[FenderBender]

I took my car back to Auto Zone and they again hooked it up to the computer to get the problem code. Now they are telling me it is the evap system which usually means a leaky hose. They told me to spray brake fluid on my hoses while the car was running and when the car shut off the last hose sprayed is probably the leaky one. This does not sound quite right to me. Has anyone ever done this?

[Skippy]

I have never done it myself but it doesn't seem like a good idea to spray anything that would make your car quit. It seems counterproductive. I would definitely get a second opinion on that one.

[joeNmass]

I agree with Skippy. Don't go start spraying flammable liquids all over your engine compartment. Before you spend money on a hit or miss solutions just take your car to a good technician if you can. You need specialized tools to really check for leaks in the evap system. A tech will clamp one end of a hose near the charcoal canister and then pressurize the gas tank with Nitrogen. He then adds a gauge to a connector and test for any drops in pressure. If there is a drop in pressure your car will likely fail the smog test.

Good luck.

[FenderBender]

We don't have smog tests where I live, I am not even sure what that is. I did talk to my granddad who is a certified mechanic and has been for over 60 years. He said that it is not brake fluid but carb cleaner that will determine where the leak is.

[MaximumSpeed]

The good part of it all is that usually such hoses are fairly simple to repair or replace, and the parts themselves are not expensive (though the labor can be).

[FenderBender]

That is a great thing Maximum. I can most likely fix it myself or have my brother do it. I just have to find the pesky bugger that needs replaced first.

[FenderBender]

Turns out it was not a hose at all. Auto Zone does not know what they are talking about. I found out that the flap under my car that gives access to the engine had come open and as soon as I closed it the service engine light went off.

[Skippy]

That is nice that you didn't have to buy any parts or anything and that you were able to fix it yourself. I think the guys at Auto Zone probably just know how to operate the code reader and not really how to diagnose what the code means.