Evaporative Emission Control System Purge Control Valve Circuit Shorted
The engine detected a short circuit in the evaporative emission control (EVAP) system's purge control valve circuit. This prevents the system from properly managing fuel vapors, which can cause increased emissions and fuel odors.
What You Might Notice
- Check engine light illuminated
- Slightly reduced fuel economy
- Fuel smell near the vehicle
- Difficulty starting engine
- Rough idle
Most Common Causes
- 1
Shorted purge control solenoid
The purge control solenoid winding has shorted internally or the solenoid coil is damaged, causing excessive current draw and triggering the short circuit fault.
- 2
Damaged wiring harness or connectors
The electrical wiring or connectors in the purge control circuit are damaged, corroded, or pinched, creating an unintended short to ground or power.
- 3
Faulty purge control valve
The purge control valve itself has failed electrically, with internal wiring or components shorting out the circuit.
- 4
Engine control module (ECM) connector issue
The ECM connector pins are corroded, bent, or loose, causing a poor connection that the system interprets as a short circuit condition.
How to Diagnose It
- 1
Check Shorted purge control solenoid — The purge control solenoid winding has shorted internally or the solenoid coil is damaged, causing excessive current draw and triggering the short circuit fault.
- 2
Check Damaged wiring harness or connectors — The electrical wiring or connectors in the purge control circuit are damaged, corroded, or pinched, creating an unintended short to ground or power.
- 3
Check Faulty purge control valve — The purge control valve itself has failed electrically, with internal wiring or components shorting out the circuit.
- 4
Check Engine control module (ECM) connector issue — The ECM connector pins are corroded, bent, or loose, causing a poor connection that the system interprets as a short circuit condition.
How to Fix It
- 1
Inspect and repair wiring harness
Visually inspect the entire purge control valve circuit wiring for damage, corrosion, pinching, or moisture intrusion. Repair or replace damaged sections and reconnect all connectors firmly.
- 2
Replace purge control solenoid
Test the solenoid resistance with a multimeter to confirm it is shorted. If resistance is near zero or below specification, replace the purge control solenoid with a new OEM unit.
- 3
Clean and reconnect all connectors
Disconnect all connectors in the purge control circuit, clean the terminals with electrical contact cleaner, and reconnect firmly. Check the ECM connector as well for corrosion or poor seating.
- 4
Replace purge control valve assembly
If the solenoid replacement does not resolve the code, the entire purge control valve assembly may be faulty and require replacement.
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