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Updated on Jan 31, 2024

John Davis

Expert Automotive Writer

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content

Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

What's on this page?

How much does it cost to replace an evaporative canister filter?
Where can I get my evaporative canister filter replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my evaporative canister filter?
What happens if I don’t replace my evaporative canister filter?
What is an evaporative canister filter?
Can I replace my evaporative canister filter myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

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How much does it cost to replace an evaporative canister filter?

The exact cost to replace an evaporative canister filter will depend on the vehicle and your location. But you can expect the average cost to fall around $130, which breaks down into $45 for replacement parts and $84 in labor costs.

How long does it take to replace an evaporative canister filter? Again, the exact time will depend on the car, but a certified mechanic should be able to complete the service in 30 minutes to one hour.

Here’s a breakdown of evaporative canister filter replacement costs for different vehicles:

Estimate Date	Customer	Car	Fair Cost Estimate	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Labor Time
November 11, 2024	Justin, 31 El Paso, TX	Smart Fortwo	$78	$25	$53	0.4 Hours
November 10, 2024	Dorothy, 33 Westfield, NJ	Lexus LS	$75	$25	$50	0.4 Hours
November 7, 2024	Cordelia, 38 Nashville, TN	Volvo XC60	$97	$51	$46	0.4 Hours
November 4, 2024	Nathan, 42 Salem, MA	Porsche Panamera	$112	$72	$40	0.4 Hours
November 3, 2024	Troy, 45 Sparks, NV	Mazda Tribute	$124	$72	$52	0.4 Hours

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

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What parts do I need for my evaporative canister filter replacement?

You should check your car repair guide or

owner’s manual

for detailed information regarding the charcoal canister. But here’s a general overview of the parts you may require:

Evaporative canister filter: The primary part you’ll need is the new filter itself. But it’s important that you determine whether you can replace only the filter or whether you need to replace the entire canister, as the canister and filter are a single unit on many cars. If you only need a filter, you should be able to pick up a new one for between $20 and $50.

Hoses: Sometimes, the hoses attached to the vapor canister filter are damaged. In that case, you’ll need to replace them at the same time you replace the filter. If you need new hoses, they shouldn’t cost more than $10 to $30 each.

Some reputable brands we recommend for reliable evaporative canister filters are Dorman, ACDelco, and Motorcraft. Meanwhile, the best hose brands include Gates, Dayco, and ACDelco. You can typically find these brands from retailers such as AutoZone, Amazon, and RockAuto, both online and in-store. However, like price, recommended brands may also vary depending on your vehicle's specific year, make, and model.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

For most automotive repairs, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts are the best option, especially if you drive a newer vehicle.

OEM parts are made specifically to fit your car. They come with a manufacturer’s warranty and are high quality, but they also tend to be pricey. Aftermarket parts, on the other hand, are cheaper and easier to find but may be of lower quality.

While OEM parts are generally the best option, you can choose to go the aftermarket route to save some cash. If you choose to purchase aftermarket parts, remember to check the part number to confirm it will work for your car.

Where can I buy the parts for my evaporative canister filter replacement?

If you plan to buy OEM parts, you’ll have to contact your local dealership or authorized parts retailer. You can easily find aftermarket parts at your local auto parts stores—like AutoZone—or online retailers like Amazon and RockAuto.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my evaporative canister filter replaced?

Finding an honest and reliable repair shop can be difficult. But luckily, Jerry's

GarageGuard™

simplifies the process by helping you compare hourly rates and repair estimates from more than 2,500 shops around the country.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ uses real hourly rates from local repair shops to give you fair price estimates. Use it to read customer reviews, learn about diagnostic fees, and budget for future maintenance projects.

Check out some of our best-rated vetted shops below and download the app to search for quality repair services in your neighborhood.

154 Reviews

61 Auto Center

1226 Centre Ave, Reading, PA

Evaporative Canister Filter Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$98

(Parts - $40, Labor - $58)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$70

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (610) 370-7224

174 Reviews

Yoo's Auto Service & Collision

189 W Duncannon Ave, Philadelphia, PA

Evaporative Canister Filter Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$138

(Parts - $40, Labor - $98)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$100

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (215) 457-7777

177 Reviews

54th Street Auto Center

415 W 54th St, New York, NY

Evaporative Canister Filter Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$225

(Parts - $40, Labor - $185)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$191

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (212) 265-3120

139 Reviews

Richmond Brake Service

3306 Almond St, Philadelphia, PA

Evaporative Canister Filter Replacement Cost

Fair Cost Estimate for This Shop

$138

(Parts - $40, Labor - $98)

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$45

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (215) 425-7514

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my evaporative canister filter?

While the exact steps will vary from car to car, here are the general steps your mechanic will follow when replacing your evaporative canister filter:

Disconnect the car battery

Lift the vehicle off the ground

Locate the evaporative emission control canister (on most vehicles, it’s under the car near the fuel tank, but it may be in the engine bay)

Apply a small amount of penetrating oil to the mounting bolts

Disconnect the electrical connectors

Remove the hoses connected to the canister (there should be three hoses: one for the canister purge valve/purge solenoid, one for the vent valve/vent solenoid, and one connecting the canister to the fuel tank)

Remove the canister’s mounting bolts and clips

Remove the canister

Remove the old canister filter (if the canister and filter are separate)

Install the new canister filter

Reposition the canister and install any clips and mounting hardware

Reconnect the hoses and electrical connectors

Lower the vehicle

Reconnect the car battery

Start the car to confirm that the check engine light is not present

Turn the car off

Start the vehicle again and take it on a 10-mile test drive

What happens if I don’t replace my evaporative canister filter?

