Error code P0441 - poor evaporative system purge

Code P0441 means that the evaporative emission control (EVAP) system is not flowing properly.

The EVAP system prevents gasoline vapors from escaping from the fuel tank into the atmosphere. It traps and stores gasoline vapors in a small canister installed next to the fuel tank, called an adsorber.

When you drive and certain conditions are met (speed, engine temperature, etc.), fuel vapors are gradually removed from the canister and burned inside the engine.

Code P0441 means the purge flow is lower or higher than it should be. The flow capacity is controlled by the canister purge valve (purge solenoid).

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What Can Cause a P0441 Code?

• Bad purge valve.
• The purge line is clogged or disconnected.
• Air leak near engine purge line/intake connection.
• Bad steam pressure sensor.
• Damaged or cracked carbon adsorber.
• Faulty leak detection pump (LDP).
• Bad NVLD unit (Chrysler).
• Sticky or faulty vent valve.
• Cracked or clogged EVAP VSV (Toyota) vacuum hoses.
• Bad EVAP VSV valve (Toyota).
• Incorrectly routed vacuum hoses.
• Open or short circuit in purge valve control wiring.
• Rust in the filler neck.

Common Problems Causing Code P0441

• In many vehicles, including VW, Audi, Nissan and Mazda, a bad purge valve is the most common culprit for code P0441. The purge valve (also called the purge solenoid) is easy to replace in most vehicles.
• Often when the canister begins to fail, carbon granules are drawn into the purge line and clog the purge valve or purge lines. If there are a lot of carbon granules stuck inside the purge valve, the canister may also need to be replaced.
• In many Toyota and Lexus cars from the 90s - 00s, there is an EVAP VSV valve and vacuum hoses on the canister that need to be checked. Often the VSV fails, or one of the vacuum hoses becomes clogged with carbon granules from the adsorber.
• Unfortunately, Toyota sells the EVAP VSV valves as one piece with the canister, but they can be purchased separately from a third party. In any case, all vacuum hoses connected to the EVAP VSV valves must be replaced, and metal vacuum lines must be checked for blockages and cleaned.
• The 2003 Toyota Technical Bulletin (TSB) also mentions an inoperative Canister Vacuum Switching Valve (CCV VSV) as a possible cause for codes P0441 and P0446. The CCV VSV should be checked and replaced with an updated part if it does not work.
• In 2002-2007 Dodge and Chrysler vehicles, it is quite common for the NVLD device to fail and cause code P0441.

In today's article we will talk in detail about what causes error P0441 in the Lada Kalina car and how to fix it.

To begin with, it must be said that this brand of car is equipped with an injection engine, which, unlike a carburetor, has additional components, as well as a fuel vapor recovery system, where the main component is an adsorber. Its task is to remove fuel vapor from the tank into the intake manifold at the moment when the internal combustion engine starts, and an important role here is played by the adsorber purge valve. Error P0441 just indicates incorrect air flow through this valve.

Replacing the adsorber purge valve on Kalina

If the check shows that the Evap-Solenoid is faulty, the part must be replaced (catalog number - 11181164200). There is no point in repairing the device:

But before making a replacement, it would be a good idea to check the control circuit; quite often the valve does not work due to a break in the wires going to it. To complete the work, you will not need a pit or a lift, and the procedure itself will take no more than one to two hours, even if the operation is performed by an inexperienced worker without metalworking skills.

We change the valve as follows:

Replacing the purge valve could be considered a very simple task, if not for one “but” - it is very difficult to remove the plastic tube from the CPA without damaging it, and it does not come with the new valve. There are two options here:

Having measured the required length of the hose, cut it, connect it to the valve and connector, we get approximately the same design as in the figure below.

We install everything in place, start the engine, and test the car on the move.

The principle of operation of gasoline vapors in Lada Kalina

The car was equipped with this system to prevent harmful vapors emitted by gasoline from entering the atmosphere. It consists of:

• fuel shut-off valve;
• adsorber;
• connecting pipelines;
• solenoid valve for purging the absorbent component.

