P0446 to P0454, P0465 to P0469 and P0496 to P0499: EVAP vent, pressure and purge flow
In the system that stores fuel vapour, the vent valve or its circuit, the tank pressure sensor or switch, or the purge flow sensor has a fault, or the purge flow is higher or lower than it should be.
SeverityLowLittle risk to the car, but the fault stays until it is repaired.
Can you keep driving?Safe to drive, book a checkWhat does P0446 mean?
Where P0440 to P0445 cover leaks and the purge valve, these codes concern the parts that let the system breathe and the sensors that test it. The vent valve opens the charcoal canister to fresh air and closes it for the leak test; the pressure sensor in or near the tank watches the test. If either fails, the computer cannot run its leak test, and a vent stuck closed can make refueling difficult or the tank hiss when opened.
What causes P0446?
- A vent valve near the canister clogged with dust or spider webs
- A failed tank pressure sensor or its wiring
- A charcoal canister saturated with fuel after habitual topping up past the first click
- A purge valve stuck open, for the high purge flow code
- A corroded connector under the car near the tank
What to check first for P0446
- Notice whether the pump nozzle clicks off early when refueling
- Stop filling at the first click of the nozzle from now on
- Inspect the vent valve and its filter near the canister for dirt
- Have the vent valve commanded and the tank pressure watched on a scan tool
Can you drive with P0446?
You can drive safely. The car may fail an emissions test and refueling can be slow; if you smell fuel strongly, have it checked soon.
Clear a code only after the fault is fixed. A code that comes back means the cause is still there, and a warning light left on can hide a second fault behind the first.
Codes on this page
18
- P0446Evaporative Emission System Vent Control Circuit
- P0447Evaporative Emission System Vent Control Circuit Open
- P0448Evaporative Emission System Vent Control Circuit Shorted
- P0449Evaporative Emission System Vent Valve/Solenoid Circuit
- P0450Evaporative Emission System Pressure Sensor/Switch
- P0451Evaporative Emission System Pressure Sensor/Switch Range/Performance
- P0452Evaporative Emission System Pressure Sensor/Switch Low
- P0453Evaporative Emission System Pressure Sensor/Switch High
- P0454Evaporative Emission System Pressure Sensor/Switch Intermittent
- P0465EVAP Purge Flow Sensor Circuit
- P0466EVAP Purge Flow Sensor Circuit Range/Performance
- P0467EVAP Purge Flow Sensor Circuit Low
- P0468EVAP Purge Flow Sensor Circuit High
- P0469EVAP Purge Flow Sensor Circuit Intermittent
- P0496Evaporative Emission System High Purge Flow
- P0497Evaporative Emission System Low Purge Flow
- P0498Evaporative Emission System Vent Valve Control Circuit Low
- P0499Evaporative Emission System Vent Valve Control Circuit High
Related codes
Checked on · Rafael Soares
These are the generic meanings every manufacturer shares. Each brand adds its own detail, so your car's handbook, its service information and a qualified mechanic have the last word. OdoKeep has no connection with any manufacturer, and the app does not read codes from the car.
