1996 Ford F-150 follow up for code # PO443/Rasmataz

RANDALL GOBEL

MEMBER
1996 FORD F-150
6 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
87,000 MILES

Tried cleaning both idle control valve & EGR valve as y ou suggested. Did not help, both were fairly clean and functional. Also if anyone can help me with donating, I'm having a problem doing so, when I try, it keeps saying wrong currency although I reside in the states. Don't know what if anything I'm doing wrong but I don't have a problem donating since you have been good enough to respond to my questions even though I haven't donated yet. I haven't fixed the problem yet but your responses have been helpful. Thanks.

1 Reply

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

P0443 Evaporative Emission Control System Purge Control Valve Circuit

To cause a P0443, there has to be a problem with the purge control CIRCUIT, not necessarily the valve. Usually they are a unit housing the valve and the solenoid as an assembly. Or it could be comprised of a separate solenoid with vacuum lines to a purge valve. That said, it could be any of the following:

Bad purge solenoid (internal short or open)
Wiring harness chafing or rubbing another component causing short or open on control circuit
Connector worn, broken or shorted due to water intrusion
Driver circuit inside powertrain control module (PCM) is bad
Possible Solutions

1. Using a scan tool, command the purge solenoid to activate. Listen or feel for a clicking coming from the purge solenoid. It should click once, or on some models it may click repeatedly.

2. If it doesn't click with scan tool activation, unplug the connector and examing the solenoid and connector for damage, water, etc. Then check for battery voltage on the feed wire with the key on. If you have battery voltage, then ground the control side manually using a jumper wire and see if the valve clicks. If it does, then you know the solenoid is working properly but there is a problem with the control circuit. If it doesn't click when you manually ground it, replace the purge solenoid.

3. To check for a problem on the control circuit (if the solenoid tests okay and you have voltage to the solenoid) plug the solenoid back in and remove the control circuit (ground) wire from the ECM connector (If you're unsure how to do this, do not attempt). With the ground wire removed from the ECM, turn the key on and then manually ground the Purge valve control wire. The solenoid should click. If it does, then you know there is no problem with the control wire to the solenoid and there is a problem with the ECM purge solenoid driver circuit in the ECM. You'll need a new ECM. However if it doesn't click, then there must be an open in the wiring between the ECM and and the solenoid. You must find it and repair it.