P2421 just popped up. Anyone know that code?

 

google search says maybe P2421 means Evaporative Emission System Vent Valve Stuck Open.... what does that mean?

 

It's got something to do with the charcoal canister and venting the gas
tank (I think). It may be a simple thing like your gas cap isn't attached
properly (make sure it clicks when closing). Might try also tapping on the
charcoal canister lightly.

 

and what might the charcoal canister be? haha i did undo and redo the gas cap... didnt fix it immediately, but it may next time i turn the car on.

 

If you are being serious about the charcoal canister, instead of the car venting fumes out to the atomosphere it vents them to the cannister to
absorb them. I'm no authority on the subject, it's just part of your emissions crap. Compliments of our government.

 

* MINI DTC P2421 (0x315A) - EVAP Evaporative Emissions Valve: Sticks in Closed Position
The ECU is seeing no opening action from the EVAP valve.
Problem is that it could be a basic solenoid valve, or it could be something larger like the charcoal canister itself (as there's no documentation specifically linking it).
When you cleared the code, does it immediately return?
I don't believe (at this time) that the Leak Detection Pump (LDP) is at fault as it has its own fault designation; there's something else that's causing this code.

- Erik

 

does the scangaugeii actually clear it? or just clear it from the device... i will try this morning after it has been sitting over night

 

I'm not sure. If it's not on any longer, the problem may have cleared
itself. ??? Check it tomorrow. Sometimes the car needs a couple of
start ups and resets itself but not sure on something like this.

 

so you think it will be ok if i have to drive a few miles to grab some groceries and stuff... just started it up and seems like its running fine... tried to clear with the scangauge and it wouldnt clear it just says pease wait then no response... so i dont know...

 

Did it act up at any time just before or after the light came on? If not, you're probably ok.
I assume your check engine light is the yellow outline of the motor?
If so, you'll be ok. If it goes to red then you need to stop and shut car off.

 

no it never acted up... i dont even know how long i was driving before i noticed it on... never made a noise or anything... its still yellow and i called the dealer to see if they can give me any info. i just had my car there at the beginning of this month to have the thermostat fixed! so hopefully its something i can have done around here (dealer is 300 miles away)...

 

300 miles to dealer sucks.
These cars are quirky. I installed a Forge BOV and all was ok for 2 weeks then check engine light. When I took it in, the mechanic said the BOV was working but the car just didn't like it. He reset the CEL but it came on just before leaving the dealer. Then a block later it went off. I drove the 40 miles home and it never went on again. I ended up taking it off and replacing it with the OEM BOV. No problems since.
Most likely what you have is not a big deal otherwise the car would be showing symptoms of something.
Just get it checked when possible.
Good Luck to ya.

 

thanks for the help!

 

Try disconnecting the battery for 10 minutes.......

 

to try to reset it?

 

I believe that's what he meant. Sometimes that does work. Worth a try.

 

well not a whole lot of info from the dealer said to check the gas cap again... but if not they have to take a look at the EVAP pump...

 

Did you call the dealer or drive the 300 miles?
Did you try disconnecting the battery for 10-30 min. to see if it'd reset?
At least it's driving ok and not shutting you down totally. The most that
can be happening is exhausting more emissions to the atmosphere.

 

i gave them a call... i am going to try the battery thing again for a little long again tonight when i get home from work... maybe add a little more gas and tighten the gas cap up... ill let you guys know... if all else fails... maybe the import car service in town can reset it for me

 

Well woke up this morning and the check engine light was off. So I guess it fixed itself! Hopefully it stays that way

 

Quirky little cars aren't they. It could have been a valve of sort that was stuck in the canister and finally decided to let go.
See what happens down the road. Maybe it did fix itself.

 

No, it means there's not a current problem that the ECU detects.
If you haven't cleared the code with a scanner, it'll still be stored in the ECU non-volatile memory.
Still have it scanned with a approved scanner and find the source of the issue.

- Erik

 

Does the ScanGauge II qualify as an "approved scanner"? I'm considering a purchase in order to identify a check engine light code before traveling to the dealer for service.

 

i dont think so... it doesnt clear it... at least it didnt clear mine... it does scan the codes and diplay informations rather well!

 

I just got a check engine light after pulling my intake, de-carbonizing the valves and installing a BSH catch can and delete. Car is running fine and I don't think I left anything off or unplugged. Any Ideas! I don't have a code reader to really check it (yellow engine light).