Error Code P0445 is defined as Evaporative Emission Control System Purge Control Valve Circuit Shorted. Meaning, there’s an improper purge flow in the EVAP system caused by a shorted purge valve.

This code is a generic trouble code, meaning it applies to all vehicles equipped with OBD-II, especially those made from 1996 up to the present. Specifications on the definition, troubleshooting and repairs of course, vary from one make and/or model to another.

Definition

For vehicles with EVAP (Evaporative Emission Control Systems), their engine draws in excessive fuel vapors through the gas tank that would otherwise be vented to the atmosphere.

The fuel vapor is routed through a vacuum line to the engine’s intake, while the purge valve or solenoid meters the anticipated level of fuel vapors. All of these are controlled by the PCM (powertrain control module, also known as ECM or engine control module in other makes). The PCM monitors the voltage to the purge valve control valve, and will trigger the error code as soon as it detects a voltage lower than expected.

This code is pretty similar to Error Code P0443 and P0444.

Common Symptoms

As with other error codes, this code activates the Check Engine light, which is also its most common and noticeable symptom. Other common symptoms include:

  • Noticeable fuel odor caused by released fuel vapors
  • Engine idles, stalls or hesitates

In most cases, the vehicle will not display noticeable conditions relating to the drivability of the vehicle. There may be a slight increase in fuel consumption, but it the error code will not affect the engine’s performance.

Possible Causes

There are multiple of factors that causes this error code, some of the most common are:

  • Short circuit of purge control solenoid
  • Short circuit of engine connector or wiring harness
  • Defective PCM (rare)

How to Check

As with most trouble codes, P0445 can be identified with the use of OBD-II code reader. Technicians start their diagnosis by checking all components and lines relating to the EVAP; they will look for signs of wear, damage and/or disconnection within the lines. If the vehicle is turned on, the technician may be able to pinpoint a potential leak in the vacuum by simply listening to the abnormal suction sound of the vacuum lines. Some technicians will also use a smoke machine to fill the EVAP system with smoke and find a leak through visual indication of escaping smoke.

To check for a short to ground, they usually disconnect the harness at the control valve solenoid and its voltage source. Then, with the help of the DVOM set at ohm scale, with negative lead connected to a known good ground, and positive lead on either end that supplies power to the control valve solenoid. If there’s low resistance, then that hits a short to ground condition, which will need a repair on the wiring harness.

How to Fix

Repairs for this error code are pretty simple and straightforward, but the success of the repair is highly dependent on the diagnosis. For one, the EVAP system must be checked thoroughly, before proceeding to any repair procedures. Some of the most common fixes are:

  • Broken or faulty wirings must be repaired, if not replaced as needed
  • Defective components in the EVAP system must be replaced upon diagnosis
  • The system must be retested following each repair to limit unnecessary troubleshooting
  • The vehicle must be taken to a test drive after repair to ensure the problem is resolved, and does not come back

This error code can be quite tricky to solve, as sometimes, the issue is not in the EVAP itself, rather in the vacuum leak elsewhere. This is why it is important to diagnose thoroughly. Simple cases like improperly tightened fuel cap may result into symptoms of this error code. Many people mistakenly replace some parts of the EVAP that are actually functioning properly. Thus, make sure you check the vacuum lines and fuel caps beforehand to rule out the possibility of the problem.