2000 sunfire check engine light

[r0m0]

I have a 2000 Sunfire se, and have had nothing but problems with it. Lately, about 3 weeks ago, my check engine light came on. I took it to auto zone, and the Tech 2 read off a PO440 code error, evaporative emssions error. I've tried retightening the cap, even bought a new cap, bought gas tank water evaporant, and have had the o2 sensors checked, their fine. It light has gone off acouple of times, then comes back on. It recently went off after i had a new ABS motor pump installed, and now 3 days later, has come back on. Im exhausted, i really dont want to be charged an arm and a leg at a dealership to fix something that i could fix myself, any suggestions? Thanks!

[GTP Dad]

Have the car rescanned at autozone to see if you are seeing the same code. There are a couple of reasons for the evaporative emissions code. A bad solenoid or a bad charcoal canister or just a bad vacuum hose leading to the two. Once you find out the code repost and we will see if we can lead you in the right direction.

[r0m0]

I went to autozone again today, this is the 3rd time going there, and im still getting the same error code, PO440

[GTP Dad]

According to the book I have a P0440 error code leads me to believe that you have a problem with the charcoal canister that collects fumes from the fuel tank. The canister may have gone bad, there may be a loose or bad vacuum line or a bad purge control valve or vent control solenoid. I would check the vacuum lines first as they are easy to find and replace. The solenoid would be my next guess. The parts are not expensive other than the canister itself but they rarely go bad.

[Lindsay403]

I just had this fixed. EVAP vent solonoid, about $200 to have it replaced and diagnosed ($30 for the actual part). It runs much better when its fixed. They plug with dirt etc. occasionally. The code reader I have gave P0440, but the computer scanner gave the EVAP result. Something about pressure in the fuel tank and air circulation. I noticed an immediate jump in power, and better shifting when it was fixed. Good luck

[TRIK-56]

[quote=GTP Dad} The canister may have gone bad, there may be a loose or bad vacuum line or a bad purge control valve or vent control solenoid. I would check the vacuum lines first as they are easy to find and replace. The solenoid would be my next guess. The parts are not expensive other than the canister itself but they rarely go bad.[/QUOTE]


My daughters 97 Sunfire GT keeps getting this same code.
Where is the canister and the vent control solenoid located on the car?
Also, the purge control valve?
Thanks!

[GTP Dad]

I am not sure on the Sunfire. Some are located under the hood usually in the fender areas that aren't easily seen others like the grand prix are located inside the inner fender liner on the left side of the car. Maybe someone else can help you find it.

[Nate367]

I am pretty sure the canister and the vent control solenoid are in the right front inner fender behind the headlight, you can go in through the wheel well, I remember seeing it there when I changed the PCM on one of these cars