The main thing here is the adsorber, as was already mentioned at the beginning of the article, and it consists of activated non-edible carbon in a plastic case. The vapors that form from gasoline are absorbed by the absorbent component and accumulate in it over time.

Control system controllers

The electronic control unit (ECU) is the “heart” of the vehicle’s electrical system. It is he who is responsible for the correct fuel injection, prevents the occurrence of emergency conditions, controls the combustion process of the fuel-air mixture and issues error signals. Failure of the Lada Granta FL ECU is not uncommon.

Factors such as climatic conditions, gasoline quality, and vehicle operating modes often interfere. The standard ECU contains the factory logic for controlling both an 8-valve engine and a more powerful 16-valve engine.

The controllers are manufactured in Russia by the Itelma Research and Production Enterprise. The cost of the product reaches 11,000 rubles. The price depends on the method of ordering the component, the remoteness of the delivery region and the supplier company. You can buy a unit directly from the enterprise for 6,000-6,500 rubles.

ECU functions:

• adjusting the fuel supply advance angle;
• idle speed control;
• control of injection volume in modes;
• stopping the engine in an emergency.

If one of the cylinders begins to operate unstably, a surge appears, ignition disappears, and the power sharply decreases. The ECU sends primary signals to the controller to turn off the fuel supply. Despite the age of VAZ models, the plant still uses controllers of the “January” type, versions 4, 5 and 7. Some car enthusiasts tune Grants and install Bosch control controllers.

Replacing a controller is a difficult operation that requires professional knowledge and understanding of the operating algorithm of the vehicle's electronic system.

Violations in the system

There are few problems observed here, since the design of the device is not at all complicated. The solenoid valve may not open or, conversely, not close, or may be stuck in any other position. But the system can malfunction for other reasons, for example:

• there are malfunctions in the operation of the control unit;
• there may be a break in the circuit and, as a result, there is no voltage in the valve;
• connecting pipes may be clogged or pinched;
• The carbon filter is clogged.

A situation where the control panel does not close can lead to the following problems:

• the dynamics of the internal combustion engine will decrease;
• fuel consumption will increase;
• the mixture will be excessively rich, and, as a result, a black coating will appear on the spark plugs;
• the engine will begin to malfunction, which will be especially noticeable at idle.

When the valve, on the contrary, is constantly closed, vapors accumulate in the gas tank that exceed the permissible limits, and therefore the fuel pump or fuel level sensor may fail.

What does error p0363 mean?

To detect misfires, the PCM uses data from the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors and also takes into account the number of engine revolutions per minute. If the PCM detects that the camshaft or crankshaft position has changed and is abnormal under current conditions, or that the actual engine speed is not at the required value, it will assume that one of the engine cylinders is misfiring. In this case, the PCM will cut off fuel to that cylinder and store P0363.

Error P0441 in the Lada Kalina car

The reasons for this problem may be:

1. Problems in the operation of the adsorber valve.
2. Clogged air line running from the canister purge valve to the air filter.
3. Perhaps the pipes are leaking air.

In most cases, the malfunction lies precisely in the purge valve, which is a common problem with the Lada Kalina. If necessary, it is recommended to simply replace it with a new one.

When a valve begins to malfunction, this does not indicate that the engine is losing power or, for example, that the fuel pump will no longer function correctly. In most cases, this just leads to a higher level of exhaust emissions, as well as an intermittently displayed Check Engine light.

Perhaps this is precisely why many Lada Kalina owners are in no hurry to repair their car if error 0441 is present. After all, you can ignore the lamp (for the time being), gasoline is consumed as before, and there are no special malfunctions in the fuel system. But at the same time, it is recommended not to leave any problems in the car for later, to diagnose, repair and replace the necessary parts on time so that the car serves for a long time and without failures.

Let's take a closer look

The P0441 error code is "poor evaporation system venting." Often, in programs that work with an OBD-2 scanner, the name may have the English spelling “Evaporative Emission (EVAP) Control System Incorrect Purge Flow”.

