Codes P0440, P0441 and P0446

CAR4GOOD

MEMBER
2000 TOYOTA AVALON
3.0L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
265,000 MILES

Even though my car has 265,000 miles, my car runs very smooth but I my MPG has fallen and I feel that there is a smell of fuel in my car's exhaust. I have check engine light codes P0440, P0441, P0446.

If I were to replace the EVAP Purge Valve myself but if it were to turn out that it's actually the EVAP Canister that is bad then would this bad EVAP Canister damage my new EVAP Purge Valve immediately?

Please let me know.

Thank you.

Samir

3 Replies

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

Excellent question. No the new purge would not be damaged immediately however, if there is fuel in the canister then it will eventually clog and cause the new purge to stick.

What happens when you get fuel in the canister is it breaks down the charcoal and it actually turns to a fine dust/residue that travels through the system and clogs valves and solenoids.

So a new purge solenoid or CCV will operate until this residue causes them to fail.

What I would do is remove the canister and shake it. If you hear any liquid then I would replace it. Clearly there should only be vapor in there so any fuel is not good.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-emission-control-systems-work

Let us know if you have questions on this. I attached the info below on these parts as well.

Thanks

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Saturday, February 13th, 2021 AT 6:57 PM

CAR4GOOD

MEMBER
2 POSTS

To: KaseKenny1:

Thank you for such a quick elegant response which explains the issue in simple words.

The reason I wanted to replace the CCV and not even touch the charcoal canister is because I'm not a mechanic or a handyman and I don't have a hydraulic lift or car-jacks and so I thought I'd first replace the CCV to see if that takes care of the problem (low MPG and I think a slight smell of fuel in the exhaust). I had looked at a video and I thought I should be able to replace the CCV on my own, and also it is not prohibitively expensive. But now with your explanation I can seek the help of a mechanic to test the canister and be able to understand the issue and be able to know what to get done.

Thank you so much.

Samir

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Sunday, February 14th, 2021 AT 8:25 PM

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

I think that would be wise for the long run but if you want to change it now and look in the CCV for any residue that will tell you if the charcoal is breaking down.

Thanks for the update and your kind words. Let us know how you make out. Thanks

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Monday, February 15th, 2021 AT 6:00 PM