seal on the pump looked softer and less substantial than the original item (and it also has an odd shape but same as the OE item). But nothing seemed substantially wrong with it. So, cleaned it, put some lube and re-installed the pump. However, then I noticed there seems to be some play between the pump and the ring that holds it in the tank. It was off center by about 3-4 mm or so. Easily overlooked when installing the pump in a hurry. Backed of the ring a bit and corrected this offset, then tightened again. After that I put a bit of lube on the gas tank seal and reassembled everything.

This morning had to run some more errands and stop at a number of places. No SES as yet, crossing fingers!!