PUMP-NATURAL VAC LEAK DETECTION
DESCRIPTION
The NVLD pump (3) is attached to the end of the EVAP canister (2).
OPERATION
Vehicles equipped with NGC engine control modules use an NVLD pump and system.Vehicles equipped with JTEC
engine control modules use a leak detection pump. Refer to Leak Detection Pump (LDP) for additional information.
The Natural Vacuum Leak Detection (NVLD) system is the next generation evaporative leak detection system that
will first be used on vehicles equipped with the Next Generation Controller (NGC). This new system replaces the
leak detection pump as the method of evaporative system leak detection. This is to detect a leak equivalent to a
0.020
9
(0.5 mm) hole. This system has the capability to detect holes of this size very dependably.
The basic leak detection theory employed with NVLD is the
9
Gas Law
9
. This is to say that the pressure in a sealed
vessel will change if the temperature of the gas in the vessel changes. The vessel will only see this effect if it is
indeed sealed. Even small leaks will allow the pressure in the vessel to come to equilibrium with the ambient pres-
sure. In addition to the detection of very small leaks, this system has the capability of detecting medium as well as
large evaporative system leaks.
A vent valve seals the canister vent during engine off conditions. If the vapor system has a leak of less than the
failure threshold, the evaporative system will be pulled into a vacuum, either due to the cool down from operating
temperature or diurnal ambient temperature cycling. The diurnal effect is considered one of the primary contributors
to the leak determination by this diagnostic. When the vacuum in the system exceeds about 1
9
H2O (0.25 KPA), a
vacuum switch closes. The switch closure sends a signal to the NGC. The NGC, via appropriate logic strategies,
utilizes the switch signal, or lack thereof, to make a determination of whether a leak is present.
The NVLD device is designed with a normally open vacuum switch, a normally closed solenoid, and a seal, which
is actuated by both the solenoid and a diaphragm. The NVLD is located on the atmospheric vent side of the can-
ister. The NVLD assembly may be mounted on top of the canister outlet, or in-line between the canister and atmo-
spheric vent filter. The normally open vacuum switch will close with about 1
9
H2O (0.25 KPA) vacuum in the
evaporative system. The diaphragm actuates the switch. This is above the opening point of the fuel inlet check valve
in the fill tube so cap off leaks can be detected. Submerged fill systems must have recirculation lines that do not
25 - 22
EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS
ND