How to test a purge solenoid (Mazda P0443, P0455)

[@import0408]

I printed your entire book and put in a 3 ring binder and it sits on top of my box very nice reading material during down times which is not often for me but i caught my self looking in it today. Really wanna tell you how much i appreciate your book and videos as always you explained every thing to a t great video as always

[@MichaelMcNeilg]

I graduated from college last spring and this is awesome review! I've been learning something daily from your videos and as entry level tech I must review daily before my first technician job. I have been watching your videos for weeks to help me prep for the upcoming A5 ASE test and these videos are part of my prep material. Your also an youtube intructor. I love to diagnose and these videos are makeing me a better tech daily. Keep it up the good work and you're one hell of a technician.

[@GRUSSNewton]

I went on a uk Kia course last week and learnt all about ground side switched solenoids. This ties in very nicely! Thanks Paul.

[@zackarywest8568]

i think that all your videos are great, you are my go to for furthering my education. However I like to simply ohm out the solenoid to avoid the potentail back feed problems that you warn us about.

[@ScannerDanner]

the ohmmeter is not an accurate tool. If it measures bad, it's bad, if it measured good, it can still be bad. Of course you can use it, you just need to be aware of its limitations.

[@wyattoneable]

It gets more simple with each video.

[@ScannerDanner]

It does help with the lectures doesn't it?

[@DJDevon3]

Excellent video and it's on a Mazda 626! Thank you ScannerDanner this is getting added to my 626 instructional video playlist and setup as a tutorial on the Mazda 626 forums.

[@josephgronkiewicz328]

Thank you for that info you are always a big help to me and my diagnostics. I had the same situation today, but the test light when I touch the to The control side was not bright like it normally is this meant that I had either corrosion in the wiring or the driver in the computer was not properly grounded yet.

[@bensiemers5094]

Great test. This doesn't rule out a bad female connector pin going into the solenoid, which could fool a person into thinking it is the solenoid itself being open. I suspect that it would have to be a really bad connector though. :) Always great content, Dan!

[@ScannerDanner]

Thanks! My name is Paul Danner btw

[@bensiemers5094]

Whoops, sorry about that Paul. Thanks again for your effort in producing your videos; they are filled with incredibly helpful insights and top level strategies. Much success to you Paul!

[@ScannerDanner]

just what I had on hand my friend. a regular incandescent bulb test light would be fine too.

[@hmroa3056]

Some questions if you could clear up: 1. Is the car ignition on at any time during testing? 2. When testing the switch leads with the voltmeter, where is the voltmeter's black probe attached? 3. What is the next step to solve the P0443 code if the purge solenoid proves to be good?

[@local80g]

!-The car has to be KOEO to test. KOEO=Key on engine not running.

[@ELITEDIAGNOSTICS]

Nice video Paul, cool how this is a similar issue to the case study I sent you the other night, just proves simple test procedures pay the bills.

[@regev147]

extremely professional! thanks!

[@AN77]

Thanksfor the video. At 4.20 you get 9v on the volt meter. The test light is at 12v battery, and touch the T-Pin. The volt meter is between T-pin and ground. If the solenoid is cut of, will not the volt meter be in series to the light? Were did the 9v came from? Thanks

[@ScannerDanner]

on occasion. I have a case study in my eBook on a Nissan IAC motor where this happened. Also a video here on youtube on a Ford truck with a shorted coil that took out the PCM driver

[@ScannerDanner]

What is the P0455? Vent solenoid I think. If so, the methodology would depend on the initial voltage readings on the solenoid. Follow Section 3 in my eBook if you have it.

[@Jursaw]

awesome video and explanation!

[@DJDevon3]

Oh yeah and one more thing; you're my hero.

[@tigerksewsankar7667]

May God bless you Paul thank you

[@MrJgonzalez2]

Nice video Paul, how many times have you seen a failed ground controlled solenoid take out the driver?

[@Viper81766]

Love the video brother as always, perfection. Does the Ethos Plus have bi directional control ?

[@nathanv1500]

The question I have with this is about how the PCM monitors this circuit. Does it look at control wire voltage the same way you did during your test? or does it monitor some pressure or flow sensor attached to the evap system while commanding the purge open (which could create a variable)?

[@ScannerDanner]

The monitor for each output can be different. Some monitor voltage, while others monitor both voltage and current. And then there are logics for flow testing too, but this would be a separate code.

