Yesterday I received a call from my mechanic informing me that my check engine light was a P0455 code. Which means that I have a gross leak, and it's possibly coming from the rear of the car from the vapor canister. They tell me it is an easy fix with the possibility that a vacuum line has come loose or ripped. I asked the mechanic what they had to do to get to the canister, and they tell me they have to drop the exhaust and it is behind the muffler. They assure me they won’t charge me that much for labor so I let them proceed. A little while later the mechanic calls me back and says the vapor canister has a crack in it. I could not believe it because everything I read about vapor canisters told me that they literally last the lifetime of the car. They are maintenance free, tucked up in some kind of hiding spot on the vehicle, and it’s just a plastic box that holds no liquid but vapors. When the mechanic told me that the canister was in his hand and it looked like tupper wear with the lid crack on the side, I couldn’t believe it! Now for the repair. OEM Audi vapor canister is $460.00 and labor is at $167.00. That is a lot of money for something that is easily fixed with 3 bolts and some vacuum lines! Best part is... Auto Zone carries the part for $340.00 and is a 2 day wait from their warehouse. Plus a 2 year warranty with Duralast. I know I know... Why am I going to use a cheap part with no quality of OEM on my Audi? But seriously guys... This is complete plastic. I don’t see the need in going OEM for this part at all. Plus with doing this on my own, I will be saving nearly $300.00. Money that I do not have in the first place and now time to pass emissions. I need it quick and not so painful on my wallet. Now to my questions. Has anyone here ever replaced a charcoal canister on their TT? How hard is it? What steps are necessary to complete the job? And whatever else you guys think would be helpful in finishing this? My mechanical background is pretty good coming from DSM's and fully building your own motor. This canister should be an easy task, but looking for a heads up from anyone who has done this before or knows what to expect. Thanks guys in advanced!! BTW... Any sites you guys know of about this giving any info at all would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again!

 

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Year
Part
Model Description Part
Grade Stock# US
Price Dealer Info Dist
mile
2003
Vapor Canister
Audi TT 1.8L,COUPE,FWD,EMISSIONS,00-06 A 10147 $125 South Windsor Auto Parts, Inc. - QRP Partner USA-CT(East-Windsor) E-mail 1-800-562-0137
1170
2002
Vapor Canister
Audi TT ASSY A M0226 $100 Pam's Auto - ARAPro USA-MN(St-Cloud) Request_Quote 1-800-560-7336 Request_Insurance_Quote
1547
2002
Vapor Canister
Audi TT 0901,1.8T,VAPOR CANISTER A 120001 $50 Toms Foreign Auto Parts - QRP Partner - ARAPro USA-CT(Waterbury) Request_Quote 1-800-255-6656 Request_Insurance_Quote
1142

 

Well... Took of the canister today and epoxied the lid back together. Let's see what happens when hooked back up to the car and clear the codes. Then time for emmissions. Just thought I'd add this up here.