System and method for diagnosing a dual path purge system using a hydrocarbon sensor and for diagnosing a hydrocarbon sensor in a single path purge system or a dual path purge system

Abstract

A system according to the present disclosure includes a valve control module, a purge fraction module, and a diagnostic module. The valve control module opens a purge valve in an evaporative emissions system to allow purge vapor to flow to an intake system of an engine. The purge fraction module determines first and second fractions of purge vapor delivered to the engine relative to a total amount of air and purge vapor delivered to the engine based on first and second inputs, respectively. The first input is from a hydrocarbon sensor disposed in the evaporative emissions system of the engine. The second input is from an oxygen sensor disposed in an exhaust system of the engine. The diagnostic module selectively diagnoses a fault in at least one of the evaporative emissions system and the hydrocarbon sensor based on the first and second purge fractions when the purge valve is open.