[@slvrserfr]

This is interesting because I have a solenoid that clicks but I keep getting a code for the valve control bypass valve solenoid, tested the voltage and seems okay but not with a test light yet. This makes me wonder if maybe I might end up with the same symptom of having an open coil.

[@cbobcbob100]

thanks....is there any damage to computer using the test light in this way ?....thanks again...bob

[@ScannerDanner]

Not familiar with the Ethos Plus. I know the Ethos did not support it. Thanks Robert!

[@ScannerDanner]

thank you very much!

[@local80g]

How do you test a signal wire if you dont have a bi directional scanner or your bi directional scanner does not have the function to activate the solenoid?

[@VESANG]

Can resistance check be helpful in this case and what the resistance suppose to be in this case ? Thanks a lot !

[@RadialPen6262]

Mr. Danner, when you were testing the power feed at the connector, was this done while the circuit was energized with the scantool to eliminate the possibility of a voltage drop from high resistance?

[@ScannerDanner]

In this case, loading the solenoid to check the feed side for a voltage drop was not possible nor necessary. The solenoid was open. No way you have an open solenoid and a high resistance power feed at the same time. If you feel the need to load the feed wire here, your test light (incandescent type) will be your best friend in this case. You are not wrong in your thought process. Technically speaking, the power supply test I did was not ideal but again, it had to do with the solenoid being open and being able to ID this issue 100% and we did that. Make sense?

[@RadialPen6262]

I think so.... In the field, loading the circuit takes extra time given the fact that a scan-tool with this capability is required on pulse width modulated ground side switched circuits and is unnecessary within the context of identifying open circuit faults. makes sense to me man.

[@luisjandres1626]

Can you tell me where you connected the black wire from the volt meter.

[@adrianwilson1944]

I ran across a purge valve on a 96 tahoe. This vale was tested with a 9 volt battery and blowing through it. It worked fine but would not open when you cycle it very fast.

[@shb3249]

Tested my purge valve and got 31ohms and got 0 volt mean no power to connecter where should i can check the circuit next? plz reply.

[@local80g]

What do you do if it is a 5v curcuit? you cant hook up a test light to battery positive or can you? Would that fry the computer? What are other options if you cant hook up a test light to battery voltage.

[@ScannerDanner]

These are all great questions! Sign up for my classes and spend some time in my chapter 10 playlist (circuit integrity testing). I offer a 14 day free trial www.scannerdanner.com/join-scannerdanner-premium.html Hope to see you there. Too much to type an answer to here

[@pablomarquez4431]

Man I wish I could talk to you through my issue. How much for 15 mins of your time?

[@ScannerDanner]

nice thanks!

[@Username64870]

Best videos from best car guru! how about other code P0455 what's the mothodology to fix it.thanks in advance.

[@johnnydrats3607]

Hello, P0443 Costumer said that the purge solenoid has been replaced. The car sounds and feels like misfires. I checked the harness on the purge solenoid. KOEO, I have 4(V) on feed wire and 0(V) on control wire. I don't know why but I checked the feed wire on the ignition coil and it was 12(V). Also I checked the feed wire on the fuel injector and it was 3.9(V). Any suggestion? Thanks

[@ScannerDanner]

Misfiring would most likely be a completely separate issue from you 443 code

[@MichaelMcNeilg]

Thanks for the word

[@BlackBlade0001]

I currently have a 2014 Grand Caravan 3.6L, with a P0441 EVAP purge flow. Unfortunately we don't have any repair info coverage yet for this new of a vehicle, and was hoping to catch a gem of info on what to check for. Would checking the purge solenoid in a similar manner as you did in this video be useful? Not sure without diagrams whether its ground or power side switched at the moment, waiting on the boss to sign us up for some repair info coverage from Mitchell. Any suggestions on direction appreciated.

[@ScannerDanner]

+Chris C It's different. Both wires go to the PCM, so you need to tread carefully. Most likely it is power side switched. Follow my Section 3 material on page 6. The picture to the left. The one where I have the solenoid unplugged and I am using a test light on both connector wires. I think you have my book right? I recognize your name. OR you can connect a test light in between both terminals and bi-bidirectionally turn the solenoid on. This will at least tell you your wiring integrity and PCM are good.

[@BlackBlade0001]

Thanks Paul for getting back to me, having a heck of a time getting this van back into the shop long enough to do anything with it, its the only disability access taxi in the city. So when I do get it in the shop, I have to make the best the time I will have! We now have Mitchell DIY subscription for it, so have access to the good diagrams and such. I will post a thread on your forum concerning it, rather than take up any more KZbin time on it.

