1998 Camry v6 code P0446 - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

hassanbigboss · 07-21-2008, 09:05 PM

Hello everyone, my Camry has its emission due on the 1st of August. However, I had a CEL which was checked and gave he P0446 code. I have searched and cannot find a thorough answer to the problem. Is it the EGR valve or the VSV or could it be the charcoal canister? Please tell me where to start because I don't have many days left and need to take care of this problem fast. All the help will be much appreciated

hassanbigboss · 07-22-2008, 10:09 PM

bump anyone

bronzemaxell · 07-23-2008, 08:46 AM

replace $200 charcoal canster, which is the whole unit, contains all parts, such as vsv, etc, should get rid of the p0446

or you can buy each VSV separately, but they are not cheap either, like $60 or $80 each, and just trial and error to find which one is giving you the code.

but i don't think P0446 is EGR related.

bronzemaxell · 07-23-2008, 08:55 AM

oh, the myth is a bad habit of top off gas at the gas station pump after 1st click ruins the charcoal canister, extra gas goes to charcoal canister, gas obsorbing foam turns into debris and clogging the vsv, i have a tendency to belive even if you replace the vsv that is clogged, there is a high chance the new VSV will be clogged sooner again from the charcoal canister debris.
like i said, i don't have scientifi proof to show you though. you can do a search from google on who charcoal canister goes bad.

the 98 v6 camry charcoal canister is in the engine compartment, driver side, right behind the fuel filter, i think.

solidg · 07-23-2008, 09:16 AM

This VSV is located by the gas tank. I had the code P0446 on my 2000 camry. Replaced the only the VSV. The code did not come back. Its been about 40,000 miles since I replaced the VSV. I dont top off gas, I dont think its worth the risk. I also use premium. I have 134,500 miles now.

hassanbigboss · 07-23-2008, 04:22 PM

Thanks guys....I will replace the VSV and see what results I get.

appreciate the help

Hajoca · 07-24-2008, 07:54 AM

Look for MaimMenu, who did a DIY a few months back. I did my VSV by the canister on several cars now, (including my sister's 2001 Corolla, and my 98 Camry).

If the screw holding the broken VSV is rusted in, just transfer all hoses and connector, then zip tie the new valve in place.

Radial GT · 10-25-2009, 10:19 PM

toyota recommends 87 octane, anything beyond that is just wastefull use of money. The reason for 91+ octane "premium" is a slower even ignition of the fuel, which is used in high compression (not Camry), or forced induction (also not many Camry's).

Gibson99 · 10-26-2009, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radial GT

toyota recommends 87 octane, anything beyond that is just wastefull use of money. The reason for 91+ octane "premium" is a slower even ignition of the fuel, which is used in high compression (not Camry), or forced induction (also not many Camry's).

actually the 1mzfe is considered a high compression motor (10.5:1) and will benefit from 91 octane fuel, as it says in the owner's manual, but because it has knock sensors, it can run on 87 octane. the 5sfe isn't quite as high (i think it's 9:1) so it doesn't really benefit from 91 octane.

of course those of us with a s/c have to run 91 or higher. 93 is pretty much standard for 'premium' around houston - i almost never see 91. just 87, 89 and 93. some stations such as sam's wholesale club don't even sell mid-grade, just 87 and 93.