P0446

Diagnostic Chart (Part 1 Of 3):

Diagnostic Chart (Part 2 Of 3):

Diagnostic Chart (Part 3 Of 3):

Schematic:

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
The VCM monitors the performance of the EVAP system by applying a predetermined level of vacuum to the EVAP system and monitors the vacuum decay rate. The VCM sets this DTC if the vacuum decay rate is more than a predetermined value. The VCM monitors the amount of vacuum and the amount of pressure in the EVAP system by monitoring the fuel tank pressure sensor. For this DTC, the VCM turns on both the EVAP purge valve and the EVAP vent valve when the conditions for running the DTC are met. This applies an engine vacuum to a closed EVAP system. The VCM turns off both the EVAP purge valve and the EVAP vent valve when the system reaches a correct amount of vacuum. The EVAP system should quickly release the vacuum in the EVAP system with the EVAP purge valve off and the EVAP vent valve off (open). This test indicates a blocked or restricted EVAP vent path if the EVAP system fails to release the vacuum quickly enough.

CONDITIONS FOR RUNNING THE DTC
^ No active MAP sensor DTCs
^ No active TP sensor DTCs
^ No active VS sensor DTCs
^ No active HO2S DTCs
^ No active ECT sensor DTCs
^ No active IAT sensor DTCs
^ DTC P0125 not active
^ The fuel level is more that 12.5 percent but less than 87 percent.
^ The system voltage is between 10 and 17 volts.
^ The ECT is between 4°C and 30°C (39°F to 86°F).
^ The IAT is between 4°C and 30°C (39°F to 86°F).
^ The cold start temperature difference (ECT minus IAT) is less than:
1.5°C when the IAT is more than the ECT.

OR

8°C when the ECT is more than the IAT.
^ The BARO is more than 72 kPa.
^ The change in fuel tank vacuum is less than 0.6 inch of H2O, or the change in fuel level is less than 8 percent.
^ The fuel tank vacuum level remains above a calibrated value for a specified number of seconds.

CONDITIONS FOR SETTING THE DTC
The VCM fails to detect a drop in the EVAP system vacuum over a calibrated number of seconds with the vent solenoid open.

ACTION TAKEN WHEN THE DTC SETS
^ The VCM illuminates the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) during the first key cycle in which the DTC sets.
^ The VCM stores the conditions that were present when the DTC sets as a Freeze Frame and Fail Records data.

CONDITIONS FOR CLEARING THE MIL OR DTC
^ The control module turns OFF the MIL after 3 consecutive drive trips when the test has run and passed.
^ A history DTC will clear if no fault conditions have been detected for 40 warm-up cycles. A warm-up cycle occurs when the coolant temperature has risen 22°C (40°F) from the startup coolant temperature and the engine coolant reaches a temperature that is more than 70°C (158°F) during the same ignition cycle
^ Use a scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.

DIAGNOSTIC AIDS

IMPORTANT: An accurate indication of fuel level is required for the VCM to properly Pass or Fail this DTC. Always diagnose fuel level sensor DTCs before performing this DTCs diagnostic table. Always check for fuel level sensor DTCs stored in History.

Check for the following conditions:
^ A loose, missing, damaged, incorrect, or improperly installed fuel cap
^ Missing or damaged O-rings at EVAP canister fuel vapor and purge line fittings.
^ A cracked or punctured EVAP canister.
^ Incorrectly routed or damaged EVAP system purge and vapor lines.
^ A damaged or disconnected EVAP purge line, vent hose, or fuel tank vapor line.
^ A stuck closed EVAP vent valve.
^ A restricted or stuck closed fuel tank rollover valve.
^ A faulty connection at the VCM. Inspect the harness connectors for the following conditions:
- Backed out terminals
- Improper mating
- Broken locks
- Improperly formed or damaged terminals
- Faulty terminal to wire connections
^ A damaged harness. Inspect the wiring harness to the EVAP vent solenoid, the EVAP purge solenoid, and the fuel tank pressure sensor for an intermittent, an open, or a short circuit.
^ A kinked, pinched, or plugged vacuum source, EVAP purge, or fuel tank vapor line. Verify that the lines are not restricted.

Refer to Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Cleaning before starting repairs.

Reviewing the Fail Records vehicle mileage since the diagnostic test last failed may help determine how often the condition that caused the DTC to be set occurs. This may assist in diagnosing the condition.

TEST DESCRIPTION
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.
4. If the vacuum that is stored in the Evaporative Emissions (EVAP) system is quickly released, then an intermittent system restriction, or a failure of either the EVAP vent valve or the EVAP fuel tank pressure sensor may have occurred.
5. Check the vapor canister and check he EVAP vent valve for a restriction.
9. An EVAP pressure sensor that does not correctly respond to pressure or to vacuum will cause this DTC to set. The EVAP pressure sensor monitors a range from 7.5 inches H2O of pressure to -17.5 inch H2O of vacuum. In order to test the EVAP pressure sensor for pressure response SEAL the system with the scan too, and use the EVAP pressure and purge diagnostic cart in order to apply pressure to the system. Compare the pressure gauge inch H2O) on the diagnostic cart to the EVAP Pressure sensor reading on the scan tool.