P0443: The EVAP purge valve has a circuit fault
Evaporative Emission Control System Purge Control Valve Circuit Malfunction
There is a fault in the EVAP purge valve circuit. Get it checked within a couple of weeks and before your next emissions test. If you smell strong gas, get it checked right away.
Stop driving and get help if
- The check engine light is flashing
- The temperature gauge runs high, or you see steam (overheating)
- The car loses power, hesitates badly or stalls
- You smell burning or see smoke
- A brake warning light comes on, or the brakes feel different
Pull over as soon as you can, turn the engine off, and call a tow or roadside help.
What it means
P0443 means the engine computer cannot properly control the EVAP purge valve through its electrical circuit. Unlike P0441, which is about how much vapor flows, P0443 is about the electrical side: the solenoid that opens and closes the valve is not responding correctly. The computer expects a certain voltage or resistance on the circuit when it commands the valve. If it sees an open circuit, a short, or no response at all, it sets P0443. The fix is usually the valve itself or its wiring, not anything deep in the engine.
Common causes
- Faulty EVAP purge valve solenoidThe internal solenoid coil fails open or shorted. This is the most common cause.
- Open circuit in wiring to the purge valveA broken wire or corroded connector between the PCM and the valve.
- Short to ground or to voltage in the circuitChafed wiring touching ground or another circuit triggers the fault.
- Failed PCM output driverRare. Only suspect this if the valve and wiring both test clean.
What the fix could involve
From the cheaper fix to the bigger one. Prices depend on your car, your area and the shop, so ask for a written quote that names the part and the labor before you approve it.
- EVAP purge valve replacement
- Wiring or connector repair
Symptoms
- Check engine light on
- No noticeable change in driving
- Possible fuel smell near the car
- Failed emissions test
What to do next
Use a multimeter to check the resistance across the purge valve solenoid terminals. Most valves measure 15 to 30 ohms when healthy; check your service manual for the spec. If it reads open or short, replace the valve. If the valve tests fine, check the wiring from the valve back to the PCM connector for continuity and shorts.
Lewis reads P0443 alongside any related EVAP codes, so you can see whether the purge valve circuit is the only fault in the system. Get Lewis on the App Store or Google Play.
Related codes
FAQ
- Can P0443 cause a rough idle like P0441 can?
- Less likely. P0443 is an electrical fault. If the valve is stuck, it could affect idle, but the immediate issue is the circuit, not the flow.
- How much does the purge valve cost?
- The purge valve is usually an inexpensive part, and it is usually easy to reach, so labor is short. Ask for a written quote that names the part.
- Will the code come back if I just clear it?
- Yes. The computer runs an EVAP self-test on every drive cycle. If the electrical fault is still there, the code will return within one or two drive cycles.
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