Vacuum detection component

A method of leak detection in a closed vapor handling system of an automotive vehicle comprising:

• providing a vacuum detection component having a microcontroller operatively coupled to a pressure switch, a temperature sensor, and a shut off valve, the vacuum detection component communicating with a power source and providing a communication interface;
• receiving a pressure signal and a temperature signal from the pressure switch and temperature sensor, respectively, by the microcontroller;
• processing the pressure signal and the temperature signal in the microcontroller;
• determining a diagnostic result in the microcontroller based on the signals, the diagnostic result including whether a leak condition exits, whether a tank cap is missing and whether a component diagnoses passes;
• sending the diagnostic result to an engine management system;
• processing the diagnostic result in the engine management system, the engine management system operatively coupled to a control valve, the engine management system providing a communication interface and detecting an onboard diagnostic error;
• transmitting a diagnosis request, a reset diagnosis, purge status, and engine status from the engine management system to the microcontroller;
• and
• sending an operation request from the engine management system to the shut off valve.

An automotive evaporative leak detection system comprising:

• a vacuum detection component having a microcontroller operatively coupled to a pressure switch, a temperature sensor, and a shut off valve, the microcontroller sending and receiving, respectively, signals therefrom, the vacuum detection unit located on a conduit between an atmosphere and a canister, the canister communicating with an engine and an atmosphere, the engine communicating with a fuel tank;
• a control valve located between the canister and the engine;
• and
• a processor communicating with the microcontroller, the processor operatively coupled to the control valve,
• wherein the microcontroller processes the signals, determines a diagnostic result based on the signals, provides a communication interface, and sends the diagnostic result to the processor, the processor provides a communication interface, detects an onboard diagnostic error, requests a diagnosis, deletes a diagnosis result, determines whether the engine is off, requests operation of the shut off valve, and provides purge status.