[@franciscochavez5995]

Hello I hope you're doing well I bought a 2002 mazda b3000 I notice that the purge valve vacuum line that goes into intake it would shrink when accelerating or once the engine is running thanks in advance

[@ScannerDanner]

deteriorated hose from fuel vapors, replace the hose

[@franciscochavez5995]

@@ScannerDanner thanks so much I appreciate your help

[@franciscochavez5995]

@@ScannerDanner i forgot to mention that I have p0172 & p0175 running too rich

[@anandparampalam5127]

my purge solenoid valve.... receiving voltage from red wire 7volts and signal wire about 3 volts. my car currently rough idle, lagging gear issues and when reverse jerk. Any Solution for fix my issues

[@ScannerDanner]

Low supply voltage to your purge valve is not going to do what you're complaining about BUT if there are other outputs that share that same low volt supply, you may be onto something. Track that circuit!

[@anandparampalam5127]

@@ScannerDanner how to fix that curcuit?

[@ammar0alkashif]

Great Vid... Thanks.

[@ScannerDanner]

yes and the LED test lights too. I don't like LED test lights.

[@keithbutler7896]

But what if I replaced the selnoid and my ecu doesn't show any signs of default(blown) and still low voltage. Where do I look???

[@gfriedman99]

Keith Butler bad solenoid

[@perfectly_unstable]

What would be a normal and worst case symptom of a faulty purge valve?

[@gregm2406]

sounds like you know yer stuff, thx

[@ScannerDanner]

I just pretend to :-) Thanks!

[@gregm2406]

I'm retired mobile, self employed small equipment hoes and whatnot-, still dabble of course. You're welcome.

[@paquesepas6696]

So just because the purge solenoid clicks on and off with battery power to it, it doesn't mean it's good right? Have a Honda element.

[@ScannerDanner]

Correct. While its clicking on and off you should feel vacuum on the inlet, (if you take the line off). And then no vacuum when you electrically unplug it

[@paquesepas6696]

@@ScannerDanner Thanks thats what happened i tested for circuit and then tested for the click, thought it was good, put it back in and it actually cleared for a few hundred miles and came back and seen that p0497 p0457 were back. I'll test for vacuum and ohms and you think I'm on the right track for these codes?

[@paquesepas6696]

@@ScannerDanner wanted to update you since the information can probably help someone. Tested my purge solenoid it now read 7.8 kohms and it also did not click jumping it. Replaced it and now codes have been cleared over 150 miles and still good all monitors ready. Thank you so much for being a great instructor and a great person I can see.

[@jeffreymuller2294]

When your probing with the red probe from the multimeter on the "T-pin" where is the black probe from the multimeter?

[@ScannerDanner]

Battery ground

[@jeffreymuller2294]

@@ScannerDanner nice... And the car was in the "on" position? I'm gonna try this tomorrow.

[@ScannerDanner]

@@jeffreymuller2294 what time frame in the video? And was i measuring voltage or trying to energize something? Just want to make sure I'm not giving you bad information

[@fordrolet3983]

Look guys he gave a disclaimer so use the darn t pins correctly...

[@jitomingo2000]

I have that problem at the moment but the signal wire pulses ground what does that mean?

[@mikeblake6265]

What does it mean when both wires are running at 0.45 volts and I replaced valve

[@ScannerDanner]

depends on the car, it may be a normal reading if it is a power side switched solenoid and the computer hasn't turned it on yet. If it is ground side switched, you a missing a power feed to it.

[@eurowerx4267]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@gerardoacosta6400]

I still have a p0443,after i replaced my purge solenoid i ,cant even erase the code with scan tool,what could it be?,im lost and frustrated.

[@TheRagingsayin]

Gerardo Acosta it could literary be anything broken vacuum hoses, bad or cheap purge solenoid, faulty wiring, faulty pcm. Ect dealing with the same problem and its driving me crazy I'm About to go check my evap canister vacuum hoses and see if i need to replace them, if their good ill just have to replace my evap canister.

[@104snake]

If p0443 is purge .then Whats p0446?? Which part of evap besidez solenoids

[@river_city2a623]

When you say "driver" does that mean the computer?

