Powertrain, generic · Fuel and air metering, auxiliary emission controls

P00FE EVAP System Tank Vapor Line Restricted/Blocked

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleRequired
Limp modeNo

The evaporative emission system stores fuel vapour from the tank in a charcoal canister and later purges it into the engine. P00FE means the vapour path between tank and canister is restricted or blocked. That matters because a blocked line can hide the tank side from the leak test and disturb tank venting and refuelling. Ford, where P00FE replaces its own code P144A, checks this once per drive cycle during the cruise leak test, while purging with the vent valve closed, and confirms suspicious pressure responses with an intrusive test. VW used the same code on the 2013–2019 Golf, where the diagnosis covers the purge valve and the leak detection module. Typical causes are kinked or pinched lines and charcoal grains from a broken canister.

Likely causes

Kinked, pinched or misrouted vapour line between tank and canister
Charcoal canister broken down, grains blocking lines or valves
Rollover or fill-limit valve at the tank stuck closed (e.g. after overfilling)
Purge valve or leak detection module faulty
Tank pressure sensor reading wrong

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Fuel nozzle clicks off early when refuelling
  • Hiss or vacuum when opening the fuel cap
  • Usually no change in driving

Repair estimate

DifficultyMediumWorkshop job
Parts and labour€80–600
Time0.5–3 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

evap tank vapor lineevap canisterfuel tank vent valveevap purge valve

Related codes

P0441P0455P0456P0496P0497P0451

References: law.cornell.edu, fordservicecontent.com, static.nhtsa.gov.