2003 Check Engine light due to EVAP lines

[chriskav]

I just recently bought a 2003 Viper SRT-10 with 2,500 miles and when having checked out after the check Engine light came on. I was told the EVAP lines are cracked or split, also was told the only way to fix was cut out a hole in the trunk. Anyone else have this issue have a better solution?

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[TexasViper35]

Are you using a Viper Technician at your Dodge Dealership? You can get the CEL code to display on your dash and then look in to what it is. Turn the key to On and then to Off three (3) times, but the last time leave it at On and the code will display on the dash.

Kind of hard to understand why a 2500 mile car would have the issue you described. Sometimes a CEL code can get thrown for no real reason and if you are lucky 3-4 short drive cycles will clear it, because the computer will recognize that there really isn’t an issue after a few cycles.

Good luck!

 

[MoparMap]

Those lines could be cracked or split anywhere. I accidentally broke one of mine when I was messing with my power steering pump because it is clipped to the bottom of the brace that goes between the shock towers. I ended up fixing it by just putting a rubber hose between the section that broke. Those lines go all the way from the fuel tank up to a solenoid in the corner of the engine bay by the power steering pump, so they could be cracked anywhere. I wouldn't jump to the conclusion that the problem is at the tank without looking the whole thing over as much as you can first. Like BYAIC said as well, that sounds like a pretty unlikely thing to have broken with such low mileage. EVAP codes are notoriously finicky and can be as simple as a loose gas cap as well. Definitely need to do some more digging to try to find the actual cause first.

 

[Dan Cragin]

You do not need to cut a hole in the truck. The Evap pump and lines can be accessed from under the car. Typically the lines are cracked either at the pump
or at the hose that vents the filler neck.

 

[chriskav]

Are you using a Viper Technician at your Dodge Dealership? You can get the CEL code to display on your dash and then look in to what it is. Turn the key to On and then to Off three (3) times, but the last time leave it at On and the code will display on the dash.

Kind of hard to understand why a 2500 mile car would have the issue you described. Sometimes a CEL code can get thrown for no real reason and if you are lucky 3-4 short drive cycles will clear it, because the computer will recognize that there really isn’t an issue after a few cycles.

Good luck!

No, I had brought it to a high end car shop/dealer. Could be my first problem. I purchased the car two months ago and wanted everything checked out and fluids replaced, they thought it was a gas cap and had it replaced. However the light came back on a little after leaving. I ended up going back to have them to put on a new corsa exhaust and had them relook at it. His solution was cutting a whole in the trunk to get at the lines, thought that was a bit extreme and told him I would bring it to Dodge. My next problem is, the local Dodge service area said they do not work on 2003 vipers. So not sure what my next steps are, any ideas are greatly appreciated.

 

[TexasViper35]

No, I had brought it to a high end car shop/dealer. Could be my first problem. I purchased the car two months ago and wanted everything checked out and fluids replaced, they thought it was a gas cap and had it replaced. However the light came back on a little after leaving. I ended up going back to have them to put on a new corsa exhaust and had them relook at it. His solution was cutting a whole in the trunk to get at the lines, thought that was a bit extreme and told him I would bring it to Dodge. My next problem is, the local Dodge service area said they do not work on 2003 vipers. So not sure what my next steps are, any ideas are greatly appreciated.

I’m assuming that the shop you used read the CEL code(s), but check for yourself which codes by turning the key three times. Do the 3-4 short drive cycles to see if it clears itself, just run a few errands with it. But since it was off and then came back on this likely will not work, but it’s worth a try.

You really do need to find a Viper Tech or a store that is very familiar with Vipers. You may have to drive a distance. Call around, Google, Facebook, etc…. Start a new thread here asking for a referral in your area.

Different subject. Since they changed all of the fluids ask them if they added Friction Modifier to your differential fluid, it is a must! Without it the car will make loud grinding noise from the rear in sharp turns, as in leaving a parking spot.

 

[chriskav]

I’m assuming that the shop you used read the CEL code(s), but check for yourself which codes by turning the key three times. Do the 3-4 short drive cycles to see if it clears itself, just run a few errands with it. But since it was off and then came back on this likely will not work, but it’s worth a try.

You really do need to find a Viper Tech or a store that is very familiar with Vipers. You may have to drive a distance. Call around, Google, Facebook, etc…. Start a new thread here asking for a referral in your area.

Different subject. Since they changed all of the fluids ask them if they added Friction Modifier to your differential fluid, it is a must! Without it the car will make loud grinding noise from the rear in sharp turns, as in leaving a parking spot.

Thank you, greatly appreciated. I will keep you updated.