My engine light came on for the first time yesterday. I took it to Auto Zone and this is what it said: Code: P0441 The PCM has determined that the purge flow in the evaporative emission control system is incorrect for the current engine operating conditions. What does that mean?
http://www.troublecodes.net/stuff/donate.shtml Check your code by selecting your make of car in the dropdown at the top on the far right. I doubt it'll give you any more info than you already have. I'd call a dealership for your car and ask or ask in a forum specifically for your car (if one exists)
Generally the check engine light means your emission system has a problem -- generally it's no big deal...
Seems like it only cost me around $150 when the same thing happened to my Explorer a few months ago. My light was on for months, close to a year. The only problem it caused me was to fail my inspection.
I truck did that last summer, and I got it taken care of. Thank goodness it was still under warranty so it was free.
It means that a part of your evaporative emission control system is malfunctioning... that is the system responsible for ensuring that none of your excess gas vapors get released to the atmosphere...the charcoal canister that does this has a valve that has problably gone bad...Since I dont know what make you have...it is difficult to say for sure. The good news? that is probably one of the cheaper things that can go wrong with your emission system. it more than likely will not adversly effect your vehicle....until it is time to get inspected...but again...without seeing it..or even knowing the full details of what type of system they have on it...it is difficult for me to be exact in my diagnosis. have it checked by a certified computer control technician....very few non-certified mechanics truely undeerstand the interplay between the various emission systems...and they end up just replacing parts until they stumble on the solution.
I agree with R2K here. I would venture to guess you either have a Mazda or a german make. They are notorious for developing emmission flow problems (german makes are very sensitive to the type of gas you use on a consistent basis and how clean you keep the fuel system, moreso that other makes) The code means basically that you have a flow problem in the system. A coupe of scenarios: 1) Your PCV or EGR valves have gone bad 2) Your vaccum lines have either come loose or become blocked 3) Your evap solenoid (this is what essentially controls the flow of the emission system) has gone bad As R2K mentioned, the cheaper fix is going to be the PCV or EGR valves. If you are even slightly mechanically inclined, you can get these parts from Autozone and do it yourself. If you can locate where your evap solenoid is, check it and make sure all the connections are secure. If they are, remove the lines and check for blockages. If you replace the PCV and EGR valves, and find that your hoses and connections are fine, yet, its still kicking out the code, then its going to be the evap solenoid (remember though, that most makes don't automatically reset codes and you have to have them cleared ...IOW ....even if you fix the problem that the ECM says you are having, you still have to have someone like Autozone or a mechanic clear the codes). If your vehicle is newer, with lower mileage, I would be thats its the PCV or EGR valve. If its older, with high mileage, it can be any of the scenarios that I have listed. Start with the cheapest fix and work your way up. If you have a mechanic do it and he says its the evap solenoid, hes doing to recommend replacing the hoses to. Tell him to hold of as this will save you a little money and is not usually necessary.
Generally (at least the cars I have owned) the owners manual says to wait 3-5 cold starts and if the check engine light has yet to turn off, then take it in for a check. It could be something as simple as not having your gas cap screwed on tight enough.
There is no recalls or technical service bulletins on that vehicle. However, if you are under 75,000 miles, a VW dealer should cover it under a standard emissions warranty for free.
Quick!!! Remove the fuse to your service engine soon light and you'll never have these problems again. You're welcome.
My check engine light has been on for awhile. My manifold was cracked and the CO2 sensors were going out as a result. I welded the crack and replaced the sensors, but the light is still on. I don't worry about it.
You have a 2000 VW and this is the first time that light has come on?! You, sir, should buy a lottery ticket.
Señor Pun, Is this another "help me with my computer" question? jk. In all seriousness, on my 2003 Corolla, it meant that the GAS CAP was not screwed on right just like brek said. If this is the case, it will turn off in 1 - 3 days after you correct the problem. An old '98 CIVIC had this "engine light" problem, and it was the OXYGEN sensor under the hood, so a friend who owns the River Oaks GoodYear station told me.
No prob. Has to be under 75,000 though. And don't let VW tell you it isn't covered under the vehicle warranty. It has nothing to do with VW's warranty. Its a federal thing that all the car manufacturers fall under.
Damn it I just called VW and that guy said that this is probably not covered under the warranty. Only the electronic stuff and the catalytic converter is. He said its a $100 just to diagnose it. From what I have heard about the VW dealerships, I am not taking my car there. Anyone know a good mechanic? Codell?
