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Kia P0442

Leak detected) and the evaporative (EVAP) leak self-test resulted in NTF, a manual EV

DriveNot yet established by verified evidence.
ChargeNot yet established by verified evidence.
ServiceService is appropriate when P0442 is present under the conditions described in Kia communication PS469. The supplied evidence does not establish that service is mandatory in every case.
Confidence95%

Quick answer

For applicable 2015–2016 Kia Soul vehicles in the US, Kia communication PS469 addresses an illuminated MIL with P0442 when the EVAP leak self-test result is NTF, using a manual EVAP emissions test for hard-to-find or small leaks.

This page separates verified manufacturer/regulator evidence from supporting material. Unsupported causes, repairs or safety conclusions are not guessed.

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1. What does P0442 mean?

For applicable 2015–2016 Kia Soul vehicles in the US, Kia communication PS469 addresses an illuminated MIL with P0442 when the EVAP leak self-test result is NTF, using a manual EVAP emissions test for hard-to-find or small leaks.

2. Technical explanation

P0442 is identified in the supplied official communication as an Evaporative Emissions System—Leak detected code. The communication applies when the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) is illuminated, P0442 is stored, and the EVAP leak self-test resulted in NTF. Its stated subject is a manual EVAP emissions test for hard-to-find/small leaks.

3. What system is affected?

Evaporative emissions (EVAP) system.

4. How serious is this code?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

5. Symptoms you may notice

  • Illuminated malfunction indicator lamp (MIL).
  • DTC P0442 stored.
  • EVAP leak self-test result of NTF.

6. Possible causes

  • An EVAP-system leak is indicated by the supplied official communication.
  • The specific leak location or component cause is not yet established by verified evidence.

7. Can I still drive the vehicle?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

8. Can I charge the vehicle?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

9. What you can safely do

  • Arrange diagnosis by a qualified Kia service provider or other qualified automotive technician.
  • Provide the stored DTC P0442 and the EVAP self-test result, if available.
  • Do not attempt EVAP-system testing or repairs unless properly trained and equipped.

10. Step-by-step troubleshooting

  1. Verify the MIL status and retrieve stored diagnostic trouble codes.
  2. For the conditions described in Kia communication PS469—P0442 with an EVAP leak self-test result of NTF—perform the manufacturer-described manual EVAP emissions test for hard-to-find/small leaks. The detailed procedure is not included in the supplied evidence.

11. When to contact service

Service is appropriate when P0442 is present under the conditions described in Kia communication PS469. The supplied evidence does not establish that service is mandatory in every case.

12. What the service center may check

  • Confirm whether the vehicle is a US-market 2015–2016 Kia Soul.
  • Confirm that P0442 is stored and that the MIL is illuminated.
  • Confirm whether the EVAP leak self-test result is NTF.
  • Use the manual EVAP emissions test referenced in Kia communication PS469 for hard-to-find/small leaks.

13. Possible repair or resolution

  • Repair resolution is not specified in the supplied verified evidence.
  • The manual EVAP emissions test referenced by Kia communication PS469 is intended to assist diagnosis of hard-to-find/small leaks.

14. Affected vehicles

15. Related TSBs / service bulletins

  • Kia PS469 / NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 10109813, published January 18, 2017: “ITSTOP: Manual Evaporative Emissions Test for Hard to Find/Small Leaks.” It references illuminated MIL conditions with P0442, P0455, P0456, or P0457 and an EVAP leak self-test result of NTF.

16. Recall information

  • No recall information was supplied or established by verified evidence.

17. Official manufacturer information

Official source: NHTSA Manufacturer Communication 10109813: PS469, published January 18, 2017. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/ffdd/tsbs/TSBS_RECEIVED_2015-2019.zip#nhtsa_id=10109813

19. Frequently asked questions

What does P0442 mean for the applicable Kia Soul?

The supplied official communication identifies P0442 as an Evaporative Emissions System—Leak detected code.

Which vehicles are established as applicable?

The supplied verified applicability identifies US-market 2015–2016 Kia Soul vehicles.

What does NTF mean here?

The supplied evidence states that the EVAP leak self-test resulted in NTF, but does not define the abbreviation.

Can I drive or charge the vehicle?

Not yet established by verified evidence.

20. Sources & verification

ReferenceVerified
Kia P0442: Leak detected) and the evaporative (EVAP) leak self-test… | EV Diagnostics