The Check Engine came on today in my 96 Cobra. The code was P0441 Evaporative Emission Control System Incorrect Purge Flow. What the hell is that and how do I correct the problem other than the obvious clearing of the code? Thanks

 

The evap system, in a nutshell, draws a vacuum in your fuel system (gas tank, etc.) to keep any fuel vapors from getting out (its an emissions thing). Usually an electric solenoid controls a vacuum switch to switch it on and off, and you can get this code if the vaccum line is off or deteriorated between the solenoid and the switch, or if the solenoid isn't functioning properly and needs to be replaced. If you do have to replace it, be sure to do so along with the charcoal canister - since it getting bad often causes the solenoid problem.

Most evap codes get thrown because of a faulty gas cap, but your code doesnt indicate that. I'd replace the cap and reset the ecu either through your code scanner (if it has the capability) or unhooking the battery for a bit. If the light comes back on, have someone with a good scanner try to turn the solenoid on and off manually to see if its working, I'm sure they would point you in the right direction as well if you're gonna need to replace anything.

 

before you toss money at it, take the gas cap off, put it back on and make sure it clicks a couple of times, clear the code, and see if it comes back.

I like that my truck doesn't HAVE a CEL.

 

Thanks for the help guys, I tried the gas cap thing to no avail so I'll see if I can get this fixed so I can have piece of mind that nothing is wrong.

 

Its just an emissions thing, it won't cause drivability problems unless you've developed a vacuum leak somewhere - but you'd know it if it did, the car would likely run a little rough.