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P2401 and P2402 codes indicate that there’s an issue with your evaporative emissions (EVAP) system. The “Leak Detection Pump” is part of the EVAP system, testing for system leaks and blockages to ensure that the system is working as intended. The P2402 code showcases that the control circuit is high, which means that the voltage the powertrain control module (PCM) has read within the circuit is higher than expected; the P2401 code showcases that the control circuit is low. This is often due to the vacuum pump module becoming faulty and requesting too much or too little electricity.
More About P2401 and P2402 Codes
Your EVAP system helps control and contain the spread of potentially harmful emissions from within your vehicle. The vapors within your fuel tank are much more potentially harmful than the vapors that your engine actually pumps out when working appropriately, so the vehicle keeps them within the system. However, if there’s a leak somewhere within this system, you won’t be able to keep them contained; this can lead to a variety of potentially harmful processes within your system.
In most cases, the only symptom you’ll see of P2401 and P2402 codes is that the check engine light will turn on. It’s very uncommon for P2401 and P2402 to cause drivability problems because even if you are experiencing leakage within your vehicle, these leaks generally won’t cause significant problems within the vehicle. However, the vehicle will also fail an emissions test.
It’s common for P2401 and P2402 codes to happen due to an issue with the vacuum pump module, generally because it’s requesting the wrong amount of energy for some reason. This may include issues with the harness, electrical connections, or engine control module; additionally, oftentimes when the vacuum pump becomes older, it will simply become faulty.
P2401 and P2402 codes are not excessively serious on their own. However, a faulty EVAP system, even if the problem is as minor as just an issue with the circuit, can create more serious concerns the longer you drive it. Plus, P2401 and P2402 codes will cause your engine to fail an emissions check, which means that if you need to have your vehicle checked by the government for whatever reason, it’s important that you fix this code before you do so. Otherwise, your vehicle will not be cleared to run on city streets.
You should not experience drivability concerns with P2401 and P2402 codes, which means that your car should physically be able to drive when it’s displaying P2401 and P2402 codes. However, this doesn’t just mean you should ignore it and keep driving it forever. On top of the fact that this will cause you to fail an emissions test, issues with your EVAP system can spread. Although the most likely problem is simply that the vacuum pump module or the pump itself is faulty, there are a number of different problems that P2401 and P2402 codes could indicate, especially if they’re paired with other OBD-II codes. Getting this problem fixed as soon as possible is a good idea.
Diagnosis will often require that you have a general understanding of your vehicle’s make and model, including what it looks like when it’s working appropriately, what it might look like when there’s a problem, and what you should be looking for in terms of wiring, shortage, and connection issues. Because many people don’t know how to do this, it’s common for P2401 and P2402 codes to be codes that an expert takes care of.
Inspection for P2401 and P2402 codes can also be difficult. Many people don’t know how to inspect their EVAP system; it’s not a common system that needs inspection, so it may not be something you’re very well-versed in handling. If you’re thinking about the process and you’re concerned about your ability to handle it on your own, it’s likely that you would be better served by simply talking to an expert instead.
Many people don’t have the expert skills that might be necessary to handle P2401 and P2402 codes. If you’re trying to figure out P2401 and P2402 codes and you want some help, there are professionals available to provide you with the help you’re looking for.
Start out by finding a repair shop in your area with the KBB service center locator. This locator is a great way to find the closest shop to your area, which can make it easier to handle these issues.
Additionally, P2401 and P2402 codes very regularly appear with other codes as well. In this case, you’ll want to use the OBD-II database to learn more about all codes present, not just the P2401 and P2402 codes.
All recalls are considered serious. Stay safe. Take care of any recalls ASAP. The good news? Recall repairs are free when performed at a local dealer.