P0456
DODGE CHARGER · ENGINE AND EMISSIONS DIAGNOSTICS

P0456 Code Dodge Charger: Small EVAP Leak Diagnosis

Diagnose Charger P0456 with cap, purge, ESIM and smoke tests, plus the limited 2013–2015 5.7L PCM-update branch.

FORD PRIMARY SOURCES·GENERATION-AWARE·REVIEWED AUGUST 21, 2026
WHAT P0456 MEANS

P0456 means the Charger failed a very-small EVAP leak check; it does not name the gas cap. Record fuel level and filler condition, verify purge and ESIM/vent sealing, then use EVAP-safe smoke to inspect rear underbody lines, canister and tank seals. FCA bulletin 18-084-16 includes P0456 for specified 2013–2015 LD Charger 5.7L applications, but software is only a branch after physical testing and exact VIN/calibration confirmation.

SAE/Ford description: EVAP System Small Leak Detected
DRIVING RISKService soon

Short driving is normally acceptable without fuel odor or wetness. Park outdoors and stop for visible gasoline, strong vapor smell, tank damage or refueling trouble. Use only regulated EVAP equipment.

P0456 diagnostic path — each candidate cause paired with the test that separates it. The full cause matrix, with the evidence each cause needs, is below.
DIAGNOSTIC ROUTER

Match the symptom

Select the closest observation. The result changes the first test; it does not name a part to replace.

START HERE

Record cap or filler condition before changing it.

CAUSE MATRIX

What can set P0456—and how to separate it

The order below is evidence-driven, not a universal probability ranking. Vehicle year, repair history, companion codes and the operating condition in freeze frame change where diagnosis should begin.

Possible causeEvidence that supports itFirst useful test
Cap/filler seal or closure faultFound condition or sealing test failsCap/filler inspection
Purge valve leaks when closedManifold vacuum passes with purge offClosed-state sealing test
ESIM/vent, hose or canister small leakLeak verification or regulated smoke localizeswiTECH leak test and smoke
Tank or pump-module seal leakRecent service or top-of-tank smokeSectional EVAP test
PCM calibration branchExact platform, engine, VIN and software matchBulletin/applicability check

Keep the filler untouched until it is documented

A well-meaning cap tightening can erase the found condition without proving that the cap was responsible. Photograph the seal and tether area, note whether the cap was seated, and preserve fuel level and ambient temperature before clearing anything.

The Charger’s low rear body puts canister plumbing and vapor lines near road debris and lift points. Inspect clips, abrasion and repairs around the tank before assuming that a small-leak monitor failure is an electronic problem.

Purge and ESIM require different proof

A purge solenoid can click and still pass manifold vacuum while commanded closed. Test actual sealing, because unintended purge flow can also explain a difficult restart immediately after refueling or an unexpected fuel-trim change.

The leak-detection switch and vent path must move and seal as designed. Use wiTECH functional testing where available, then section the system with regulated smoke rather than feeding unrestricted shop air into vapor components.

The 5.7L bulletin has hard boundaries

Bulletin 18-084-16 identifies LD Charger, the 5.7L EZC/EZH sales codes and particular model years. A 3.6L Charger or a vehicle outside the calibration range does not qualify merely because P0456 appears.

Even on an eligible car, record the current software level and complete the manufacturer prechecks. A verified hose, filler or valve leak remains a physical repair; the flash branch addresses only the software behavior described by the bulletin.

BEFORE CLEARING

Save these scan-data clues

Freeze frame is a snapshot of conditions when the PCM matured the fault. It can distinguish an idle-only problem from a load, cold-start or monitor-completion problem. Clearing first throws that context away.

  • Exact VIN, platform, model year and engine sales code
  • All confirmed, pending and permanent companion codes
  • RPM, load, coolant temperature and vehicle speed
  • Relevant commanded and actual scan data
  • Recent service, repairs and symptom conditions
  • Manufacturer bulletin and current software/VIN status
TEST SEQUENCE

A practical diagnostic workflow

  1. 01
    Identify platform and engine

    Component layout and software branches differ.

  2. 02
    Preserve refueling evidence

    Do not tighten or clear before recording.

  3. 03
    Run leak verification

    Use wiTECH function tests where supported.

  4. 04
    Test purge and vent sealing

    A click does not prove closure.

  5. 05
    Smoke at EVAP-safe pressure

    Section filler, canister, hoses and tank.

  6. 06
    Verify monitor

    Meet fuel-level and soak conditions after repair.

!
Do not load the parts cannon

Do not replace the most commonly named component from P0456 alone. Confirm the exact engine, preserve evidence and complete the manufacturer test sequence before ordering parts.

APPLICATION BOUNDARIES

Why the model year changes the test

Modern Charger diagnostics span LX and LD rear-wheel-drive platforms, optional AWD and 2.7L, 3.5L, 3.6L Pentastar, 5.7L HEMI, 6.1L and 6.4L engines. Cylinder banks, oil-pressure control, cam sensing, EVAP plumbing and catalyst locations are not interchangeable. Confirm model year, VIN, engine sales code, build date and current PCM calibration before applying any test value, bulletin or diagram.

  • 18-084-16 is limited to specified 2013–2015 LD Charger 5.7L applications.
  • V6 and HEMI purge plumbing and calibrations differ.
  • Rear-impact or fuel-pump service history raises underbody and tank-seal priority.
  • A software update cannot seal a cracked hose or leaking valve.
COMMON QUESTIONS

P0456 FAQ

Is it always the gas cap?+

No. Purge, ESIM/vent, hoses, canister and tank seals can cause it.

Can I drive?+

Usually briefly without odor or wet fuel.

Can purge leakage cause it?+

Yes, if the valve does not seal when commanded closed.

Can I use shop air?+

Not unregulated; EVAP pressure must be limited.

Why did a new cap not help?+

The leak or open valve may be elsewhere.

Does every vehicle need a PCM flash?+

No. Platform, engine, VIN and calibration must match a bulletin.

Why is readiness incomplete?+

Fuel level, soak and temperature gate the monitor.

What confirms repair?+

A passing leak test and completed EVAP monitor.

SOURCE TRAIL

Ford diagnostic references

These documents explain Ford monitor operation. Exact pinpoint tests, connector views and specifications must be selected for the truck's VIN and model year in current service information.

01FCA Bulletin 18-084-16 — 2013–2015 Charger 5.7L PCM updateApplies to specified LD Charger 5.7L applications and includes P0456 and P0300 among listed diagnostic improvements02Stellantis/Mopar service informationFactory VIN-, platform-, engine-sales-code and calibration-specific service information03Mopar vehicle informationOfficial owner manuals and model-year warning, fluid, engine and operating information

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