[@ScannerDanner]

Yes, "transistor driver" which is in the computer

[@KFCMasa]

apart from your fantastic efforts but you have emphasized that you do not do light test directly to the ground of the ECM and with this opened solenoid you have done it directly to the ECM

[@ScannerDanner]

What time frame in the video so I can clarify this step for you. Thanks

[@electronpusher604]

I'm sorry, I'm confused on something. Anyone know: If you bench test a purge control solenoid, and it opens with 12V battery power applied; can it still be bad? I get 12V on power wire, and nothing on control wire.

[@ScannerDanner]

Yes, because it can mechanically stick at times. BUT your statement of 12v on the power wire and 0v on the control. Was this with the solenoid plugged in or unplugged? Was the car running or just the key on? Was there vacuum coming through the purge valve or not?

[@electronpusher604]

Hey SD, thanks for the reply. I love your videos, they've taught me a ton. So, 1)I did not check vacuum at solenoid, I will check that. I did remove the solenoid and could not blow air through with no power, but could blow through with power applied. 2)With solenoid plugged in and car in key on engine off, I T pinned the wires and found 12V at power wire and 0V at control wire. Also, it's a 2007 Acura TL that presented with check engine light and no driveability issues. Codes P0443, P145C, P0497 and P0443.

[@electronpusher604]

I'm sorry I haven't done the test you explain at 4:25, I'm a bit confused.

[@fleettech3570]

What does this part do to your car if it is fault y

[@ScannerDanner]

depends if it is stuck open or closed. Stuck open = rich conditions until the canister is depleted of stored vapors, then lean condition after (vacuum leak). Stuck closed = canister that becomes completely saturated, raw gas smell coming from the canister, most likely no driveability symptoms.

[@orlieelias4653]

how you replace the egg vacuum solenoid in an 04 rx8. I have a p0443 code.

[@ScannerDanner]

how do you replace it? how do you know it needs to be replaced? You cannot change a part based on a code my friend.

[@orlieelias4653]

then what's the defective part?

[@ScannerDanner]

Need to follow a flow chart and do your tests. Voltmeter, test light and a decent scan tool with bi-directional controls is a minimum. Follow the steps I've shown here.

[@zvonimirbobicex-4962]

those 9 volts on the meter is actually 12 volts being droped down to 9 through the meter...there is no "current flow", but there actually IS curent flow...wink, wink :)

[@johnmckamy6398]

could you unplug it and say put a test light to the connectors or would that not be enough load

[@ScannerDanner]

you could do that, in fact isn't that what I did? sorry I don't remember

[@johnmckamy6398]

it was still plugged in but since the winding was open it was like it was unplugged . thank you for answering, you provide such a valuable service and when I get in a better financial situation I'm going to get on your premium channel .

[@ScannerDanner]

Exactly. And I did the test light test for two reasons. 1. To make sure there was no short to ground (0 volts on control wire) 2. To test the control wire integrity and driver function in the computer. I think I used an LED test light for this one, so I didn't really load the circuit as much as the solenoid would have. So believe it or not an incandescent light would have been better here in this application. Look forward to your comments and questions on SD Premium!

[@johnmckamy6398]

thank you , I'm so relieved that I'm starting to understand electrical diagnoses because even though I have been working on cars for over twenty years I can see that the future is very much going to be more for electronics . once again thank you for your time , I know your a very busy man .

[@pollo2469]

easy money

[@heyitschinoable]

victor martinez es todo

[@MrJbsuzy]

cool

[@ScannerDanner]

:-)

[@MichaelMcNeilg]

ASE A6 Test not A5 lol my bad.

[@orlieelias4653]

egr that is

[@orlieelias4653]

err not egg

[@Dyl_Cam]

you *will* cook the computer

[@reneechavis7036]

You are not help at all

[@ScannerDanner]

+Renee Chavis and what about this video was no help at all?

[@reneechavis7036]

No because I still can't locate my canister purge solenoid valve on my Mazda Tribute 2003 V6

[@BrownyTheGamer]

But his video is about testing the solenoid and not find your specific solenoid.

[@gfriedman99]

Oh ungrateful eh?!

[@lupo1237]

@@reneechavis7036 6 year old comment but you answered the question to your problem with your own comment. This is about a Purge Valve Solenoid, you said CANISTER Purge Valve Solenoid but it is called a VENT Valve Solenoid if it is for the charcoal canister, usually located on the gas tank if that is the case.

[@TheOlavarria49]

Five minutes to complete the test and a charge of a $1000.00 to a customer at the end of the day.