Check Engine Light

[dondiesel444]

I have the CEL coming on lately, I had the X at a shop today getting the exhaust fixed ( a hanger broke loose and needed to be welded), when I picked it up, the guy told me that he put the scanner on "just to check things out" and the code coming up was a p44?


I can't remeber exactly what, but it was like p44?
he said it had something to do with the evap system I think. He was too busy at the time to go into more detail, he erased it and said wait to see if it comes back on. He didn't charge me to check it, so i didn't complain, but is there a common problem that I can check on the evap system?? maybe someone else has had a similar code, and can help me out.

The X doesn't seem to run any diffrent with the CEL on, so I don't think it is a major problem, but my Wife gets upset when the light comes on, I've been pulling the fuse to re-set the computer and keep her happy.

 

[dogfriend]

Was the code PO446?

Dead Link Removed

 

[dondiesel444]

Yes I think that was the code. I don't think it's the gas cap, but I guess anything is possible.

 

[dogfriend]

The gas cap is a good place to start.

I think that there might be a TSB on this also, I will try to look for it when I get a chance.

 

[dondiesel444]

My X is pretty rusty underneth, I was looking at that thread you gave me, and someone said there is a solinoid near the filer neck?? I should check there, maybe it is sticking?? Weird thing, this has happened twice, we went on 2 LONG trips, and the X ran fine the whole way. Then when we got back, the next day just driving aroung town, the CEL came on. Once it came on just idleing!!

BTW, I also have a Min Pin, she was born on July 4, she is a TERROR!! We also have an English Bulldog, they are great companions. Our Min Pin thinks she is a BIG DOG!!

 

[dogfriend]

Originally posted by dondiesel444
Our Min Pin thinks she is a BIG DOG!!

They all think that they are BIG DOGS. LOL

In the other thread, OperaHouse said that he had this problem when the vent solenoid rusted so that it wouldn't work right. I'm not sure exactly where it is, but it is near the evap canister above the spare tire on the 2nd gen Explorer. I can look it up to try to give a better description later.

 

[dondiesel444]

Yeah let me know what you find out, I appreciate any help you can ive me. Thanks!!

 

[dogfriend]

At best as I can tell from the service manual, the canister vent valve is mounted on the canister. The canister is located directly above the spare tire. I think that it may be possible to remove the vent solenoid without removing the canister, but I'm not sure. There is an electrical connector which connects to the vent solenoid.

I'm posting the instructions for removing the canister from the manual below, the only difficult part is removing the two fuel vapor lines. I would assume that you need a tool like the one used to release the fuel filter fittings.

Evaporative Emissions Canister

Removal

1. Open the liftgate, lower, and remove the spare tire.

2. WARNING: THE ELECTRICAL POWER TO THE AIR SUSPENSION SYSTEM MUST BE SHUT OFF PRIOR TO HOISTING, JACKING OR TOWING AN AIR SUSPENSION VEHICLE. THIS CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED BY TURNING OFF THE AIR SUSPENSION SWITCH LOCATED IN THE RH KICK PANEL AREA. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN UNEXPECTED INFLATION OR DEFLATION OF THE AIR SPRINGS WHICH MAY RESULT IN SHIFTING OF THE VEHICLE DURING THESE OPERATIONS.

Raise and support the vehicle; refer to «Section 100-02».

3. WARNING: THE EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS SYSTEM CONTAINS FUEL VAPOR AND CONDENSED FUEL VAPOR. ALTHOUGH NOT PRESENT IN LARGE QUANTITIES, IT STILL PRESENTS THE DANGER OF EXPLOSION OR FIRE. DISCONNECT THE BATTERY GROUND CABLE FROM THE BATTERY TO MINIMIZE THE POSSIBILITY OF AN ELECTRICAL SPARK OCCURRING, POSSIBLY CAUSING A FIRE OR EXPLOSION IF FUEL VAPOR OR LIQUID FUEL ARE PRESENT IN THE AREA.

WARNING: DO NOT SMOKE OR CARRY LIGHTED TOBACCO OR OPEN FLAME OF ANY TYPE WHEN WORKING ON OR NEAR ANY FUEL RELATED COMPONENT. HIGHLY FLAMMABLE MIXTURES ARE ALWAYS PRESENT AND MAY BE IGNITED, RESULTING IN POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

Disconnect the two chassis emissions return lines from the evaporative emissions canister lines.

4. Remove the three evaporative emissions canister (EVAP canister) (9D653) mounting bolts.

5. Remove the evaporative emissions canister.

Disconnect the evaporative emissions canister vent valve electrical connector.

Remove the evaporative emissions canister.

