P240A code meaning
EVAP System Leak Detection Pump Heater Control Circuit/Open
Powertrain system Generic code P24xx codes Check engine light
What P240A means
Some leak detection pump modules, such as the DMTL units on VW, Jaguar Land Rover and Maserati gasoline engines, carry a small heating element that keeps moisture and ice from upsetting the pump and its pressure measurement. P240A is set when the heater's drive circuit appears open. The 2014 data books for the VW Golf and Touareg take a heater-line voltage of about 4.7-5.4 V as the criterion. Jaguar's JTB00436 for the XJ lists P240A next to other DMTL codes that water or ice in the pump filter can cause, and Land Rover's SSM69118 and SSM71298 cover it as well. P240B and P240C are the short-circuit siblings; P2400 concerns the pump drive itself. Without heating the leak test may become unreliable in cold, damp weather.
P240A at a glance
- Check engine lightYes, usually on
- Emissions testCan fail
- Limp modeNot expected
- Repair difficultyMedium, DIY possible
- Typical labor0.5 to 2 hours
- Clears after repairAfter a drive cycle
Symptoms of P240A
- Check engine light
- Further EVAP pump codes in cold or wet conditions
Common causes of P240A
- Most likelyBurnt-out heating element inside the pump module
- PossibleBroken heater wire or corroded terminal at the module connector
- Less likelyMissing supply voltage to the heater (fuse, relay)
Check the most likely causes first. Replacing parts by guesswork is the most expensive way to clear a code.
Parts involved
EVAP leak detection pump heaterEVAP pump wiring
What each part of P240A means
| P | Powertrain system: engine, fuel system, ignition, emissions and transmission. |
| 2 | Generic code (second SAE range): it means the same on every make. |
| 4 | Area: auxiliary emission controls (catalytic converter, EGR, EVAP). |
| 0A | The exact fault in that area. |
What to do next
- Note P240A 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 P240A
What does P240A mean?
P240A means "EVAP System Leak Detection Pump Heater Control Circuit/Open". Some leak detection pump modules, such as the DMTL units on VW, Jaguar Land Rover and Maserati gasoline engines, carry a small heating element that keeps moisture and ice from upsetting the pump and its pressure measurement. It is a generic code, so it means the same on every make.
Is it safe to drive with P240A?
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 P240A fail an emissions test?
Yes, it can. P240A 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 P240A to fix?
Difficulty: medium. A typical repair takes 0.5 to 2 hours of work. A careful DIY repair is possible with basic tools and a scanner.
Will P240A 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.