P0446 and other problems - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

RichieRichJP · 04-11-2010, 03:28 AM

After a year of having the CEL light as a result of the Auto to manual swap (using a Manual 3SFE ECU instead of 5SFE -_-), I finally decided to have my car OBD scanned to see what else is up...

For over two years now, I've been experiencing an in-cabin gas smell and absolutely cannot get rid of it. I've shampooed my interior at least 3 times since and it always comes back.
Previous to the transmission swap, I did not get an CEL codes. Now, I get the code P0446 - EVAP Emission, Control System Vent, Circuit Malfunction. This leads me to believe that the VSV has completely taken a shit. Maybe??

In relation to this, my car has been running like hell and just an hour ago (yep at 2am, so I was bored) I decided to check my spark plugs and found oil on them. Cleaned them and my car seems to run a lot better. I had been experiencing rough idles which would drop to 400rpm's (not sure if it's completely diagnosed) but this seemed to have helped some after taking a test drive. With this said and in relation to the VSV, could a vaccuum leak from the VSV or somewhere else be split also causing the smell and idle problems??

Other important information: Possible vaccuum leak??? Hesitation when gas moderately applied (not quite WOT)
P0171 - Too lean Bank 1. Possibly faulty o2 sensor, but it's only 4yrs old. Or that the ECU is 3SFE and running a 5SFE motor????

RichieRichJP · 04-11-2010, 05:13 PM

Thanks Pete
Problem might be solved! One of the hoses coming from the VSV? was slightly oversized. I actually was able to slide it off very easily and it definitely wouldn't hold the vac pressure. Once I replaced it with the proper sized hose and clamped it, I could no longer smell the strong odor of gas. I'll have to check it over the next couple weeks and see. Possibly reshampoo my interier and see what happens.
Also by replacing this hose, the emissions codes went away.

dvp59 · 04-12-2010, 08:21 AM

Could you possibly go into detail about this vsv?/ Ours is hesitating upon application of foot to pedal and does display this code occasionally? 2001 4cyl.162k miles. THX. D.

RichieRichJP · 04-12-2010, 09:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dvp59

Could you possibly go into detail about this vsv?/ Ours is hesitating upon application of foot to pedal and does display this code occasionally? 2001 4cyl.162k miles. THX. D.

There are a few great posts already on the forum. Search EGR removal or VSV and you'll find some with pictures.
Also, have you kept up on the maintenance of your car?

dvp59 · 04-12-2010, 11:28 AM

Yes, I maintain it in great fashion, because if it fails SHE will make us buy an new RAV4...We are even using Mobil1 in the engine to avoid any sludge issues.Have used Seafoam and other fuel additives to help keep the engine peppy? BTW. I did search and find some more info on the 440 and 446 issues> Thx. D

RichieRichJP · 04-13-2010, 01:02 AM

Well it appears that I'm still getting the gas problem.
I noticed it today when I was driving down the highway...at 55mph!
There's a big box located behind the airbox, I think it's the Charcoal Canister. I thought these were supposed to have a closed circulation system??? I know one side of it is open vented...

Edit: Yeah, this damn thing...

dvp59 · 04-13-2010, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RichieRichJP

Well it appears that I'm still getting the gas problem.
I noticed it today when I was driving down the highway...at 55mph!
There's a big box located behind the airbox, I think it's the Charcoal Canister. I thought these were supposed to have a closed circulation system??? I know one side of it is open vented...

Edit: Yeah, this damn thing...

dvp59 · 04-13-2010, 08:20 AM

Rich, What is the purpose of the coiled hose that is added? Time delay or takes more vacumn to operate? I haven noticed this on any others? D.

not a mechanic · 04-13-2010, 03:33 PM

....a hole in the flex pipe ? I have a 2000 camry LE 4 cyl and this code seems to be lingering. i also have a hole in the flex pipe, which leads me to a different question - since regular muffler shops are not willing to just replace the flex pipe and weld on a new one, anyoned know of a shop in lower dutchess county ny that might be willing to perform such work ?

appreciate any assistance - i'm ...

not a mechanic