What is the function of a car's activated carbon canister?
2 Answers
The function of a car's activated carbon canister is to prevent fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere after the engine stops running. The working principle of the activated carbon canister: When the engine is running, the ECU controls the opening and closing of the carbon canister solenoid valve based on signals such as engine speed, temperature, and air flow to regulate the vacuum level in the upper part of the emission control valve, thereby controlling the valve's opening. When the emission control valve opens, fuel vapors are drawn into the intake manifold through the valve to participate in combustion. Notes on the activated carbon canister: Owners may encounter difficulty starting the engine due to an overfilled fuel tank, which could indicate a problem with the gasoline evaporation control system where the carbon canister is located.
In my decades of driving, I've seen many automotive systems. The main function of the charcoal canister is to capture and store fuel vapors escaping from the fuel tank, preventing them from being directly released into the air and polluting the environment. When the car is parked on a hot day, the pressure in the fuel tank increases, and the vapors are drawn into the canister to be adsorbed. After starting the engine, the system will draw these vapors back into the engine to be burned, avoiding gasoline waste. This reduces unpleasant gasoline odors and air pollution, complying with modern environmental regulations. If the charcoal canister is clogged or broken, you may notice increased fuel consumption, the engine light turning on, or strange odors while driving. As an experienced driver like myself, I would recommend checking the canister valve and filter every few tens of thousands of kilometers to ensure all pipes are clean and unobstructed. Although it's a small component, it's important for overall performance and green driving.
