Could the cannister have something to do with fuel vapours? I think it also has a return pipe to the fuel tank. Wonder what the effect would be of simply unplugging the electrical connection to disable it. Probably not a good idea but is it really needed?
I recall cheffy has or had an issue with a relay or something electrical clicking in his one.
Found something here about it under EVAP:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_emissions_control
Info on the same on Lexus car:
http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/ ... 25886.html
FUEL EVAPORATIVE SYSTEM (EVAP)
Evaporative emissions system is designed to prevent fuel
vapor from entering atmosphere. Fuel system is completely sealed and
vented only through a carbon canister. System consists of
pressure/vacuum relief fuel filler cap, rollover valve, charcoal
canister, purge valve and various connecting hoses.
Fuel pressure/vacuum relief filler cap allows excessive tank
pressure to vent. It also allows air into fuel tank if vacuum should
become excessive due to a malfunction in fuel evaporation system. Fuel
tank vapor is vented by a line through rollover valve to charcoal
canister. Rollover valve is located in vent line close to fuel tank.
Valve is designed to prevent fuel spillage if vehicle rolls over.
Valve is open until vehicle is at a 45-degree angle or more from
horizontal position.
Canister Purge Valve
Charcoal canister is filled with activated charcoal. Fuel
vapor from tank is absorbed by charcoal when engine is not running.
When engine is running faster than idle, canister purge valve opens
and fuel vapor is drawn into engine and burned.