Encountering the OBDII code 1457 can be a frustrating experience for any car owner. This code, often related to evaporative emission control system (EVAP) leaks, can be triggered by various issues within your vehicle’s emission system. Recently, a fellow car enthusiast faced this very problem with their 2000 Honda Accord EX 2.3L ULEV and decided to share their troubleshooting journey and a unique DIY fix that might be helpful for others facing the same Obdii 1457 challenge.
The journey began when the P1457 code stubbornly appeared and refused to disappear, even after multiple resets. The first logical step was to inspect for any obvious vacuum hose leaks within the engine bay and around the charcoal canister area, located underneath the vehicle. While no loose hoses were immediately apparent, a faint smell of gasoline lingered near the canister. Further research online pointed towards a common culprit: the canister vent solenoid. It’s been reported that this solenoid, a square valve mounted directly on the canister, can sometimes develop leaks due to component separation, leading to EVAP system failures and consequently, the OBDII 1457 code.
Driven by the suspicion of a faulty canister vent solenoid, the next step was to source a replacement. A local junkyard became the hunting ground, yielding a used canister vent solenoid, along with other potentially useful valves and solenoids from a similar vehicle. However, the attempt to replace the original solenoid hit a snag. Years of road salt and corrosion in a rust-prone environment had seized the two screws securing the solenoid to the canister. Despite employing various tools, including vice grips, the screws refused to budge, threatening to damage the canister itself in the process.
Faced with the dilemma of potentially breaking the entire canister assembly while attempting to remove the stubborn screws, a creative and somewhat unconventional solution was devised. In a bid to seal the suspected leak without forcing the solenoid replacement, the car owner loosened the canister slightly to gain access to the seams of the canister vent solenoid. Ultra Black RTV silicone sealant was then liberally applied around the entire perimeter of the solenoid, with particular attention to the metal plate that sandwiches the valve components together.
After allowing ample time for the silicone sealant to cure properly, the battery was reset to clear the OBDII 1457 code. The results were surprisingly positive. For over five days and more than 100 miles of mixed city and highway driving, the dreaded code has not reappeared. This included regular highway commutes, conditions under which the engine control module (ECM) should have undoubtedly run its diagnostic tests on the EVAP system. Previously, the code would typically resurface within just 5 to 10 minutes of driving.
While this silicone sealant fix might seem unorthodox and is certainly not presented as a permanent or universally applicable solution for OBDII 1457, it highlights a practical approach to addressing a potential leak point in the canister vent solenoid. The EVAP system is complex, with numerous components that can contribute to code P1457. Therefore, it’s crucial to understand that this DIY fix is specific to the described scenario and may not resolve the issue in all cases. However, for those encountering OBDII 1457 and suspecting a leak from the canister vent solenoid, especially when faced with similar challenges in removing corroded fasteners, this experience offers a valuable, albeit temporary, workaround to consider. It’s always recommended to consult with a qualified mechanic for a thorough diagnosis and proper repair of emission system issues. This account serves to share a real-world experience and should not replace professional automotive advice.
