Fuel vapor canistor issues

So, I’ve been getting a check engine light lately and the codes are all about the emissions stuff. I think I’ve narrowed down to a line coming off the fuel vapor canistor that may have damaged while trying to make the drain holes bigger in the bed to fit some drain lines for my tonneau cover. But the question I have is I also started getting this message about the ECU sporadically. Truck is running fine( for now). Would a leak in the fuel vapor lines cause this message?

 

When you fill up when it clicks of when full do you keep trying to add more fuel by keep clicking the handle?
That will cause canister issues.

 

Well I do sometimes, but when you drill through the bed and hit some sort of metal mesh. Then realize later that one of the lines has metal mesh around where your drilling….

 

So there are two lines at the fuel filler. My money is on you drilling into one of those two lines. It’s rather common when people have drilled drain holes for tonneau cover drains.

 

Post up ALL YOUR DTCs (diagnostic trouble codes). You should have done that in the first place. Otherwise, everyone here is just guessing.

And, yes, punching through your bedliner with a drill bit up close to the cab is NO BUENO. You could have nicked the gasoline fill tube. No, you did nick it. There are a couple of other hoses there too. If I were you, I would plan on dropping the fuel tank for a thorough visual inspection.

You could also perform a "smoke test" of your EVAP system if you have the right machine to do so.

You would not be the first person to puncture a fuel hose or EVAP hose with a drill bit.

 

If we knew what line you drilled into, we could tell you more.

 

But would any of those lines cause the message about ECU? As I said I am pretty sure I got one of those lines.

 

YES - because a hole creates a source for a vacuum leak (sucking in of excess air).

You really don't have a choice except to drop the fuel tank. Drive it down to as near as empty as possible - it makes maneuvering the tank a whole lot easier.

 

Thanks for the answer, I feel like dropping the fuel tank might be above my capabilities. Prob have to pay for that action, at least I know someone that not as expensive as the dealership

 

You are headed in the right direction! This is a job that does not require dealership level service.

Any decent independent shop will have done this more than once already. Just be sure to inform them of what happened so that you can minimize their time (your cost) troubleshooting. You will still pay one hr of diagnostic labor no matter what --> because that is industry standard. Ask them to proceed straight to the "Smoke Test".

But after that it is a ~4 hour job that is EASILY done on a lift and with the pole jackstand(s) they will have. I've done it myself and it wasn't that bad. Getting the tank back up into place, with the fuel filler tube and the air vent stabbed correctly into the tank is the hardest part. There is also a point where you have to reconnect the wiring harness connections for the fuel pump and level sensor and there just isn't a whole lot of room and it is somewhat hard to see. But it can be done. It just took some wiggling and me pushing and cursing and I was finally able to re-connect everything all the way to the supporting straps.

I would also be sure to advise in advance you will probably need a fuel filler tube assembly. No, you cannot duct tape the hole you drilled. And since it is plastic it cannot be welded.

This is what I call a "dumb" part - meaning it isn't electrical or critical to the drivetrain. Once they confirm your issue, ask the shop if they will source it from a Toyota Parts warehouse type seller online rather than the dealer. You will save $$$. I would waive any nonsense they tell you like "well, we can't guarantee the work for or standard ## months unless we use a genuine Toyota part". So be it.

 

Thanks

 

Well, finally got it fixed. Fuel filler tube was needed. $328 later and it’s done. I had a shop I know do the work. He showed me where I got the line.