P0497: EVAP System Low Purge Flow

The evaporative emission (EVAP) system stores fuel vapour from the tank in a charcoal canister; a purge valve lets the engine draw it off, and a vent valve opens the canister to fresh air. P0497 is the counterpart of P0496: the module purges but sees too little or no purge flow, judged indirectly from fuel trim, idle control or tank vacuum – CARB requires missing purge flow to be detected. Code-specific use is documented only by Land Rover (5.0-litre V8) and in a GM fault group for systems with a sealed tank (Volt, ELR); standard GM and Ford systems use other codes, such as P0455. The canister is then not purged and saturates.

Symptoms

• Check engine light on
• Fuel smell around the car
• Fuel nozzle clicks off early

Most likely causes

• Purge valve stuck closed, does not open
• Purge line off, kinked or blocked (check valve sticking)
• Canister or vent filter blocked (e.g. after overfilling)
• Vent valve stuck closed

What to check, in order

Start with the simplest. You can tick off each step.

1. Start with the fuel cap: tighten it fully and check its seal
2. With the connector unplugged, check whether the signal wire is making contact with ground.
3. Inspect the hoses and connections around the tank and the charcoal canister
4. Use the scanner to test the purge and vent solenoid valves
5. Run a smoke test to find small leaks

Good to know

• Repair difficulty: medium
• It affects emissions.

What each character of P0497 means

• P: Powertrain: engine and transmission
• 0: Generic code: same on every make
• 4: Emissions
• 97: Specific fault in that system

Frequently asked questions

Can I keep driving with code P0497?

Yes, you can normally keep driving. If there is a strong smell of gasoline, find the leak before continuing and do not smoke nearby.

What causes code P0497?

The most common causes are: purge valve stuck closed, does not open; purge line off, kinked or blocked (check valve sticking); canister or vent filter blocked (e.g. after overfilling).

Related codes

• P0496EVAP System High Purge Flow
• P0441EVAP System Incorrect Purge Flow
• P0443EVAP System Purge Control Valve A Circuit
• P0455EVAP System Leak Detected - Large Leak
• P04AFEVAP System Purge Control Valve B Stuck Closed

Sources

• law.cornell.edu: 13 CCR 1968.2
• static.nhtsa.gov: SB 10101325 9340
• gsi.ext.gm.com: 15OBDG02 Engine Diagnostics

Values and procedures vary by manufacturer. If it affects brakes, steering, fuel or high voltage, see a professional. Updated: 2026-11-04. How we build these pages.