Error Code P441

[Guest]

Driving home, my SES light popped on - got home and checked it - P441. Any info as to what this means, and how to fix the problem, would be greatly appreciated!

Lars

[Jeff P]

Hey Lars,

If you're referring to code "P0441" it could be something as simple as a loose gas cap, or one that is not sealing properly.  If you're a member of the BerettaNet List you can search the archives, as many people have gotten the same code.  Here's a quote (long) from Jerry Bickley's battle with it, and his solution:

Q
U
O
T
EHello everyone..

I have asked for help on the board here on at least a couple of occasions with
an SES light being on constantly on my 96 Z26 with the 3100/auto ever since I
bough the car a couple years back.  The suggestions I got were great, however,
none of them seemed to get rid of the light.  Other than clearing the error out
with the GM tech tool and having it come back a couple days later, or flukes
when it would go out when the temperature got into the single digits this
winter, this light has been on non-stop.

The code the ECU was storing was a P0441 or, more specifically, "Evaporative
Emission Control System Incorrect Purge Flow".  I had checked vaccuum hoses,
switches, solenoids and canisters, all of which appeared to be working okay.  I
was doing some research on the web on this error and found and article where
someone had a 96 Monte Carlo with the either a 3400 or 3800 in it, (can't
remember for sure) that had the same exact probelm and the guy went through all
the steps I had until he found a defective vaccuum switch.  I removed mine to
check it and with no vaccuum, the switch should read closed, then open when
vaccuum is applied when the system purges the vapors out of the canister.   The
switch did read closed and then when I applied suction, it opened up.  I figured
"great, another dead end".

Then I blew in the switch ever so slightly and the thing read open again.  If
the evap sysem had any kind of pressure build up in the system, the switch would
be telling the computer it was purging constantly.  Since the evaporative
emissions system is hooked to the fuel tank, the chances of it pressurising and
causing this problem seemed very good.

I bought a new $10 vaccuum switch and tested it the same way, and it worked
fine.  I installed it, cleared my code, and then told the computer to purge the
system.  It worked perfectly and the computer registered that the solenoid on
the system had introduced vaccuum with the switch which it hadn't done before
with the old switch.  I haven't had the light come back on since.  That was 4
days ago and it would have normally come back by the second day.

Sorry for the lengthy post, but this has been a thorn in my side for 2 years and
to me, anything I can't figure out on my baby, eats at me until it is fixed.  If
this can help someone else later on down the road with the same code, then
great.  If not, oh well...I'm just happy it's working right.

Jerry
I hope you find it!

[Guest]

I replaced the gas cap, PCV valve, and the purge control solenoid under the hood - no effect. Drive it 1/2 a mile when it is cold - SES pops on like clockwork. My Haynes manual says to remove the left rear tire and wheel well liner to access the evaporative canistor (on my '96 Z26) - but the inner wheel well appears to be spot-welded in place. Any "Words-of wisdom" on this? Thanks in advance!

Lars

[rweatherford]

There should be a plastic inner fender that is removable.  I'm not sure where this canister is on the 96 cars.  On the older cars it was under the overflow tank and slightly in front of it.

[Guest]

Unfortunately, there is no plastic inner fender - only sheet metal. I scoured under the hood, thinking maybe my car could have been a late '95 (although the title states otherwise), but nothing. This car is driving me crazy...

[Jeff P]

My Chilton's manual says the '96 3100 has the charcoal canister back there in the wheelwell, but according to a BNet list member with a '96 Z26 a few years ago, his was under the coolant reservoir.  So I guess look there

[96BlackRoseZ26]

The canister is under the coolant reservoir on the 96's.  My Chilton's manual pointed me to the rear wheel well also, but it must be wrong.  I swapped mine out with a junkyard unit and it wasn't the problem either(see the post under your first one..that's my lengthy explanation.)  They do say that it is possible that if the gas tank was overfilled, and gasoline backed up through the vent tubing, it is possible for gas to end up in the charcoal canister and cause errors.  Also, check the hoses and couplers going to/from the purge solenoid and canister.  Good luck

Jerry

[Jeff P]

LOL, and here's the BNet list member now!  Hey Jerry, forgot you were on the board