If you have a bad evaporative canister filter and don’t replace it, you risk facing the following issues:

Increased emissions: The evaporative canister filter is a critical part of your car’s evaporative emission control system (EVAP system). If the filter becomes clogged or malfunctions, your car will release substantially more harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This is bad for you and the planet and may come with legal consequences depending on where you live.

Check engine light (CEL): The CEL is likely to appear when your EVAP system has a malfunction. If you ignore the light, you may fail to identify other issues with your car.

Reduced fuel economy: A faulty canister filter can disrupt the car’s fuel vapor management, resulting in reduced gas mileage.

Performance issues: The EVAP system is closely connected to your engine’s performance. A faulty filter can lead to a rough idle, reduced engine power, and difficulty starting the car.

Failed emissions test: If the canister filter is bad, you’ll likely fail an emissions test. Depending on where you live, this may come with legal penalties.

Damage to other components: If you don’t replace a faulty canister filter, you’re likely to develop more problems with the EVAP system—like an EVAP leak—and long-term damage to your car’s engine.

What is an evaporative canister filter?

An evaporative canister filter—also known as the EVAP filter or vapor canister filter—is an integral part of your car’s evaporative emission control (EVAP) system. Its purpose is to collect the excess gasoline vapors that build in your fuel tank and convert them into two different substances: hydrocarbons and carbon dioxide.

Once the fuel vapors are converted to these substances, the hydrocarbons are re-distributed into the fuel system via the EVAP purge solenoid. The hydrocarbons are then burnt during the combustion process. The carbon dioxide, on the other hand, flows through the EVAP vent solenoid into the outside air.

The engine control module (ECM) controls the EVAP system and determines when the vent and purge solenoids open. The purpose of this system is to reduce the amount of harmful pollutants that your car produces and to improve the overall performance and efficiency of your engine.

When should I replace the evaporative canister filter on my car?

Although some manufacturers may include a replacement schedule for evaporative canister filters, most do not. That means the only time you should have to replace your filter is when it becomes clogged by debris or malfunctions.

These are the most common symptoms of a faulty evaporative canister filter:

Check engine light (CEL): One of the main symptoms of a faulty EVAP filter is the presence of the CEL. Remember, though, that this light may appear for many different reasons. You’ll have to use an onboard diagnostics (OBD) scan tool to identify the exact trouble code.

Strong fuel smell: If the canister filter fails and can no longer trap excess fuel vapors, you might notice a strong fuel odor in and around your car.

Failed emissions test: If your EVAP filter is clogged, you’re likely to fail an emissions test. That means that your car is emitting more hydrocarbons than is normal, which is bad for you and the environment. And depending on your area, you may be unable to drive your car until you fix the issue.

Performance issues: A faulty canister filter can affect your car’s fuel vapor management. This can cause a variety of issues, including reduced fuel efficiency, difficulty starting the engine, and a rough idle.

Leaking or collapsed fuel tank: In extreme cases, the fuel tank can actually collapse due to catastrophic EVAP failure. If you notice a whooshing sound when you remove your gas cap, it’s a good indicator that there’s a problem with the vapor venting.

Keep in mind: These issues can indicate other general problems—like a clogged air filter, a bad fuel pump, a damaged intake manifold, or faulty spark plugs—or other EVAP issues, like a malfunctioning control valve.

How often should I replace my evaporative canister filter?

There isn’t a universal replacement interval for evaporative canister filters, although some manufacturers may include this information in the owner’s manual. Instead, you’ll have to keep an eye out for the symptoms of a bad filter, which include a strong fuel smell and a lit check engine light. If you notice these symptoms, it may be time to replace your evaporative canister filter.

Can I replace my evaporative canister filter myself?

Replacing the evaporative canister filter is generally a mid-level job. It requires a moderate level of automotive experience and access to basic tools. While it can make a great DIY project for experienced home mechanics, it may be overwhelming for novices.

If you feel confident in your mechanical abilities and have access to the right tools, you should be fine handling the replacement yourself. But if you’re uncomfortable working on the fuel and emissions systems, you should leave this job for a pro.

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FAQs

How do I know if I need a new EVAP canister?

There are a few indicators that you need a new EVAP canister, including:

A check engine light

A failed emissions test

A strong fuel odor

Poor engine performance

Difficulty starting the engine

Can an EVAP canister be cleaned?

Generally, you can’t clean an EVAP canister. Instead, you’ll have to replace it if yours fails. That’s because over time, the canister becomes saturated with hydrocarbons and other contaminants.

Is it safe to drive with a bad EVAP canister?

You should not drive with a bad EVAP canister if you can avoid it. While it’s unlikely that a faulty canister will cause a mechanical failure, it can result in increased emissions, which is bad for you and the environment, and long-term engine damage. Additionally, if the canister filter is bad, it may allow fuel vapors to leak into your car, potentially resulting in health issues for you and your passengers.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.