This is an OBD-II generic code indicating a malfunction detected with the purge control valve or its control circuit within the engine control module (ECM). Possibly, the valve or circuit is open or shorted.
Code P0443 may be caused by an internal open circuit of the purge control valve or by corrosion of the connector, causing it to lose contact with the purge control valve.
Additionally, the code can be set if the wiring between the ECM and the purge valve is damaged, resulting in an open circuit if the wire is cut or short if it is shorted to ground or a power source.
It has been detected that either a short or an incomplete open circuit has been detected by the ECM, causing it to open the purge control valve.
P0443 Definition: Evaporative Emission Control System Purge Control Valve Circuit Malfunction
The evaporative control system (EVAP) prevents fuel vapors from entering the atmosphere. If you encounter a problem with the EVAP system, your car’s primary computer, commonly called the powertrain control module (PCM), may log different diagnostic trouble codes, one of which is P0443.
Raw fuel escapes from the fuel tank and is collected by the evaporative control (EVAP) system. As a result, the ECM receives this information and regulates the vehicle’s emissions. If the purge valve circuit is shorted or there’s a malfunction within the purge control valve, the ECM sets the P0443 code.
This trouble code severely impacts the drivability of your vehicle. Several common engine problems include increased stalling, rough idle, poor fuel economy, and rattling/knocking noises. The diversity of internal engine components can be severely damaged by driving the vehicle in this condition.
What Are The Symptoms Of The P0443 Code?
Check engine light illumination is often the only symptom associated with trouble code P0443. It is possible, however, to observe other telltale signs, particularly if other codes are stored.
If that is the case, the causes and symptoms of your vehicle may differ from those listed here. Two of the most common symptoms are as follows:
- Having trouble with the performance of your engine, such as rough running and hesitation (if the purge valve gets stuck open)
- There is an illuminated check engine light
How Does A Mechanic Diagnose The P0443 Code?
- Scan and document codes in the ECM and view freeze frame data to determine the fault’s occurrence.
- Examines the entire vapor purge valve wiring and system for corrosion, damaged or loose wires and connections
- Make sure no dirt, debris, or spiderwebs block the purge valve vent.
- To locate the cause of a vapor leak on the fuel vapor system, perform a smoke leakage test using the test vapor port.
- Verifies that the purge control valve has the appropriate resistance and checks that it operates appropriately using the ECM
Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P0443 Code
Without checking and diagnosing the entire system, assuming the purge control valve is malfunctioning only to discover later that the wiring is damaged or broken
Attempting to fix the problem without verifying the failure and replacing parts that may or may not be the problem
How Do I Fix Code P0443?
Getting a proper diagnosis of a P0443 code is the first step in finding the cause of the EVAP malfunction. Here are some things you can try:
- Taking care of the damaged wiring to the purge control valve and securing it against further damage
- Cleaning and replacing the purge vent valve
- Performing a purge control valve test and replacement
Jump 12v (+):
Connect the purge solenoid’s connector to the ground pin opposite the solenoid’s positive feed if either of its pins is hot (+).
It is necessary to replace the purge solenoid if the solenoid does not engage. If the solenoid engages, the circuit’s ground wire must be jumped out at the ECM junction, supplying power directly to the circuit.
A faulty ECM is indicated by a purge solenoid that engages, while a wiring that does not engage indicates an open circuit.
Check For Key-On Hot (+):
Disconnect the purge solenoid connector and switch the ignition to “on.” Check if 12v positive is present at one of the connector’s pins. The open circuit will need to be located further if no voltage is detected.
Visually Inspect For Wiring/Connector Defects
Now that you have identified the purge solenoid’s connector, you should carefully examine the wiring pigtail that protrudes from it. Inspect each connector’s pins for damage or wear, and check if any wiring is damaged or frayed.
Check For Additional DTCs
If there are any additional trouble codes, you should check for them before proceeding with the diagnostic process. Resolve any additional error codes by diagnosing and repairing the root cause
Command Purge Solenoid Engaged
Using a bi-directional scan tool, you can command the purge solenoid on the affected vehicle to engage or “open.” The purge solenoid should click once the command has been executed successfully. The problem will need to be further diagnosed if clicking noises are not heard.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix Code P0443?
In most shops, diagnosing your car will take an hour (the labor time spent diagnosing your problem). A typical price range for this is $75-$150, depending on the shop’s labor rate.
Most shops will apply this diagnostic fee to any required repairs if you have them perform them. After that, a shop can provide you with an accurate estimate for the repairs needed to fix your P0443 error.
If the underlying issue with the P0443 code needs fixing, one or more of the following repairs may be needed. Estimated costs of repairs include both the parts cost and labor cost associated with each possible repair.
How Serious Is This?
Despite not being very serious, this code should still be addressed if it occurs. The check engine light comes on when the P0443 code is present. If you live in a state where emissions tests are part of your vehicle inspection, then this alone will cause you to fail the emission test.
It might also mean that the fuel vapor system control valve is defective or that the circuit connecting it to the valve isn’t working. As a result, you’ll lose fuel economy, costing you more money and increasing vehicle wear and tear.
Can You Drive With A P0443 Code?
A failed emission test will result from code P0443, which causes the check engine light to illuminate. Fuel mileage may be reduced if the vapor recovery and reuse system fail to function properly.
A code like this indicates that the fuel vapor system control valve is defective, or the circuit isn’t connecting to the valve, so the ECM lost control over it.
Common Mistakes
You won’t have a hard time checking this code, but mistakes are still possible. People make several common mistakes, such as not performing any visual inspection, and assuming the purge control valve is faulty. A mistake with this approach is that you can spend time, money, and energy on one problem and then later discover you have a damaged wire.
People also make the mistake of not verifying the problem before replacing parts, only to find out later that there is no real problem. A problem may have existed, but the code was incorrect.
Final Words
The check engine light is usually illuminated by code P0443, which is fairly common today. There are a few common causes of this problem.
But the most common is the fuel cap was accidentally left off or not tightly tightened after getting fuel. A purge control valve with an open circuit or a vent valve that fails to hold in vapors is the most common cause for this code.
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