Generic OBD2 code · Powertrain

P2403 Evaporative Emission System Leak Detection Pump Sense Circuit/Open

P2403 is a generic OBD2 powertrain code. It means “Evaporative Emission System Leak Detection Pump Sense Circuit/Open” — the same on every make and model, because the definition comes from the SAE J2012 standard rather than from the carmaker.

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System
Powertrain (P)
Code type
Generic (SAE)
Range
P24xx

What the wording tells you

“Open” means the module found a break in the circuit — no current flowing where there should be. Check the connector (unplugged, corroded, a pushed-back pin), the wire, the fuse and the component’s own coil or element.

Can I keep driving with P2403?

The rule of thumb for this area (auxiliary emission controls): Most codes here don’t change how the car drives — you can keep going and fix it before the next emissions test. The exceptions are the cooling-fan codes (watch the temperature gauge), particulate-filter codes on diesels, and anything that comes with a flashing lamp or a rotten-egg smell.

How P2403 breaks down

P
System

Powertrain. Engine, transmission, fuel and emissions — the codes behind the check engine lamp.

2
Standard

Generic code: defined by SAE, the same on every make.

4
Subsystem

Auxiliary emission controls.

03
Fault

The specific fault within this range.

P2403: a powertrain code, generic, in the auxiliary emission controls range, fault 03.

Where to look: Auxiliary emission controls

The systems that clean up exhaust and fuel vapor: exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), secondary air injection, catalytic converter monitoring, the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system with its purge and vent valves — plus exhaust temperature sensors, the particulate filter and some cooling-fan circuits.

Typical causes in this area

  • A loose or faulty gas cap and other EVAP leaks
  • Carbon-clogged EGR valves and passages
  • Worn catalytic converters or lazy oxygen sensors
  • Stuck purge and vent valves
All P24xx codes →

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Read and clear P2403 on your iPhone

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Frequently asked

What does P2403 mean?

P2403 is a generic OBD2 powertrain code. It means “Evaporative Emission System Leak Detection Pump Sense Circuit/Open” — the same on every make and model, because the definition comes from the SAE J2012 standard rather than from the carmaker.

Can I drive with P2403?

The rule of thumb for this area (auxiliary emission controls): Most codes here don’t change how the car drives — you can keep going and fix it before the next emissions test. The exceptions are the cooling-fan codes (watch the temperature gauge), particulate-filter codes on diesels, and anything that comes with a flashing lamp or a rotten-egg smell.

What causes P2403?

“Open” means the module found a break in the circuit — no current flowing where there should be. Check the connector (unplugged, corroded, a pushed-back pin), the wire, the fuse and the component’s own coil or element. Typical causes in this area: A loose or faulty gas cap and other EVAP leaks; Carbon-clogged EGR valves and passages; Worn catalytic converters or lazy oxygen sensors; Stuck purge and vent valves.

How do I clear P2403?

Fix the cause first, then clear it with any OBD2 scanner or app. Once the fault is gone the car also clears it on its own: the check engine lamp goes off after the self-test passes on three drive cycles in a row, and the stored code ages out after about 40 warm-ups. Clearing without a repair only hides it for a while — and resets the readiness monitors an emissions inspection looks at.

Is P2403 the same on every car?

Yes. P2403 is a generic SAE J2012 code, so its definition is identical on every make and model. What differs is the cause behind it and the repair procedure, which depend on the engine — that’s why the assistant on this page asks for your car.

Guides

Definitions: the generic SAE J2012 codes from Brimly’s offline dictionary (data version 2026.09). Causes and advice are general guidance for all makes — the service information for your car has the last word.

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