P0456 on Dodge
Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (Very Small Leak)
P0456 on Dodge vehicles indicates evaporative emission control system leak detected (very small leak). Au7o has documented this code across 3 Dodge models — most commonly on Challenger, Charger, Journey. This emissions code means the evaporative emission (EVAP) control system has detected a very small leak — even tinier than the one flagged by P0442, roughly equivalent to a 0.020-inch hole. The EVAP system traps fuel vapors from the tank and prevents them from escaping into the atmosphere, and the computer tests for leaks by sealing the system and watching for pressure or vacuum loss. Because the leak is so small, the cause is often subtle, but a loose or worn gas cap is still the most common and easiest to check. It generally indicates a minor seal, hose, or valve leak somewhere in the fuel vapor system. Typical repair costs on Dodge range from $25 to $1,800, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0456
- •Loose, worn, or faulty gas cap or cap seal
- •Cracked or loose EVAP hose or line
- •Leaking vent valve or purge valve not sealing
- •Damaged O-ring or seal at the fuel filler neck
- •Small crack or leak in the charcoal canister
- •Leaking fuel tank or sending unit gasket
- •Loose or corroded EVAP component connection
P0456 on Dodge by Model
Dodge Challenger(1 issue)
- EVAP Leak Detection Pump (ESIM) Failure Causes Persistent P0455/P0456 — Often Misdiagnosed as a Gas Cap2008-2023
The Dodge Challenger's evaporative emissions (EVAP) leak-detection device — the Evaporative System Integrity Module/Monitor (ESIM), the successor to Chrysler's older NVLD (Natural Vacuum Leak Detection) pump — is a very common failure point across the LX/LA platform (2008-2023). The ESIM is a mechanical, non-solenoid device (housing, two check valves/weights, a diaphragm, and a switch) bolted to the charcoal canister behind the rear passenger fender-well liner. It performs an engine-off non-intrusive test for small leaks and an engine-running test for medium/large leaks, and the PCM relies on it for ALL EVAP leak diagnostics. When the ESIM's diaphragm or switch fails, the PCM falsely concludes the sealed EVAP system is leaking and sets P0456 (small leak), P0455 (large leak), or a generic P0440, illuminating the check-engine light. Because the code description points to a leak, the part is repeatedly misdiagnosed: owners and shops replace the gas cap (sometimes multiple times), get a clean smoke test showing no actual leak, yet the code returns. Multiple forum threads document owners chasing this for months — replacing the gas cap, then the purge/canister valve — before the ESIM ("vapor leak detection pump") is finally identified as the real fault. One owner reported spending roughly $2,500 over repeated visits before the issue was resolved. In some cases the leak-detection pump was simply found unplugged behind the wheel-well liner.
Dodge Charger(1 issue)
- EVAP Leak Detection (ESIM/NVLD) Module Failure Triggers False P0455/P0456 Codes2006-2023
A very common and frequently misdiagnosed problem on the Dodge Charger is failure of the EVAP (evaporative emissions) leak-detection device, which causes the PCM to log P0456 (small EVAP leak), P0455 (large EVAP leak), and/or P0457 (leak detected / fuel cap loose) and illuminate the check-engine light. On 2011-and-newer Chargers the system uses an ESIM (Evaporative System Integrity Module) — a natural-vacuum-based switch (the same NVLD-style monitoring concept) mounted directly on the charcoal/EVAP canister behind the passenger-side rear wheel well. With the EVAP system sealed, the PCM watches the ESIM/NVLD switch; if the switch's internal mechanical diaphragm fails or its external O-ring seal degrades, the switch fails to close within the calibrated time and the PCM falsely reports an EVAP leak. The classic giveaway is that a smoke test shows NO actual leak yet the code keeps returning. Because the code is almost always assumed to be a loose or failed gas cap, owners (and shops) often chase the wrong part first — replacing the gas cap and purge valve before discovering the real culprit is the inexpensive ESIM module. The code is low-severity (no driveability or engine damage, only a slight fuel-economy effect) but will fail an emissions/smog test and leaves the CEL on. In a worst-case escalation, the same codes can be caused by a pinhole leak on top of the fuel tank near a fuel-pump lock ring, which requires fuel-tank replacement. On 2022+ cars, Mopar TSB 18-094-23 addresses an over-sensitive EVAP monitor that can falsely set P0455/P0456/P0440/P0441 and is corrected with a PCM software update rather than a part.
Dodge Journey(1 issue)
- AC Compressor Failure and Evaporator Leaks2009-2020
AC compressor fails due to inadequate lubrication, leaky seals, and internal mechanical failure. Evaporator develops leaks from age and moisture. Condenser prone to damage from road debris. Lack of lubrication from leaks causes compressor seizure.
Looking for P0456 on a different make?
View P0456 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0456 mean on Dodge?▼
P0456 stands for "Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (Very Small Leak)." This emissions code means the evaporative emission (EVAP) control system has detected a very small leak — even tinier than the one flagged by P0442, roughly equivalent to a 0.020-inch hole. The EVAP system traps fuel vapors from the tank and prevents them from escaping into the atmosphere, and the computer tests for leaks by sealing the system and watching for pressure or vacuum loss. Because the leak is so small, the cause is often subtle, but a loose or worn gas cap is still the most common and easiest to check. It generally indicates a minor seal, hose, or valve leak somewhere in the fuel vapor system. On Dodge specifically, this code is documented across 3 models.
What causes P0456 on Dodge vehicles?▼
Common causes on Dodge: Loose, worn, or faulty gas cap or cap seal, Cracked or loose EVAP hose or line, Leaking vent valve or purge valve not sealing, Damaged O-ring or seal at the fuel filler neck, Small crack or leak in the charcoal canister. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0456 on a Dodge?▼
Repair costs on Dodge range from $25 to $1,800, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Dodge models have P0456 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0456 on 3 Dodge models: Challenger, Charger, Journey.