Ok so i just bought a 2004 dodge dakota quad cab 4x4 last week and the check engine light came on, so i checked it by the ignition thingie and in the odo it showed po 442, how big of a deal is this???

 

It means, EVAP emissions small leak. Not really sure what that means exactly, but hey it's a start.

 

It means you have a vacuum leak somewhere.

Check all your hoses and connections, but first start with the charcoal canister located just under the driver side floor panel beneath the truck. Common problem with Dodges. Make sure its not leaking or rusted.

 

Usually on a 442 I start with the gas cap, ALWAYS BUY GENUINE MOPAR dealer gas caps... the parts house ones arent as good...Have the light reset, if after a couple days of driver it doesnt come back on you found your leak... If it does come back on, these trucks are known for the black elbows that go into the evap canister becoming brittle and cracking away which leads to a leak. Beyond that comes the smoke test...