Let's have a look at this Chevrolet Cobalt that came with a code P0446 for the EVAP Vent Solenoid Performance. I have notice that most people will get sucked into the trap of changing parts based on code definition instead of code setting criteria. Let's have a look at this car and see how the code could send you down the wrong path if you don't look at the EVAP system as a whole to make a fast diagnosis.
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49 thoughts on “Evap vent solenoid code – p0446”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars smirkinatu says:

    Thank you. I have been fighting a "service engine soon" on a 2005 buick lesabre.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Be-good says:

    I want you as my mechanic ๐Ÿ‘

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dale Dumarce says:

    What model is your Encore scan tool?

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Odo says:

    You sound honest.

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars katzenpapa says:

    I have P0442, and I changed the purge valve and that didn't resolve the issue. Should I install the EVAP canister vent valve?

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Stephanie Bourget says:

    I can't check the codes no connection but if I plug a phone into the lighter I lose my radeo station also. but I do smell fuel also on cold start in morning if idling for ten minutes or so. Cobalt runs fine as long as I don't rev 5 grand no skips or hitch it's not plugs or wires or o2 either. I did replace the filler tube a wile back it was rotted so bad you couldn't put fuel in it but had no issues at all wile dumping gas Everytime I put gas in. Now I've got clicking noise near the cabin filter normally couldn't give a shit but thinking maybe bad vacume possibly now or bad purge valve. I've got or had all the other shit too power steering message into theft but it comes n goes I wiggle the harness and cured that but that didn't affect the motor itself. None of it did till recently trying to burn out with it . and it started acting like limp mode. Plugs wires are good coils too. I hadn't gotten to the purge yet nor foged tank or fuel filter but those will be next. Before I do a fuel pump. If I figure it out I'll leave the cure. 500 doller car has more than that in time in it now. Too bad nice car stupid shit.

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Stephanie Bourget says:

    I'm curiouse now if this was faulty would this cause the engine light to come on an start flashing when i hit 4 to 5 thousand rpms and start acting like are limiter or starving for fuel?????

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars plastite says:

    I have a 2005 Saturn Ion. Does my car have that sensor ? I started changing small parts with no luck. The canister is about $400. will be the last part I try to change.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars William Declerck says:

    Is it possible for that code to be thrown from the vehical being washed underneath, it cqme on directly after and went away after drying out

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mechanicsville804 says:

    Thanks!
    John 3:16
    For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Sal B says:

    been replacing parts chasing the code…. fuel tank pressure sensor got it….. lol

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Benice Ryan Balague says:

    Test no guess! Great video! I needed to change that sensor for my truck and it drives better and I can pass an emissions test in my state. Thanks again!

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars SERVICEGE says:

    hi Eric what is software, what is name ?

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Nyeah Garner says:

    When it costs $200 to have a mechanic properly diagnose which of the 5 $20 parts are the problem, I'll save at least $100 and just do some parts swapping.

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ken Chorney says:

    I am currently diagnosing a P0446 on a 2002 GMC Sonoma. I also have a "healthy" 2003 GMC Sonoma of my own. I tested the vent valve on the 2002 and it works properly, open when off, closed when on. The purge valve also seems fine (no vacuum when closed). The pressure sensor on the 2002 reacts to testing (it's not "stuck") and shows near zero pressure when the cap is off. I suspected the canister was restricted so I compared some pressure values between the faulty vehicle and the "known good" one. With engine running, vent valve open, and purge valve at 100%; the tank vacuum on the problem truck goes down to 22"Hg but on the good truck it only goes down to 4.3"Hg. This seems to indicate a restriction of the vent path through the canister. Anyone else have this experience?

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mohammad Asif says:

    I have 2010 Denali when I remove fuel cap that vehicle shut off its self quickly please suggest me about this problem thanks

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Cleveland216 says:

    I got a new fuel pump sending unit it came with this fuel tank pressure sensor I'm still getting the code p0446 before the fuel pimp install it was p0440 someone help?

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars tony axeman says:

    Maybe she fills up with engine running that will blow the pressure sensor?

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars tony axeman says:

    Hey someone who knows issue and understands operation good going man. Canister valve was open but you were able to close it huh . Okay got it kind of known it was what ya found . The springs in the vent solenoids must be crap. Mine is stuck open .

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ralph Reyes says:

    Nice OBDII scanner really accurate!! I have the same issue on my 2001 Isuzu Rodeo 3.2 LS V6 check engine P0446. They change the vapor canister, purge valve at the back and front engine. Plus 2 vacuum hoses in front of the engine and fuel pump. But still it keeps trigerring check engine P0446. The mechanics cannot figured it out!!! Please help

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars George Bell says:

    Nice work

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dustin Johnson says:

    Just wanted to say thanks. Ive been chasing a p0446 code on a aveo for awhile. Swapped out both the vent and pressure solenoids and still had it. Went over every line and seal on that fuel system and couldn't find a leak. After watching your video i checked the data and it showed the car thought it had 16" of vacuum in the tank. Pulled the sensor and checked output voltage and sure enough it was stuck at 5 volts open air or pressured up. Cheapest part i have ever bought for that car. Thanks for the informative video.