I found this drawing on www.autozone.com


Dead Link Removed

 

[dogfriend]

I found the TSB (long)

EVAP System - MIL ON Multiple DTC's Set
Article No.
01-7-8

04/16/01

DRIVEABILITY - MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP
(MIL) ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE
CODES (DTCS) P0455, P0456, P0457, P0442, P1442,
P1443, P1450 OR P1455 - ROTUNDA VACUTEC 522
LEAK DETECTOR SMOKE MACHINE USAGE AND
PROCEDURES

EMISSIONS - EVAPORATIVE EMISSION SYSTEM
ROTUNDA VACUTEC 522 LEAK DETECTOR SMOKE
MACHINE USAGE AND PROCEDURES

FORD:
1997-2000 CONTOUR
1997-2001 CROWN VICTORIA, ESCORT, MUSTANG, TAURUS
2000-2001 FOCUS
1997-1998 F-250 HD
1997-1999 F-250 LD
1997-2001 ECONOLINE, EXPEDITION, F-150, RANGER, WINDSTAR
1997-2002 EXPLORER
1999-2001 SUPER DUTY F SERIES
2000-2001 EXCURSION
2001 ESCAPE

LINCOLN:
1997-1998 MARK VIII
1997-2001 CONTINENTAL, TOWN CAR
2000-2001 LS
1998-2001 NAVIGATOR

MERCURY:
1997-1999 TRACER
1997-2000 MYSTIQUE
1997-2001 GRAND MARQUIS, SABLE
1999-2001 COUGAR
1997-2002 MOUNTAINEER


ISSUE

Some vehicles may exhibit a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illuminated with Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P0455, P0456, P0457, P0442, P1442, P1443, P1450 or P1455 for the Evaporative Emission system. This may be caused by loose or leaking hoses, loose or broken fuel cap, etc... A leak at the top of the fuel filler pipe neck between the filler pipe and plastic insert is often misdiagnosed as a fuel filler cap leak.

ACTION

Verify condition is caused by the Evaporative Emission (EVAP) system. If necessary, use the Rotunda VACUTEC 522 Leak Detector Smoke Machine to help locate and diagnose leaks in the Evaporative Emission system. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Glossary Of Terms:

EVAP - Evaporative Emission

VMV - Vapor Management Valve

CVS - Canister Vent Solenoid

NGS - New Generation Star Tester Diagnostic Tool

WDS - Worldwide Diagnostic System Diagnostic Tool

Verify the concern is an Evaporative Emission System leak by performing the following:

1.Visual Inspection: Inspect the vehicle to determine if it has any of the following mechanical concerns.

a.Improperly installed fuel filler cap.

b.A leak at the top of the fuel filler pipe neck between the filler pipe and plastic insert is often misdiagnosed as a fuel filler cap leak.

c.Loose or disconnected hoses - Example: VMV - vacuum hose to/from engine vacuum source port.

d.Loose or disconnected components.

e.Damaged EVAP service test port.

f.Damaged EVAP canister or canister vent solenoid.

2.Reinstall or replace all evaporative emission hose clamps removed or damaged during the test procedures.

3.If the leak is NOT detected during the visual inspection, install the NGS or WDS Diagnostic tool to determine what DTC is stored in memory by using the appropriate test procedure by vehicle and model year in the Powertrain Control/Emissions Diagnosis (PC/ED) Workshop Manual.

4.Once it is verified by the NGS or WDS Diagnostic tool that one or more of the following DTCs are present: P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457, P1442, P1443, P1450 and P1455, perform the following test procedures.

NOTE IF NONE OF THE EVAP LEAK DTCs MENTIONED IN STEP 4 ARE DETECTED, REFER TO THE PC/ED WORKSHOP MANUAL FOR THE APPROPRIATE VEHICLE AND MODEL YEAR DIAGNOSTICS.

ROTUNDA'S VACUTEC 522 SMOKE DETECTOR:

Smoke Information

The Smoke Leak Detector injects a non-toxic DIAGNOSTIC VAPOR (Smoke) into the EVAP sealed vehicle system which is to be tested. Within seconds, smoke will begin to escape from the point or points of leakage. The following procedure will help determine where the leaks are located and help indicate what repairs are required.

NOTE MANY EVAP LEAKS ARE CAUSED BY A LOOSE OR FAULTY FUEL CAP (P0457). LEAVE THE FUEL CAP IN PLACE WHEN COMPLETING THE SYSTEM LEAK CHECK PROCEDURE. IF THE VEHICLE FAILS THE SYSTEM SMOKE TEST PROCEDURE AT THE FUEL CAP, THE FUEL CAP CAN BE REPOSITIONED OR REPLACED. THE SYSTEM SMOKE TEST PROCEDURE WILL NEED TO BE REPEATED. THIS ACTION WILL ISOLATE THE FUEL CAP FROM THE REST OF THE EVAP SYSTEM AS A POTENTIAL CONCERN.

ROTUNDA'S VACUTEC 522 SMOKE DETECTOR:

The remainder was omitted to preserve bandwidth If you are really curious or if you actually own a Rotunda Smoke Machine and you need to know the rest of the procedure, email me and I will send a copy back to you.

 

[dondiesel444]

WHOA, thanks for all that info, I have to go back and read it again...