P0441 diagnostic code (O2 sensor problem)

[corolladude]

Just bought a used '99 Corolla yesterday and i get an "engine check" light today.
So i went to Autozone and had them do a free diagnosis and they came up with this:

P0441: The PCM has determined that the purge flow in the evaporative emission control system is incorrect for the current engine operating conditions.

The autozone guy said that this was an O2 sensor problem and that there are 2 sensors .. one before (150$) and one after (70$) the catalytic converter. It seems i have to buy the 150$ one.

considering that i just bought the car paying a hefty sum, my question is ... how critical is this problem? What are the consequences if i don't fix it??
i have 37000 miles on the car and don't know anything about cars by the way. This is my 1st car too.

thanks in advance.

[fredk]

autozone is pretty good at pulling codes, but most parts guys have no clue as to what the codes mean

[SiennaSC98]

The ECM records PO441 when evaporative emissions leak from the components or when there is a malfunction in either the VSV for EVAP, the VSV for vapor pressure sensor or in the vapor pressure sensor itself.

DTC Detecting Conditions:
- The pressure in the charcoal canister does not drop during the purge control (2 trip detection logic)
- During purge cut-off, the pressure in the charcoal canister is very low compared with atmospheric pressure.

Trouble Areas:
- Open or short in VSV circuit for EVAP
- Open or short in VSV circuit for vapor pressure sensor
- Open or short in vapor pressure sensor circuit
- VSV for EVAP
- VSV for vapor pressure sensor
- Vapor pressure sensor
- Vacuum hose cracks, hole blocked, damaged or disconnected
- Charcoal canister is cracked, holed or damaged

>>> Check the items in red first.

(VSV is vacuum switching valve)

[ShawnM]

This is more than likely a problem with one of the control solenoids in the evaporative system. It has nothing to do with the oxygen sensors. We've been seeing more newer toyotas with this type of problem. Mostly camrys. I would get it checked at a shop that knows what theyre doin.

[corolladude]

Thanks all for the responses.
So some place like midas would be able to fix it?
I am pretty sure a toyota dealership will want 100 bucks just to look at it
Also anybody knows if its a serious problem like my engine crapping out or fuel efficiency getting affected?
I understand that from the list someone suggested .. it can be due to several reasons.
But is this anything that i should freak out about?

Thanks

[fredk]

no tire stores, go to a good independant shop

[GeorgeInCanada]

I have an 01 Corolla and the Vacuum Switching Valve (VSV) has now failed twice over the lifetime of the vehicle (5 or 6 years between failures). It gave code P0441 each time. This unit is located on the underside of the car next to the charcoal canister and gas tank, it is held by one Phillips head screw to the body. It fails because it is subject to the corrosive road salt and splash we have here in Canada in winter. Connected to the unit are two vacuum hoses and one electrical connector. Just remove and replace the unit. I didn't bother to reinstall the Phillips screw (it's hard to get at) because the valve is very small and light and is quite securely held in place by the hoses to which it is attached. I think this is one of the more common EVAP component failures for the Corolla. Hope this helps.

[96coroll]

Originally Posted by GeorgeInCanada

I have an 01 Corolla and the Vacuum Switching Valve (VSV) has now failed twice over the lifetime of the vehicle (5 or 6 years between failures). It gave code P0441 each time. This unit is located on the underside of the car next to the charcoal canister and gas tank, it is held by one Phillips head screw to the body. It fails because it is subject to the corrosive road salt and splash we have here in Canada in winter. Connected to the unit are two vacuum hoses and one electrical connector. Just remove and replace the unit. I didn't bother to reinstall the Phillips screw (it's hard to get at) because the valve is very small and light and is quite securely held in place by the hoses to which it is attached. I think this is one of the more common EVAP component failures for the Corolla. Hope this helps.

Thanks much my girfriend's 2000 has p0441 and p0446. I guess this will fix the p0441 and the p0446 is what i'm going to look into next. And as for the VSV switch i don't remember it being to expensive

[GeorgeInCanada]

I purchased the VSV at a Toyota dealer in Ottawa, it was $97.41 including HST. Part number TO90080-91233. Since I replaced it on April 12 and it is now May with no CEL, I can assume this was again the problem and again it is fixed. BTW my '01 Corolla has about 415,000 km on it and is still going strong. Just had the front wheel bearings done again (for the second time). Wheel bearings seem to last about 200,000 km then they need to be replaced. Also every once in a while (yearly) I clean the MAF sensor (2 screws takes 0.5 hour) so you don't get P0171. And that's all the problems I have ever had in 415,000 km. Plus the usual brakes. It's a great, great car.

[96coroll]

Originally Posted by GeorgeInCanada

BTW my '01 Corolla has about 415,000 km on it and is still going strong.

Are you the type of person that gases up past the click or you stop at the click. Just curious lol