P0498: EVAP vent valve control circuit low: the wire to the valve that seals the fuel vapour system is reading too low

EVAP vent control circuit low

Severity: Monitor

The reference page says this code typically brings no drivability problems, only the check engine light, so you can usually drive while you book a check.

It gets more serious if:

  • Inspect soon: Inspect soon if you smell fuel or the light comes back repeatedly after repairs, since the EVAP system may then be venting incorrectly.

Source: how we rate severity

P0498 in short

P0498 means the computer sees a low-voltage fault in the circuit that controls the EVAP vent valve, which closes the fuel vapour system to the air for testing. A faulty vent valve or a shorted wire is the usual cause. It rarely affects driving, but get it checked.

The EVAP system has a vent valve that opens to let fresh air in and closes during leak testing. P0498 sets when the computer sees the control circuit stuck low in voltage. The reference page lists a wire shorted to ground or a faulty valve as the usual causes.

On GM vehicles owners report P0498 together with P0449, and one 2017 Malibu owner was told to replace the canister vent solenoid. A 2022 Sierra owner points to a GM special coverage program for the EVAP purge pump, but their VIN was not included, so it is context only.

Because the vent valve usually sits near the canister and tank, wiring there is exposed to road damage and corrosion.

Most likely causes

  1. Cause 1: Faulty EVAP vent valve (canister vent solenoid)

    Supported by vehicle data
    Why it ranks here
    The reference page lists the valve first, and a Malibu owner was told the vent solenoid needs replacing. Several GM truck owners report the same code.
    What would change this
    Rises if valve resistance is outside the 25-35 ohm range on the page or it does not respond. Falls if it tests normal.
    How to test the evap canister vent valve
  2. Cause 2: Wiring short to ground or a damaged connector

    Common general cause
    Why it ranks here
    The reference page lists a short to ground, chafing, rodent damage and connector corrosion as causes of a low circuit.
    What would change this
    Rises if the harness shows damage or resistance to ground is low. Falls if wiring tests good.

What to test first

Start at step 1. Each result tells you what it means and where to go next.

  1. Step 1: Read all codes and note whether P0449, P0498 or P0499 are stored together; check the gas cap is tight.

    Low riskTool: OBD-II scan tool

    • IfOnly this vent circuit code is stored

      It meansInspect the vent valve wiring next.

      Go to step 2

    • IfOther EVAP codes are stored too

      It meansSeveral EVAP faults can share one valve or harness; test the vent circuit first.

      Go to step 2

  2. Step 2: Find the EVAP vent valve near the canister and the fuel tank, and look at its connector and wiring for corrosion, damage, loose pins or rodent chewing.

    Use cautionTool: flashlight

    Warning:Work under the vehicle only when it is properly supported and cool, and keep sparks and open flame away from fuel vapour.

  3. Step 3: Have a shop measure the vent valve resistance and check its circuit for a short to ground or voltage, and command it with a scan tool.

    Best left to a shopTool: multimeter, bidirectional scan tool

    Warning:This is done near fuel vapour and live circuits. Let a shop do it and do not probe wires with the engine running.

Symptoms

  • Check engine light with P0498 stored
  • Usually no change in how the car drives
  • Fuel smell or EVAP leak codes alongside it Gets more serious: stop and have it checked.

How to fix

  1. Step 1: Make sure the gas cap is tight and clear the code once to see whether it returns.

  2. Step 2: Look at the vent valve connector under the vehicle for corrosion, once the vehicle is cool and supported.

Parts and cost context

  • EVAP canister vent valve:The vent valve (or canister vent solenoid) was the part owners were told to replace on GM trucks and cars. Test the circuit first. Labour varies; get a quote.

Labor varies by vehicle and shop; get a quote before you approve a repair.

Compare used part prices on PartPriceGuide

On your vehicle

Chevrolet

  • 2017 · Malibu

    Supported by vehicle data

    A 2017 Malibu owner reports P0498 with P0449 and was told the canister vent solenoid needs replacing. Owner report.

  • 2019–2020 · Silverado 1500

    Supported by vehicle data

    Silverado 1500 owners report P0498, one saying service centers called it a known issue and are waiting on a part. Owner report only.

  • PIE0528 (chevrolet)Status unverified

    EVAP canister performance light, DTCs incl. P0498

    2019equinox, traverse · NHTSA 10163910

    Engineering information bulletin asking for warranty parts on vehicles with an EVAP canister performance light and several EVAP codes including P0498.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

GMC

  • 2022 · Sierra 1500

    Possible — needs testing

    A 2022 Sierra owner reports P0449 and P0498 and a GM EVAP purge pump program that did not include their VIN. Context only.

  • 2019 · Terrain

    Supported by vehicle data

    GM bulletin PIE0528 lists P0498 among EVAP codes on 2019 Acadia and Terrain. Unverified bulletin.

  • PIE0528 (gmc)Status unverified

    EVAP canister performance light, DTCs incl. P0498

    2019acadia, terrain · NHTSA 10163910

    Engineering information bulletin asking for warranty parts on vehicles with an EVAP canister performance light and several EVAP codes including P0498.

    We couldn't confirm whether this bulletin is still current, so it doesn't count as confirmation.

All EVAP (evaporative emissions) codes

P0498 questions

Is it safe to drive with P0498?

Usually yes, since the page notes typically no drivability problems. Get it checked soon, especially if you smell fuel.

Will a new gas cap fix P0498?

Unlikely. P0498 is an electrical fault in the vent valve circuit, not a leak code, so test the valve and wiring.

Sources and review

  1. P0498 trouble code page — TroubleCodes.net
  2. NHTSA complaint ODI 11576113 — NHTSA (consumer complaint database, local flat-file cache)
  3. NHTSA complaint ODI 11561724 — NHTSA (consumer complaint database, local flat-file cache)
  4. NHTSA complaint ODI 11696792 — NHTSA (consumer complaint database, local flat-file cache)
  5. P0499 trouble code page — TroubleCodes.net
  6. NHTSA complaint ODI 11581652 — NHTSA (consumer complaint database, local flat-file cache)
  7. GM PIE0528: check engine light for EVAP canister performance, DTCs P0442, P0455, P0446, P0449, P0498 (2019 models) — General Motors (via NHTSA manufacturer communications flat file)
Last reviewed
Written by
Saurabh K.
Editorial review
Pending
Technician review
Technician review pending

This page explains what a code usually means; it is not a substitute for a professional inspection. How we source and review · Report an error

My Car

Pick your car and code pages will point out notes and bulletins for it. Saved only in this browser.

Fill this in from your VIN

Used once to identify your engine; not stored.