P00FE code meaning
EVAP System Tank Vapor Line Restricted/Blocked
Powertrain system Generic code P00xx codes Check engine light
What P00FE means
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.
P00FE at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium
- Typical labor0.5 to 3 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P00FE
- Check engine light on
- Fuel nozzle clicks off early when refuelling
- Hiss or vacuum when opening the fuel cap
- Usually no change in driving
Common causes of P00FE
- Most likelyKinked, pinched or misrouted vapour line between tank and canister
- PossibleCharcoal canister broken down, grains blocking lines or valves
- PossibleRollover or fill-limit valve at the tank stuck closed (e.g. after overfilling)
- Less likelyPurge valve or leak detection module faulty
- Less likelyTank pressure sensor reading wrong
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
EVAP tank vapor lineEVAP canisterFuel tank vent valveEVAP purge valve
What each part of P00FE means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 0 | Generic code: it means the same on every make (SAE standard). |
| 0 | Area: fuel and air metering and auxiliary emission controls. |
| FE | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P00FE and any other codes stored with it: several codes together often point to one cause.
- Check for loose connectors and damaged wiring around the parts the code names.
- Check open recalls for your car: some faults are fixed for free by the dealer. Enter your VIN.
- Clear the code only after the repair. If it comes back, the fault is still there.
Buying a used car? Scan it for stored codes before you pay. A recently cleared memory can hide a problem.
Questions about P00FE
What does P00FE mean?
P00FE means "EVAP System Tank Vapor Line Restricted/Blocked". The evaporative emission system stores fuel vapour from the tank in a charcoal canister and later purges it into the engine. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P00FE?
Usually yes, for a short time, if the check engine light is steady and the car drives normally. If the light flashes or the car runs badly, stop and have it checked.
Will P00FE fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P00FE is emissions-related, so most inspection programs fail a car while it is stored or while the check engine light is on.
How hard is P00FE to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 3 hours of work. This is a job for a workshop.
Will P00FE clear itself after the repair?
After the repair the car has to complete a drive cycle (a mix of city and highway driving) before the test runs again. Until then the readiness monitor shows "not ready", which can fail an inspection.