EngineLightCodes
Powertrain code

P2401 EVAP Leak Detection Pump Control Circuit Low

Severity
Fix soon
Typical repair cost
$130–$550
Do it yourself
Possible, medium
Shop time
0.5–2.0 hours

Drive voltage on the leak-detection pump line is below the lower limit.

How the engine computer detects it

Often a short to ground in the harness.

Written from public technical sources and not yet checked by a mechanic. How we write these pages

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Possible smell of fuel near tank or engine bay
  • Failed emissions inspection
  • Loose-cap warning may appear

Common causes

  1. Drive line shorted to ground Most likely
  2. Pump internal short Possible
  3. Connector pins corroded - high contact resistance Less likely

How to diagnose P2401

  1. Read every stored code with an OBD-II scanner. If misfire or fuel trim codes are there too, fix those first: they often cause this one.
  2. Inspect the parts involved: evap leak detection pump, evap pump wiring.
  3. Work through the causes above from most to least likely, cheapest checks first.
  4. Clear the code and drive a full drive cycle to confirm the repair held.

Vehicles that report P2401 most

VehicleYearsReportsMedian miles
Scion XA2006684k

Counts of owner complaints to the NHTSA that mention P2401 (13 in total), not failure rates: popular models get more complaints simply because more of them are on the road. Models with fewer than 3 complaints are left out.

Reading the code

P
Powertrain
2
Generic (SAE) code
401
Specific fault

Questions drivers ask

Can I drive with code P2401?

Usually yes for a short time, if the car drives normally, the temperature gauge reads normal and the check engine light is steady. If the light flashes, the engine loses power or overheats, or other warning lights come on, pull over and have it checked.

Will my car pass an emissions inspection with P2401?

Probably not in states that test vehicles with an OBD-II scan: an emissions-related code that keeps the check engine light on is usually an automatic fail. Rules differ by state and county, so check yours.

Will P2401 clear by itself?

The light can go off after several drive cycles without the fault, but the code returns if the cause is still there. After a repair, the readiness monitors need a full drive cycle before an inspection.

Can I fix P2401 myself?

Often yes, with an OBD-II scanner and basic tools. Difficulty: medium. Start with the cheapest checks before replacing expensive parts.

Often reported together

Codes that owners mention in the same NHTSA complaints as P2401. They can point to a shared cause, so it's worth checking them together.

This page is general information, not a substitute for a professional diagnosis. Repair costs are rough estimates for parts and labor and vary by vehicle and region.