CEL p0442 Can an exhaust leak cause this code?

Hi,
Looking for some help with this CEL P0442 code. Vehicle is '99 Rodeo sport 4x4 auto with the 3.2L. I have cleaned the EGR tube about 5 months ago and just changed the gas cap 2 days ago and the same codes came back today. Actually it was 2 codes both being the p0442- the other was p0442 PD. Not sure what the difference is? I have found an exhaust leak between the tail pipe and muffler and was wondering if this could be causing this code? Or I was thinking of changing the gasket at the EGR valve as I resued it last time I cleaned the EGR tube. I checked the vent hoses from the tank to the EVAP canister and everything appeared OK. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

My flex tube has blown out for a couple of years and i had no codes so I don't think a exhaust leak where yours is at would cause a code.

An exhaust leak has nothing to do with this code. There has been a leak detected in the evap system somewhere. The leak can be very tiny and still be detected. The p0442PD simply means "pending". In some cases, when the PCM sees a fault it doesn't set a code right away but instead stores a pending code. If it sees the fault again, then it will set the code and turn on the check engine light.

Here is a link to more information about this code: http://www.obd-codes.com/p0442

If you can't visually find the leak, you may have to have a pro find the leak with what is called a smoke machine. This is a tool specially designed to connect to the evap system and help find the leak.

Thanks for the advice. I was afraid this wouldn't be that easy of a fix. I guess I'll crawl back under it and start checking hoses tonight.... Does anyone know how to troubleshoot the EVAP valves?

Does anyone know how to troubleshoot the EVAP solenoid valves?