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars lohengrinknight says:

    Hi, Eric. I'm getting codes p0455 and p0456 in my Civic 2018. I checked the purge selenoid in the engine bay with a vacuum pump, and it holds a vaccum pretty well. I also checked the canister purge solenoid by blowing air through with my mouth, and it seems ok, too. It's constantly open. I checked all hoses, and there are no visible cracks. What else do you think I should check? This car only has 20,000 miles on it, but it's already out of the three year warranty. Do I need to apply voltage to any sensors or both purge solenoids as well? I have a small power converter at home that I could use for that in case I need 5v to run the test. Thanks for all your videos.

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dxb6756 says:

    This helped out a ton! This was the only video I could find that actually had the same issue as my Cobalt SS. My code was actually P0455, but it indicated that my Fuel Tank Pressure Sensor was bad, which it was true. Thank you so much!

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars cius esnal says:

    Is the evap vent is also the fuel pressure sensor?

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Yazzie Yazzie says:

    Your cap visor is in the way, when I was watching and learning from your video

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Doug H. in VA says:

    it may be useful if you can understand what he is showing and saying. But DTC codes 420 440 446 are on my DTC scanner and this video does not make it clear to me what to do at all…

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Daniel Hall says:

    Thank you for your knowledge! 04 pontiac grand prix gtp definitely saved me thank you please keep thon informational videos up

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tommy Woods says:

    I wish some of these guys down here in jersey was as accurate and I wouldnt have to pull out my bat

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Benjamin Monterosa says:

    I have a 2001 chevy lumina , that code came up but also my car smells alot like gas in the back by where all that staff is any suggestions on where I should start ??

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Cotronixco says:

    Thank you for saying zero instead of oh.

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Digger D says:

    So glad they stopped environmental inspections in my area ๐Ÿ˜‰ Fixed! lol

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Maria Ochoa says:

    hi, do you know part number for a 2009 chevy cobalt,

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Andrew Everett says:

    Change parts or buy a 1500 dollar scan tool . Iโ€™m changing parts

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars William Mason says:

    Always enjoy your videos how many scanners do you have

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Viktour Desmond says:

    Im running into some trouble. I got an error code for a fuel tank pressure sensor. So I bought the part, dropped my fuel tank only to realize for some reason there isn't one installed, however there is a socket for it. So as I go to install the FTP sensor I don't see a three pin wiring harness anywhere to connect it too. The only wiring harness that leads to the middle of the fuel tank, is the wiring for the fuel pump module. Any thoughts on why my 2000 chevy express 3500 is missing a FTP sensor, and the wiring harness for it?

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars butch ortner says:

    Good job. This video helped me.

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars ASHLEY SCHEIB says:

    i just to know do u know how to take out of a 2004 jeep grand cherokee death wobble to fix it plz help me with it

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Deadbuck73 says:

    My FTP sensor is located on top of my fuel pump… why?….. damn it…

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars turnup Dot says:

    Will that solenoid being faulty cause pressure to build in the tank?i have to remove the gas cap the release pressure constantly?? also it makes like a burping type sound.any suggestions would be appreciated.
    98 f150 4.6

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars InfamouSneaker says:

    How did you bypass it did you send power to both

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars michael lance says:

    So is this why I cant put more then ten cents in my tank at a time before slashing out

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars kas0016 says:

    Like this comment if you hate Evap codes!

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars UPRR 1996 says:

    Thanks Man..excellent job…keep posting will follow.

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kris K says:

    Hello. In your introduction, it was mentioned that there is a high failure rate. Were you referring to the fuel tank pressure sensor itself? Or just the evap system in general?

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Akane Cortich says:

    One thing I never see written anywhere about the Vent valve. Is it open or closed when car is off. I assume it is always open, and only closes for the Leak test. But it isn't directly stated anywhere that I can see, it is left as an assumption.

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars William Burndred says:

    @sma what if theirs no codes and my tank pressure build's up and shuts the fuel pump off when filling up? Is that tank vent solenoid or evap purge valve or possible faulty pressure sensor? Please help me I watch Ur vids and I'm subbed

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Darren Waites says:

    I have a Chevy s10 4ร—4 with a P0446 replace fuel pressure sensor and same code still comes up. Plus I get a random miss fire 70 mph then goes away at 80 mph can you give me a direction to go.

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars White Castle says:

    Excellent Job! Your understanding on how the system operates is what lots of mechanics lack. I use to work with at a Chevy dealership with about 10 mechanics and my observation was that only about 2 -3 out of them were were really good at diagnosing the less common problems that needed to be dug into further. Some were only good at R&R.

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