Service Engine Soon!!!

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jordankreutzer

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My service engine soon light came on today so I checked the code and I got a PO446, looked it up and it says its a evaporative emission system vent control circuit malfunction. This is the second time its thrown this code in about 2-3 weeks. I dont think its anything major, but what can I do to fix it? Thanks
 

bahollis

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Found this online-

This indicates that a part of the EVAP control system is no longer fuctioning correctly. The P0446 code is similar in nature to the P0441 code. The EVAP system consists of many parts, including (but not limited to) the gas cap, fuel lines, carbon canister, purge valve, and other hoses. The (EVAP) emission control system prevents the escape of fuel vapors from a vehicle's fuel system. Fuel vapors are routed by hoses to a charcoal canister for storage. Later, when the engine is running a purge control valve opens allowing intake vacuum to siphon the fuel vapors into the engine.

EVAP emission canister purge is contolled by a valve which allows engine vacuum to pull stored fuel vapors from fuel tank into the engine to be burned, rather than be vented to atmosphere. A vacuum switch is used to detect when flow exists. If the PCM commands purge and sees that the switch is closed (indicating no detected purge flow) P0446 is set.



When the vapor pressure rises to a specified point, the ECM opens the VSV for canister closed valve. Pressure will increase rapidly because of the air allowed into the system. No increase or an increase below specified rate of pressure increase indicates a restriction on the air inlet side. The ECM closes the VSV for pressure switching valve. This action blocks air entering the fuel tank side of system. The pressure rise on the fuel tank side is no longer as great. If there was no change in pressure, the ECM will conclude the VSV for pressure switching valve did not close.



Symptoms

Likely, no symptoms will be discernible to the driver, other than the illuminated Check Engine Light.

Causes

A code P0446 could mean one or more of the following has happened:

Bad vacuum switch
Broken or damaged EVAP line or canister
Open in PCM purge command circuit
Open or short in Voltage feed circuit to Purge Solenoid
Faulty purge solenoid
Restriction in EVAP solenoid, line or canister
Corrosion or resistance in purge connector
Bad PCM
Possible Solutions

With a P0446 OBD-II trouble code, diagnosis can be tricky at times. Here are some things to try:

Common Chrysler fix - Replace Leak Detection Pump / LDP
Repair damaged EVAP lines or canister
Repair open or short in voltage feed circuit to Purge Solenoid
Repair open in PCM purge command circuit
Replace purge Solenoid
Replace vacuum switch
Repair restriction in Evap line or canister or soleniod
Repair resistance in purge connector
Replace PCM
 

jordankreutzer

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hey thanks for the reply, this doesnt sound like a fun thing to fix. I guess Ill look around and see if any wires are are bare or disconnected and then look for lose or broken hoses. Wish me luck!!
 

chevytech03

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It is probly your evap canister vent valve is restricted. GM has a new design assy that repositions the vent so dirt wont plug it up, i suggest taking to a dealer to make sure, thay can use a tech2 to acurately diagnose the concern.
 
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