The cost of diagnosing errors for VAZ at service stations in Moscow and St. Petersburg

Approximate prices for computer diagnostics:

Technical description and interpretation of error P0441

This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is a generic powertrain code. Trouble code P0441 is considered a common code because it applies to all makes and models of vehicles. Although the specific repair steps may vary slightly depending on the model.

This code indicates that part of the EVAP control system is no longer functioning properly. The EVAP system is made up of many parts, including (but not limited to) the tank cap, fuel lines, charcoal canister, purge valve, and others.

An emission control system (EVAP) prevents the release of fuel vapors from the vehicle's fuel system. Fuel vapor is directed through hoses into a coal canister for storage. Later, when the engine is running, the purge control valve opens, allowing fuel vapor to be drawn in under vacuum.

The purge of the EVAP canister is controlled by a valve that, thanks to the vacuum created by the engine, allows fuel vapor to be drawn in. They go from the fuel tank to the engine to be burned, rather than escaping into the atmosphere.

A vacuum switch is used to detect the presence of flow. If the ECU commands purge and sees that the switch is closed, the code P0441 is set. Which indicates no purge flow detected.

Symptoms of malfunction

The main driver symptom of P0441 is the MIL (Malfunction Indicator Light). It is also called Check engine or simply “check light”.

They can also appear as:

• Activation of the Check engine indicator on the instrument panel.
• Possible noticeable fuel odor caused by the release of vapors.

A loose fuel cap is the most common cause of a P0441 code.

Reasons for the error

Code P0441 may mean that one or more of the following problems have occurred:

1. Faulty vacuum switch.
2. EVAP line or canister is broken or damaged.
3. Purge commands do not pass through the circuit to the ECU.
4. Open or short-circuited voltage supply circuit to the purge solenoid.
5. Faulty purge solenoid.
6. Restriction by EVAP solenoid, line or canister.
7. Corrosion or resistance in the connector.
8. The ECU has failed.

ECU firmware

The control controller software is replaced in two cases:

• for forced increase in power;
• in case of car malfunctions.

Auto tuning enthusiasts resort to the first method. When installing non-standard camshafts, timing parts, or replacing the standard throttle valve with analogue versions, it is necessary to change the firmware. Otherwise, the car will generate dozens of error codes at the first start. Non-standard parts change the algorithm of the ignition system. The operation of “reflashing” the ECU should only be performed by specialists.

The second option is used in the event of a malfunction in the electronics, leading to a complete failure of the vehicle control system. Such a malfunction can occur either due to a manufacturing defect or due to mechanical damage to the controller. Specialists completely clear the electronics memory, and then install the standard control program again.

After any ECU flashing, the stage of setting up and adjusting the car follows. All parameters are checked: the quality of mixture formation, the actual fuel supply, the sequence of cylinder operation, the temperature in the combustion chambers, etc.

It is worth noting that only by reinstalling the controller operation algorithm can the vehicle’s original factory power be restored to 100%. This is achieved by removing “forced locks and restrictions” that the ECU system activates when the cylinders malfunction.

How to Troubleshoot or Reset Trouble Code P0441

Some suggested steps to troubleshoot and fix error code P0441:

• A common fix is ​​to replace the leak detection pump/LDP.
• Repair damaged EVAP lines or canister.
• Repair the open or shorted voltage supply to the purge solenoid.
• Correction of the circuit going to the ECU.
• Replace the purge solenoid.
• Replace the vacuum switch.
• Correct or repair restriction in Evap line, canister or solenoids.
• Repair or clean the connector.
• Replace the ECU.

Diagnosis and problem solving

The Engine Control Module (ECM) tests the EVAP system under the following conditions:

1. Large and small leaks
2. Excessive vacuum
3. Cleaning flow under uncontrolled conditions
4. Malfunctions of the fuel level and pressure sensor - EVAP
5. Malfunction of the fuel tank pressure sensor
6. To determine the vacuum/pressure level in the EVAP system

The ECM monitors the fuel tank pressure sensor. The ECM instructs both the EVAP solenoid valve and the EVAP air valve to be turned on. When the appropriate conditions are met to create a vacuum in the EVAP engine.

