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Evap emission system vent control circuit fault

3.7K views 4 replies 2 participants last post by  Bill M  
#1 ·
2003 Silverado Z71 176000 miles 5.3 liter
I have a random pop up check engine light accompanied by a PO 446 code followed by this symbol $10 If I reset the code from my reader it goes away and will vary from one to five days before returning. It also went away for a week when I disconnected the battery for some other work. Doesn't seem to affect engine performance, power, gas mileage, starting or anything that I can tell but I'm getting ready to drive across country to California and would like to clear this up. I tried a couple of easy suggestions like changing the gas tank cap, but nothing so far works except to reset the code. Looking for folks with similar problems and what you did to correct. I'm pretty handy with car repair but just don't have much experience in this area. As always, all ideas appreciated.

Bill M
 
#2 ·
This code can only be caused by one of two things. The vent valve is bad or the wiring to the vent valve is bad. In my experience it is 10 times easier to rewire the circuit from the ECM to the valve than to try and find the actual problem. This code will not create any issue with performance or drivability. Evap is a tree hugger system.
 
#3 ·
Thank you Mike. That plus the fact it's only intermittent made me think it wasn't performance related or anything to be too concerned about Any suggestions as to how to rewire the circuit? Or In case I want to replace the vent valve Are you talking about the part connected at the manifold or the one in the back near the fuel tank. I'm a bit confused