The P0443 code stands for Evaporative Emissions System Purge Control Valve Circuit and is triggered when the car’s computer (PCM) has found a problem with the purge control valve or the purge valve circuit.
In this article, I will explain everything you need to know about the P0443 code.
What Does The P0443 Code Mean?
The code P0443 means that the powertrain control module (PCM) has found a problem with the purge valve or control circuit for the EVAP system. This could indicate a short circuit or an open valve.
Models of contemporary automobiles include an evaporative emission control system (EVAP). The main goal of the EVAP system is to keep fuel vapors from getting out into the air.
Your vehicle’s EVAP system collects the raw fuel that exits the fuel tank and fuel system. The EVAP system sends this information to the PCM, which uses it to control how much pollution the car puts out.
The EVAP system sends the fuel vapors that have been gathered back into the engine through the intake and into the combustion chamber. These fuel vapors are metered using a purge control valve to conclude the process. The purge control valve is actuated by the engine PCM’s delivery of ground (–).
When the PCM detects a malfunctioning purge control valve or a short in the purge valve circuit, it sets the P0443 code.
Similar to the P0443 code, codes P0444 and P0445 are also related to the purge control valve.
Which Models Are Affected By The P0443 Code
| Make | Affected By P0443 Code |
|---|---|
| Toyota | Yes |
| Nissan | Yes |
| Chevrolet | Yes |
| BMW | Yes |
| Audi | Yes |
| Buick | Yes |
| Mercedes | Yes |
| GMC | Yes |
| Suzuki | Yes |
| Tata | Yes |
| Lexus | Yes |
| Mazda | Yes |
| Mitsubishi | Yes |
| Kia | Yes |
| Jeep | Yes |
| Fiat | Yes |
| Honda | Yes |
| Hyundai | Yes |
| Opel | Yes |
| Ford | Yes |
| Fiat | Yes |
| Peugeot | Yes |
What Are The Possible Causes of the P0443 Code?
The P0443 trouble code is caused when the vehicle’s computer detects an issue with the purge control valve circuit on the EVAP system.
Several factors in your vehicle’s Evaporative Emission System (EVAP) can cause the P0443 code. Some of them are:
- A defective purge control valve
- The wires on the control valve for the purge are damaged.
- The purge control valve or Evap system has loose electrical connections
- Defective vent valve solenoid
- Defects inside the EVAP system
- Defective purge valve solenoid
- Faulty PCM (power train control module)
What Are The Common Symptoms of The P0443 Code?
The exact symptoms connected with the P0443 code can vary based on the issue’s severity and the make and model of the vehicle. Yet, there are a few common symptoms of EVAP code P0443.
Here are the most common symptoms of the P0443 code:
- The engine warning light is flashing
- Rough engine idle
- Sluggish acceleration
- Low fuel economy
- A decrease in engine efficiency
Is It Safe To Drive With a P0443 Code
Yes, it is safe to drive with the DTC (diagnostic trouble code) P0443 for a short time. With this code, you should not drive for a prolonged period of time. This code may cause issues such as rough idling engine stalling, and sluggish acceleration.
If you keep driving with this code for a long time, it could damage the engine from the inside. Therefore, you should fix the P0443 code as soon as possible.
How To Diagnose The P0443 Code
Here is how to diagnose the P0443 trouble code:
- Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm the P0443 code’s presence.
- Use the freeze frame data to determine
- Use an OBD-II scanner to confirm the P0443 code’s presence.
- Use the freeze frame data to determine all existing code.
- Clear the saved codes and perform a test drive. If the code is returned, the inspection must continue.
- Inspect the purge control valve’s wiring and connections for corrosion or damage.
- Fix any loose connections on the purge valve.
- Examine the EVAP system’s wiring and connections.
- Examine the purge control valve for obstructions caused by spider webs, debris, or grime.
- Using the test vapor port, do a smoke leakage test on the fuel vapor system to determine the cause of the vapor leaks.
- After detaching the purge solenoid connector, turn on the car’s ignition switch and check one of the connector’s pins for 12V positive. You must continue searching for the wrong open circuit if there is no voltage.
- If one of the purge solenoid’s pins was found to be hot (+), reconnect the corresponding connector and connect the ground to the pin opposite the positive feed.
- Examine your purge control valve for the correct valve resistance.
- Examine the purge control valve for damage. If it’s damaged, replace it.
- Examine the PCM for defects.
Most Common Mistakes When Diagnosing The P0443 Code
This is not a difficult code to verify, but that does not mean mistakes cannot be made. The most frequent error is failing to do a visual inspection or test and thinking that the purge control valve is malfunctioning. This is a mistake because you may waste time, money, and effort attempting to remedy one problem, only to discover later that you have a damaged cable or another problem.
Another common mistake is not checking the failure and replacing parts, only to discover later that there was no actual problem or that there was a fault, but the code was incorrect.
How Much Does It Cost To Repair P0443 Code
| Make | P0443 Code | Repair Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Toyota | Yes | $22 – $75 |
| Nissan | Yes | $22 – $75 |
| Chevrolet | Yes | $22 – $75 |
| BMW | Yes | $22 – $75 |
| Audi | Yes | $22 – $75 |
| Buick | Yes | $22 – $75 |
| Mercedes | Yes | $22 – $75 |
| GMC | Yes | $22 – $75 |
| Suzuki | Yes | $22 – $75 |
| Tata | Yes | $22 – $75 |
| Lexus | Yes | $22 – $75 |
| Mazda | Yes | $22 – $75 |
| Mitsubishi | Yes | $22 – $75 |
| Kia | Yes | $22 – $75 |
| Jeep | Yes | $22 – $75 |
| Fiat | Yes | $22 – $75 |
| Honda | Yes | $22 – $75 |
| Hyundai | Yes | $22 – $75 |
| Opel | Yes | $22 – $75 |
| Ford | Yes | $22 – $75 |
| Fiat | Yes | $22 – $75 |
| Peugeot | Yes | $22 – $75 |
What Repairs Can Fix The P0443 Code
Repairs that can fix the P0443 code include:
- Changing the defective purge control valve
- Repairing the purge control valve’s damaged or corroded wiring
- Repairing the purge control valve’s loose connections
- Repair the EVAP system’s faulty electrical wiring and connections
- Replacing the defective purge vent valve
- Replacing the defective PCM
- Cleaning the clog from the purge control valve
How To Fix The P0443 Code
The steps below can be used to help resolve the cause of the P0443 code on your vehicle. But before making these kinds of repairs, it’s always a good idea to look at the service manual that came with your car.
Here is how to fix the P0443 code:
- Testing and replacement of the purge control valve
- Fixing up the damaged wiring to the purge control valve and securing it against further damage
- Replacing the defective purge vent valve
- Repair or replace the defective PCM (powertrain control module)
- Remove the clog from the purge control valve
In Conclusion
The code P0443 is a common OBD-II trouble code that causes the check engine light to illuminate on the dashboard. The most common cause is that the fuel cap was left off or not securely fastened after refueling. The most common failure for this code is the purge control having an internal open circuit or the vent valve failing to contain vapors.
Also, the P0443 code in most cases is not classified as being overly serious. In contrast, a vehicle with an active P0443 code can be driven without causing additional serious problems.
Nonetheless, the P0443 code may occasionally be accompanied by a rough or inconsistent idle. In such situations, it may be necessary to expedite further diagnostics and repairs.