Charcoal Canister

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the EVAP charcoal canister located under the vehicle near the fuel tank on 2015-2020 Ford F-150 trucks with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• EVAP charcoal canister assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Vapor hose clamps × 4 — As needed if damaged
• Mounting bracket hardware × 1 — As needed if corroded

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on a level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Safely raise and support the rear of the vehicle using jack stands positioned on the frame rails
4. Allow vehicle to sit for at least 30 minutes after last operation to allow EVAP system pressure to normalize
5. Locate the charcoal canister on the driver side frame rail, forward of the fuel tank and behind the cab

Procedure

1. 1

   Access the charcoal canister
   Position yourself under the driver side of the vehicle with adequate lighting. The canister is a black cylindrical component mounted to the frame rail with a bracket. Note the orientation and routing of all vapor lines before removal.
2. 2

   Disconnect vapor line connections
   Locate the four vapor line connections on the canister (two on top, two on bottom typically). Press the release tabs on each quick-connect fitting and pull the lines straight off the canister ports. Some fuel vapor residue may be present. If lines are stubborn, use a small flathead screwdriver to gently pry the locking tabs while pulling.
   ⚠Fuel vapors may be released when disconnecting lines. Ensure adequate ventilation.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the canister vent valve solenoid (typically on top of the canister). Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight off. Note: some model years may not have an electrical connection if the valve is separate.
4. 4

   Remove mounting bracket bolts
   Using a 10mm or 13mm socket (depending on model year), remove the two or three bolts securing the canister mounting bracket to the frame rail. Support the canister with one hand while removing the final bolt.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove canister from vehicle
   Lower the canister assembly from the mounting bracket. If the canister is stuck to the bracket due to corrosion, gently twist while pulling downward. Inspect the mounting bracket for damage or excessive corrosion and replace if necessary.
6. 6

   Inspect vapor lines and fittings
   Examine all vapor line quick-connect fittings for cracks or damage. Check the rubber hoses for deterioration, especially near clamps. Inspect hose clamps for corrosion. Replace any damaged components before installing the new canister.
7. 7

   Prepare new canister
   Remove the new charcoal canister from packaging. Verify it matches the old unit in port configuration and mounting bracket design. If the mounting bracket is separate, transfer it to the new canister if not included. Ensure all port caps are removed from the new canister.
8. 8

   Install new canister to bracket
   Position the new canister into the mounting bracket (if separate) or position the complete assembly up to the frame rail mounting location. Align the mounting bolt holes with the frame rail threaded inserts.
9. 9

   Secure mounting bolts
   Thread in all mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment. Once all bolts are started, torque each bolt in a cross pattern to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the canister is firmly mounted with no movement.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts34 Nm (25 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect vapor lines
    Connect each vapor line to its corresponding port on the new canister. Push each line firmly onto the port until you hear or feel a click, indicating the locking tab has engaged. Gently tug on each line to verify it is securely locked. Refer to notes or photos taken during disassembly to ensure correct routing.
11. 11

    Reconnect electrical connector
    If equipped, reconnect the electrical connector to the canister vent valve solenoid. Push firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Verify the connection is secure.
12. 12

    Inspect installation
    Perform a final visual inspection of the installation. Verify all vapor lines are connected and routed properly without kinks or sharp bends. Ensure all mounting hardware is tight and the canister is secure. Check that no tools or parts were left in the work area.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all vapor line connections are fully seated and locked
2. Verify mounting bolts are torqued to specification and canister is secure
3. Confirm electrical connector (if equipped) is properly latched
4. Lower vehicle from jack stands safely

Verification

• Start the engine and allow it to idle for 2-3 minutes, listening for any unusual hissing sounds that might indicate a vapor leak
• If a Check Engine Light was present, use an OBD-II scanner to clear codes and perform a drive cycle as specified in the scanner instructions or owner's manual
• Monitor for return of EVAP-related fault codes (P0440, P0441, P0446, P0455, P0456) over the next several drive cycles
• Verify that the fuel tank cap seals properly and is not damaged, as this can also trigger EVAP codes
• Check underneath the vehicle after first drive to ensure no vapor lines have come loose and the canister remains securely mounted

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

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