CEL 0440 + 0441+0446 Evap Emission Malfunction

[Brit101]

The expalanations are

0440-Evap Emission Malfunction

0441-Evap Emission Control Stytem Purge fault

0446-Evap Emission Control Stytem Vent system malfunction(same as P0441)

Any ideas what the problem and cure is?

2000 Camry 2.2L 165k km. automatic

TIA

[camryr0cks]

Hi,

On my '98/V6 it was a Vacuum Switching Valve (VSV) that went bad ; it seems to be common and I would get similar codes. The part was inexpensive ($20?) and it took 10 mins to replace.

[Brit101]

Camryr0cks thank you for the reply.

Dropped by the Toyota dealership today, only because I was going by it and they suggested blowing smoke in the fuel system to detect a leak($67 or $76). Will have a look at the Haynes manual to see if there is any info on the subject, and where the VSV is located.

Please keep the suggestions coming.

[JohnGD]

I'd check the vacuum switching valve that's on the air filter housing first.

If you remove hose from the EVAP side (the rubber hose coming from the tank), with the engine running, you should hear loud sucking sounds as the VSV cycles. If the vacuum sound is faint or nonexistent then the VSV needs to be replaced or cleaned (if you carefully pry open the metal tabs and not break them).

If you remove the throttle side of the hose from the VSV you should hear the engine vacuum at work.

See if this is the problem before checking into the canister and its VSV. (this is easier )

[Brit101]

Originally Posted by JohnGD

I'd check the vacuum switching valve that's on the air filter housing first.

If you remove hose from the EVAP side (the rubber hose coming from the tank), with the engine running, you should hear loud sucking sounds as the VSV cycles. If the vacuum sound is faint or nonexistent then the VSV needs to be replaced or cleaned (if you carefully pry open the metal tabs and not break them).

If you remove the throttle side of the hose from the VSV you should hear the engine vacuum at work.

See if this is the problem before checking into the canister and its VSV. (this is easier )

Thank you both for the useful replies.

Update as of yesterday the CEL has left the cluster . Believe it was a sealing issue at the gas cap or a sticky VSV due to the car not being driven over the winter. There is some corrosion on the lower sealing surface where the gas cap seats.

The parts man at the Toyota dealership was embarassed to quote $126(before 13% tax-ouch) for my VSV in case that was the culprit, after your two posts I was suspicious that it was the cause of the CEL. Howeve the Hayes manual gave a good diagnosis procedure which did not include and blowing smoke option.

A service advisor suggested smearing grease on the rubber ring on the gas cap to make a better seal.