Follow this Real Fix to see how to diagnose a P0441 code and test the evaporative emission system on this 2008 Kia Optima.
Vehicle
2008 Kia Optima LX 2.7
Title
P0441, P2187, P2189, Replaced Evap Purge Solenoid Valve
Complaint
The customer states the check engine light is on.
Cause
Connected a scan tool and found codes: P0441 – Evaporative Emission System Incorrect Purge Flow; P2187 – System Too Lean at Idle (Bank 1) and P2189 – System Too Lean at Idle (Bank 2). Used the scan tool to monitor live data and found the oxygen sensor (B1-S1) and oxygen sensor (B2-S1) signal parameters were below 450 mV, which indicated a lean condition. Used the scan tool to monitor the oxygen sensor (B1-S1) and oxygen sensor (B2-S1) signal parameters with the engine at idle. Induced propane into the intake manifold and found the oxygen sensor (B1-S1) and oxygen sensor (B2-S1) signal parameters responded to the rich condition. Connected a smoke machine to the evaporative emission (EVAP) system, induced smoke into the system and found smoke leaked from the EVAP vent valve, indicating an open vent valve. Used the scan tool to command the EVAP vent solenoid closed and observed smoke stopped flowing from the EVAP vent valve, indicating a functional EVAP vent valve. Used the smoke machine to perform an EVAP system pressure check and observed the system was unable to hold pressure. Performed a visual inspection of the EVAP system but did not find any leaks. Removed the EVAP hose from the engine intake manifold and found smoke leaked from the EVAP purge solenoid valve. Used the scan tool to command the EVAP purge solenoid valve open and closed several times and observed smoke continued to leak from the EVAP purge solenoid valve, indicating the EVAP purge solenoid valve did not close. Used a set of fused jumper wires to repeatedly apply voltage and ground to the EVAP purge solenoid valve and found the valve was inoperative. Used a multi-meter to measure the resistance of the EVAP purge solenoid valve and found the measured resistance was out of the specified range of 14 to 18 Ohms. The results of these tests verified the EVAP purge solenoid valve was faulty.
Correction
Replaced the evap purge solenoid valve, cleared codes, performed a road test and verified the vehicle operated properly. The check engine light did not illuminate and no fault codes returned.
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