P0440 Evaporative Emission Purge Control Solenoid Damaged

1997 LEXUS ES 300

150,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC

CHANDLER EVANS

MEMBER
2 POSTS

I have no idea where to begin looking for the problem and the mechanics around here are talking about a $150 smoke test that may not even tell me the problem I cannot afford that what would you say I should do?

P0440
Evaporative Emission Purge Control Solenoid Damaged

Mar 27, 2017 at 10:30 AM

CARADIODOC

✓Experienced Mechanic
34,367 POSTS

If the solenoid is physically damaged, you know what is wrong and what needs to be replaced. End of story, and no need for a smoke test.

P0440 - Evaporative Emission Control System Malfunction

This fault code suggests there is an electrical problem with the solenoid or its wiring. That is totally different from a leaking solenoid. The smoke test could verify the valve is leaking, but then the fault code would refer to "small EVAP leak", which is a mechanical problem. This code says you have an electrical problem.

If you are going to pursue this yourself, I rarely approve of throwing random parts at a problem unless testing leads to that, but in this case, consider replacing the solenoid as a test. If it solves the problem, you'll have saved the cost of the diagnosis. If it doesn't, you'll have eliminated one of the things your mechanic needs to check.

Mar 27, 2017 at 10:49 AM

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