Emissions control unit circuit fault

[Deathfire138]

Okay, well I'm still fixing all of the problems in my Explorer, and I just scanned my Ex for codes and got P1451, which is apparently an 'Evaporative emission control system vent control valve circuit fault' I've told my father this and he says that it's a common issue. It sounds like it's not too much of a performance problem rather an environmental issue. It also does not sound like an easy fix but I've been wrong about things like that. Has anyone had this code and was able to do something about it? I figured there was something wrong with my emissions control system when my Ex's exhaust started smelling funny. Any ideas?

EDIT: I'm almost 100% sure I've found it this time. It seems to be above the spare tire and there's couple of wires cut!

Due to the images' large sizes I have provided you with links to the images in place of the image itself.

Here's a picture showing you the area that it's in.
http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/9058/p10104030.jpg

Here's a picture showing under the wheel well and partially showing the wires.
http://img843.imageshack.us/img843/1663/p1010402.jpg

Here's a picture better showing the cut wires
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/2560/p1010401sj.jpg

Here's a picture from under the car showing the metal holding fixture. Behind this picture is the vent.
http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/9124/p1010404c.jpg

 

[swetrid]

Ck the vent valve back by the spare tire, it is either bad or the wiring is bad which I see alot.

 

[Deathfire138]

How can I tell if it is bad? What does it look like? Do I have to remove the spare to get to it?

 

[worshiprocker]

I had to replace the whole unit by the tank $150 for the whole assembly from a yard that warrentied the used parts. Also check under the battery....pull the tray there is a valve that sits on the frame rail and the battery acid can eat at the wires. I replaced it and that was really easy too. Here is the part http://www.amazon.com/Motorcraft-CX1584-Vapor-Canister-Solenoid/dp/B000C5BLNI

 

[Deathfire138]

I think I spotted it. Is it above the spare tire and like a foot or so back from the tank? When I say above the spare tire, I mean like it's between the tire and the frame so that to get to it I would have to either remove the spare tire or somehow slip it through...

 

[Deathfire138]

I'm still unsuccessful in finding the unit or the valve. Could anyone point me in the right direction? Is it near the spare tire? Is it on the driver or passenger side? Is it near the exaust pipe? Is there anything characteristic about any wires going to it? Tell me more, please. Thanks! :scratch:

EDIT: I, not too long ago, replaced the fuel pump, which includes the removal and disassembly of the gas tank. I was reading around and it sounds like my code could mean I switched something around or I didn't connect something tight enough. Any ideas?

 

[Deathfire138]

Sorry for the triple-post, the information has updated and I need it closer to the top so people will read it.

 

[swetrid]

It either has broken wiring or bad canister vent valve. Remove the spare tire and look at the the frame above it. You will have to remove the evap canister, it goes into the canister itself.

 

[Deathfire138]

Thanks, I'll try to remove the spare and take a look at it this weekend.

Should I be wary of electric shock and disconnect the battery when handling the vent valve since the wires are cut and frayed?

 

[Deathfire138]

Removed the solenoid vent

I've removed what I think is the vent valve and the entire assembly, I'm going to take it to a Ford dealership nearby to see how much a new wire would cost or if I can even get and install a new wire. Here are some pictures I took.

http://img51.imageshack.us/i/p1010444u.jpg/

http://img593.imageshack.us/i/p1010446s.jpg/

http://img651.imageshack.us/i/p1010448r.jpg/