Dtc Po446; Evap Emissions Vent Control Valve Location

[medgarman]

I have a 97 Ford Taurus GL 3.0 OHV with 120k. I have a trouble code of PO446 (evaporative Emission Control System Vent Control Circuit Malfunction code po446) I have done some research and found out that the evap system on this vehicle with an OHV has a purge valve that purges the canester, a vent vapor valve, and and vent control valve. I don't know which one needs changing. Does anyone know where the location of these valves are and if they are servicable? PLEASE HELP

[shorod]

Welcome to the forum!

You can shotgun the part if you want to, or you can attempt to diagnose it. If you opt to diagnose, the service manual says this:
Possible causes:

-- EVAP canister purge outlet tube (EVAP canister purge valve to EVAP canister) blockages or kinks.
-- EVAP canister tube (fuel tank to EVAP canister) blockages or kinks.
-- Fuel vapor elbow on EVAP canister contaminated.
-- Restricted EVAP canister.
-- Canister vent (CV) solenoid stuck closed (partially or fully).
-- Plugged or contaminated CV solenoid filter.
-- EVAP canister purge valve stuck open.
-- Fuel filler cap stuck closed (no vacuum relief).
-- VREF circuit open in fuel tank pressure (FTP) sensor.
-- Damaged FTP sensor.

-Rod

[medgarman]

Thanks for the information Rod. I just have one question; If there seperate are DTC's for pruge valve and vent valve, then wouldn't the code for open/closed circuit in purge valve be set in the computer?

[shorod]

I'm not sure what you're asking with that question. DTC P0446 indicates a vent control malfunction detected during self test. From your original post, I interpretted that you DO have a code set in the computer. This code doesn't necessarily mean there is an open or short circuit for the canister vent.

-Rod

[medgarman]

I apologize for not being specific enough. What I want to know is two things; where is the exact location of the the vent control valve. Is it on the gas tank or the EVAP canister. 2. Does this valve have another name(maybe vent control selinoid). I called around to try to find a replacement valve just in case I had a bad one, but no one seemed to know what I was asking for.

[shorod]

If you'd like the Factory diagnostic procedure for the P0446 code, send me a Private Message and include an e-mail address that can accept PDF attachments.

The code seems to refer to the Canister Vent solenoid which should be located under the hood on the RH firewall, near the RH fender. This is also referred to in the service manual as the Evaporative Emissions Canister Purge Valve. The EVAP canister is located in the rear underneath the car.

-Rod