The ECM orders the EVAP solenoid valve to turn off when the system reaches a predetermined vacuum level. This test checks whether vacuum can be achieved in the EVAP system.

Failure to achieve vacuum may be caused by a large leak or flow restriction.

Diagnostics

If you notice that something is wrong with the operation of the Lada Kalina vehicle, then it makes sense to diagnose the car. As a rule, all breakdowns appear immediately after checking the car. You can ask for help in carrying out diagnostics at a service station, where you will pay a certain amount for this service, or you can do everything yourself. Of course, with the help of special equipment there is a greater chance of identifying a malfunction, since when checking independently there is a possibility of obtaining inaccurate data.

On which cars is this problem most common?

The problem with code P0441 can occur on different machines, but there are always statistics on which brands this error is most often present. Here is a list of some of them:

• Audi (Audi a3, Audi a4, Audi a6, Audi q5, Audi TT)
• BMW
• Chevrolet
• Chrysler (Chrysler Voyager, Pacifica, PT Cruiser, Sebring)
• Dodge (Dodge Intrepid, Caravan, Neon, Stratus)
• Honda
• Hyundai (Hyundai Avanta, Accent, Elantra)
• Jaguar
• Jeep
• Kia (Kia Sorento, Spectra)
• Land Rover (Land Rover Freelander)
• Lexus (Lexus gx470, lx470, rx300)
• Mazda
• Mitsubishi (Mitsubishi Outlander, Galant, Montero, Pajero, Eclipse)
• Nissan (Nissan Beetle)
• Porsche (Porsche Cayenne)
• Seat (Seat Leon)
• Skoda (Skoda Yeti, Octavia, Superb, Fabia)
• Subaru (Subaru Legacy, Forester)
• Toyota (Toyota Camry, Corolla, Matrix, Prius, Rav4, Celica, Scion, Tundra, Highlander, Yaris, 4runner)
• Volkswagen (Volkswagen Golf, Jetta, Passat, Polo Sedan, Touareg)
• Volvo (Volvo s60)
• VAZ 2104, 2107, 2113, 2114, 2115
• Lada Vesta, Granta, Kalina, Niva, Priora

With fault code P0441, you can sometimes encounter other errors. The most common ones are: P0133, P0171, P0172, P0302, P0336, P0420, P0440, P0442, P0443, P0444, P0445, P0446, P0447, P0448, P0449, P0452, P0453, P0455, P0456.

Sources used:

• https://elm3.ru/diagnostika/oshibka-p0441
• https://ladaprofi.ru/lada-kalina/kak-ispravit-oshibku-r0441-na-lade-kalina.html
• https://autonevod.ru/obd2-codes/p0441

Diagnosing faults using car controllers: what to do

You can diagnose faults for the Lada Kalina not only using the dashboard, but also with the help of separate automobile controllers, which are responsible for the operation of a specific component or unit of the car.

You can find out how the code is decrypted in a reference book or using a special software program. After all, remembering all the codes by heart is not so easy, especially for novice car enthusiasts.

Let's look at a few of the most common codes that the diagnostic system can show:

1. Lada Kalina error 0441 will indicate a breakdown of the oxygen access sensor.
2. Code 1602 will indicate that the computer is not receiving voltage from the network.
3. Code 0363 indicates a breakdown of the car coil.
4. The controller marked Bosch-ME-7.9.7 will report an engine malfunction.

It is worth noting that the diagnostic system does not always accurately indicate the element that has failed; most often, this system indicates the area in which the problem occurred. That is, such a system prompts the car owner about a malfunction in a certain component, so that the car owner corrects the breakdown in a timely manner, having first made a more accurate diagnosis of the defect. For example, if error code 0504 is displayed, this will indicate a malfunction in the system responsible for the brakes, and what kind of malfunctions have occurred can only be determined after a thorough study of the performance of this system.