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marthastar76

Cobalt EVAP System Failure

Having some difficulty with my 2013 Chevrolet Cobalt, gasoline engine, 178405 km on the clock. The check engine light illuminated recently, and the engine has begun stalling at idle intermittently. Preliminary diagnostics suggest a fuel tank ventilation system leak. Given the symptoms, I suspect a defective activated charcoal filter within the EVAP system itself. Has anyone else experienced similar EVAP system failures on this platform?

Summary of the thread

A 2013 Chevrolet Cobalt experienced a check engine light and intermittent stalling at idle, with diagnostics indicating a potential fuel tank ventilation system leak. The initial suspicion was a defective activated charcoal filter within the EVAP system. A suggestion was made to also check the purge valve, as its malfunction could mimic similar symptoms. After professional diagnosis, the charcoal filter was confirmed as the issue, replaced, and the vehicle's performance returned to normal.

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4 comment(s)

konstantintaylor61

Indeed, a faulty activated charcoal filter can certainly manifest in that manner. Has the purge valve been assessed to verify its operational integrity? A malfunctioning purge valve, either stuck open or closed, could potentially mimic the symptoms indicative of a charcoal canister failure. Furthermore, might I inquire whether you've observed any degradation in fuel efficiency preceding this issue?

marthastar76 (community.author)

I have not yet isolated and tested the purge valve, but I will add that to my list. As for fuel efficiency, it does seem to be modestly reduced, perhaps on the order of 5% - 8% lower than previously observed. Might this fuel efficiency reduction more definitively point to an issue with the charcoal filter itself?

konstantintaylor61

Considering the concomitant reduction in fuel efficiency alongside the stalling and EVAP code, the charcoal filter is increasingly suspect as the root cause. Given the complexity and potential for exacerbating the emission control system's performance, I would now recommend consulting a qualified technician for a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and subsequent repair.

marthastar76 (community.author)

Thank you for the informed assessment; I appreciate the advice. Following your recommendation, I had the system professionally diagnosed and you were correct. The activated charcoal filter was indeed defective and was replaced. The check engine light is now off, the engine no longer stalls, and the fuel efficiency has returned to normal. Total repair cost was 275€.

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CHEVROLET

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COBALT