SYMPTOMS OF A BAD PURGE VALVE
PURPOSE
The purge valve is part of the evaporative emission control system (EVAP). The purpose of the purge valve is to open up and transfer fuel vapors from the charcoal canister into the engine where they get burned off in the combustion chamber. This helps to reduce emissions and increase miles per gallon.
LOCATION
The purge valve will typically be located near the intake manifold.
symptoms
engine light
The first symptom of a faulty purge valve is having a check engine light on. The most common trouble codes that can pop up are P0441, P0443, P0444, and P0445.
Ensure you can access your car's diagnostic codes by acquiring an OBD2 scanner here.
Be aware that you can still have a faulty purge valve with no check engine light, so let’s move on to the next symptom.
ROUGH IDLE
The second symptom of a bad purge valve is a rough idle. When you stop at the red light or the stop sign, you’ll feel your car shaking a lot more than usual. If the purge valve gets stuck open, then excessive fuel vapors will flow into the engine. This will create a rich condition since there will be more fuel than air in the combustion process. For the car to run its best, it strives to achieve the perfect air/fuel ratio, which is 14. 7 kg (air) to 1 kg (gasoline). A faulty purge valve disrupts this fuel ratio, this is why you can feel your vehicle idling.
poor engine performance
The third symptom of a malfunctioned purge valve is poor engine performance. Similar to a rough idle, if the purge valve is stuck open, it’s going to disrupt the air/fuel ratio (14. 7 kg (air) to 1 kg (gasoline) ), creating more fuel than air in the combustion process. That’s exactly why you may notice your car feeling more sluggish than usual.
hard start after fueling
The fourth symptom of a bad purge valve is a hard start after putting fuel in your car. The reason for this is because fuel will occupy more space in the tank. This will force fuel vapors to go past the stuck open purge valve and into the engine. This creates an excess of fuel when starting your car. As we know, too much fuel with too little air causes a no-start in your vehicle.
poor gas mileage
The fifth symptom of a faulty purge valve is a poor gas mileage. A stuck open purge valve will consistently be bringing fuel vapors into the combustion chamber. A good purge valve will stay closed and only open when it’s commanded by the ECM.
Check out my YouTube video!
Disclaimer: Some links on this website may be affiliate links.
