I have 4 codes coming up on my pocket scanner,they are p0446,p0440,p0441,and another p0446 what are these for

code p0440 refers to evaporative emission (EVAP) system--malfunction=== causes --hose connections --intake leak--EVAP canister purge valve
code po441 refers to EVAP --incorrect flow detected==causes the same as for po440
code po446 refers to EVAP system vent control --circuit malfunction===causes --wiring---EVAP can purge valve--ECM
generally I would replace the purge valve as it is common to all codes

This is a CLASSIC symptom of an evaporative emissions issue. GM has had tons of issues with this system. Don't even think about fuel pump at this point. Read this post on how EVAP works.

http://ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com/evaporative-emissions-system-primer/

Then read this post on service bulletins GM has issued on the EVAP system

http://ricksfreeautorepairadvice.com/p0440-p0441-p0442-p0446-evap-codes-on-gm-vehicleshicles-p0440-p0441-p0442-p0446/

P0440 Evaporative Emission Control System Malfunction P0441 Evaporative Emission Control System Incorrect Purge Flow P0446 Evaporative Emission Control System Vent Control Circuit Malfunction

• Remove and reinstall the gas cap, clear the code, and drive for a day and see if the codes come back.
• Inspect the EVAP system for cuts/holes in tubes/hoses
• Inspect for damaged or disconnected hoses around the Evap purge solenoid
• Check and/or replace the sensor
• Check and/or replace the purge valve
• Have a professional use a smoke machine to detect leaks

where is Evap Emission Control System Purge Flow fault

P0440= Evap Control Sys Malfunction
P0441= Evap Control Sys Purge Flow Fault
P0446= Evap Control Sys Vent Ckt Malfunction

P0420 indicates you have a catalyst efficiency issue; replacement of the Air-Fuel Sensor should take care of that;
The P0441, P0446 and (I assume P0440); you said 446 twice, indicates a faulty or loose fuel cap; it is not sealing properly.
Please feel free to respond to me if you have any further questions.
A FixYa rating from you regarding my assistance would be greatly appreciated.

These codes are all for the Evaporative Emissions System.

P0440- Evaporative emissions system fault- just saying there's something wrong with the system.

P0441- Evaporative emissions system- Incorrect purge flow- saying that the system isn't purging the raw fuel vapors (hydrocarbons- HC) as well as it should.

P0446- Evaporative emissions system- Control valve circuit low- there is a valve, usually located on the charcoal canister at the rear of the vehicle, that opens to allow fresh air to enter the evaporative emissions system as the engine vacuum purges the fuel vapors from the charcoal canister and closes when purge is not needed to prevent leakage of those fuel vapors to the atmosphere (HC is a greenhouse gas and is regulated as such by the fed gov't).

Given that you have the incorrect purge flow code and the control valve code together, my bet is that the vent control valve has failed (causing the P0446) and is not opening to allow fresh air into the system to displace the air from within the system that is being pulled to the engine. Since you have no fresh air entering the system, the engine will pull a vacuum on the system instead of the vapors "flowing" into the engine (causing the P0441).


I hope that this is helpful to you!!!


ASE Master Technician with L1 and X1 Certifications; Nissan Scope Technician; Chrysler Level 3 Silver Technician- 12+ years experience.

When you have P0440, P0441 and P0446, it is a very good bet that the fuel cap was loose, or the fuel cap rubber seal is compromised. You will get all three of those codes every time that the cap is loose. Always make sure that the fuel cap is as tight as you can get it after you refuel.

P0446 is an evap code. Most likely, you need to change the charcoal canister vent valve (CCV) under the trunk floor. Fuel cap codes set 3 codes at once, P0440. P0441 and P0446, all at the same time.

Man, here is a link with the perfect solution:

http://ca.answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080609120625AAf6UmP