Codes This Page Will Cover:
- P0455 Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected (large leak)
- P0442 Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected (small leak)
- P0456 Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected (very small leak)
- P0457 Evaporative Emission System Leak Detected (fuel cap loose/off)
- P0446 Evaporative Emission System Vent Control Circuit
- P0447 Evaporative Emission System Vent Control Circuit Open
- P0448 Evaporative Emission System Vent Control Circuit Shorted
- P0461 Fuel Level Sensor “A” Circuit Range/Performance
- P0462 Fuel Level Sensor “A” Circuit Low
- P0463 Fuel Level Sensor “A” Circuit High
- P0464 Fuel Level Sensor “A” Circuit Intermittent
- P0443 Evaporative Emission System Purge Control Valve Circuit
- P0444 Evaporative Emission System Purge Control Valve Circuit Open
- P0445 Evaporative Emission System Purge Control Valve Circuit Shorted
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What Is the P0446 Code?
Symptoms
Causes
Seriousness
Can I Still Drive?
Diagnose
Difficulty of Inspecting
Get Additional Help
A P0446 error code indicates an evaporative emission control system (EVAP) vent control circuit malfunction. Simply put, the computer has detected an issue regarding the functionality of your vehicle’s EVAP system vent valve. When this occurs, other codes may appear as a result of a dysfunctional vent valve, which may indicate leaks, a loose fuel cap, and a variety of circuit issues.
The EVAP system is composed of several components that work to eliminate the chances of fuel vapors entering the air. While these designs may vary based on the make and model of your car, the main components of an EVAP system are the gas tank, gas cap, charcoal canister, purge valve and vent valve. Anytime the engine is not running, fuel vapors remain inside the charcoal canister instead of being released into the atmosphere. When the engine is operating and certain conditions are met, the purge valve opens up. This valve allows the vapors to go into the engine, where they are burned down.
Fresh air enters through the vent valve while the canister remains open. However, when your vehicle’s computer is ready to check for leaks, it will tell the vent valve to close and seal everything off. This event makes it possible for the system to perform a self-test. Since the computer controls the vent valve and the purge valve, it also keeps track of the valve and control circuit for issues. For that reason, the P0446 code will sometimes be a sign that an electrical failure has been detected with either the control circuit or the vent valve, which may result in any number of codes, ranging from P0442 to P0463.
What Are the Symptoms of a P0446 Code?
The most common symptom of a P0446 error code is the illumination of your vehicle’s check engine light or the illumination of your malfunction indicator lamp. You may also notice a fuel-like odor when standing close to your vehicle, which may be the result of an accompanying code such as P0442 or P0455, which indicates a leak.
When a P0446 error code happens, the computer believes that there is an issue with the vent valve. Some vehicles use vacuum pressure readings to identify the vent valve’s performance. Other car problems can also trigger the code, which may include a failed charcoal canister, a clogged or damaged vent hose or vent filter or a failing EVAP system pressure sensor. As a result, many other issues may arise regarding a vehicle’s EVAP system which can lead to the display of other similar codes.
What Are Some Causes of a P0446 Code?
The reason for the display of a P0446 error code may vary from one brand of vehicle to another. However, the most common causes for this error code are a malfunctioning or clogged vent control valve or issues with the control circuit, such as faulty wiring. If this is the case, a P0446 to a P0448 error code may also appear. While uncommon, there could also be a problem with the vehicle’s powertrain control module hardware or other software issues.
How Serious Is the P0446 Code?
Although the severity of a P0446 code is low, issues with your vehicle’s EVAP system should not be overlooked under any circumstances. Overlooking a problem with your vehicle’s EVAP system could result in other integral vehicle components becoming damaged and other similar codes appearing. It’s best practice to seek a qualified mechanic for repairs and diagnosis as soon as the code appears.
Can I Still Drive with a P0446 Code?
A vehicle may still be operational with an EVAP leak. If your check engine light comes on while driving, stop to make sure the gas cap is still secure. Then take the car to a mechanic to ensure the leak is fixed.
How Easy Is It to Diagnose a P0446 Code?
If you don’t have a lot of experience with complex auto repairs, you should have a professional technician check your car. Error code P0446 may appear for several reasons. Therefore, the best solution is to trust the expertise of a qualified mechanic, especially if other similar codes mentioned earlier accompany a P0446 error code.
This code must be diagnosed accurately before all necessary repairs can be made. If you have an advanced scanning tool available, you can diagnose the P0446 code and get freeze frame data in real-time. This action will allow the vent and purge vents to turn the solenoid on or off and help you identify where the leak originated.
How Difficult Is It to Inspect a P0446 Code?
To diagnose and repair a vehicle with a P0446 code, you’ll need professional help. We recommend looking for professional help. These steps are for informational purposes only,
- First: They’ll need to scan your vehicle to verify the P0446 code is the only one present to get started. If other codes indicate fuel pressure or fuel system issues, you should take care of them first.
- Second: They’ll have to check your gas cap to see if it is either loose or damaged. You may want to replace the gas cap with a new one even if no issues are detected. Doing so could still help to fix the issue. If not, they’ll need to do an EVAP system leak check.
- Third: To do the leak check, they’ll pinch off the vent tube to the EVAP system. Pressurize the system using an EVAP smoke machine leak checker. Once they’ve seen if there is any smoke leaking from the seals or the hose, they can proceed to repair these leaks and check if the problem is resolved.
- Fourth: If there are no leaks, a check on the EVAP vent control valve helps to ensure it works properly. The valve will often get debris stuck inside it or the internal solenoid could fail to work.
- Fifth: They could verify that there is no power or ground supplied by blowing through the valve’s openings. If they cannot blow through them, that indicates that the valve is closed shut and should be replaced.
And even with all of that, more extensive diagnostics tests might still be needed if the code still persists.
Need Additional Help with Your P0446 Code?
If you require assistance with your vehicle after the P0446 code is triggered or if it is accompanied by other typical codes, you can find service centers in your area by checking out the resources available on KBB.com.
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