What Does P0444 Mean?
The EVAP purge control valve circuit is detected as open. The PCM commands the purge valve solenoid but sees no current flow, indicating the circuit is broken somewhere between the PCM and the valve. The purge valve cannot operate, so fuel vapors from the charcoal canister are not being routed to the engine for combustion. The driver may notice a faint fuel smell and the MIL will be on.
Common Causes
35%
Failed purge control valve solenoid with open coil winding
25%
Broken wire in the purge valve control circuit
20%
Disconnected or damaged purge valve connector
12%
Blown fuse in the purge valve power supply circuit
8%
PCM output driver failure (unable to complete ground path)
Diagnostic Steps
1
Measure the purge valve solenoid resistance directly at the valve terminals — an open (OL/infinite) reading confirms the solenoid coil has failed and the valve must be replaced.
2
If the solenoid resistance is within specification (typically 20–40 ohms), check for battery voltage at the power supply pin of the connector with KOEO — no voltage means the fuse or power feed wire is open.
3
Check the control wire from the PCM to the purge valve for continuity — disconnect both ends and verify less than 2 ohms resistance through the wire.
4
Inspect the connector for backed-out terminals, broken locking tabs, or corrosion that would prevent a secure electrical connection.
5
If all external circuits test OK, verify the PCM can ground the control circuit by backprobing the PCM connector while commanding the purge valve — no voltage change indicates a PCM driver fault.
Estimated Repair Cost
$50 - $250
Parts + labor, varies by vehicle and location
The EVAP purge control valve circuit is detected as open. The PCM commands the purge valve solenoid but sees no current flow, indicating the circuit is broken somewhere between the PCM and the valve. The purge valve cannot operate, so fuel vapors from the charcoal canister are not being routed to th...
The most common cause of P0444 (Evaporative Emission Control System Purge Control Valve Circuit Malfunction) is: Failed purge control valve solenoid with open coil winding
Typical repair costs for P0444 range from $50 to $250, depending on the vehicle, location, and whether you do it yourself or go to a shop.
Safe to drive. The purge valve is inoperative so fuel vapors are not being burned by the engine. This results in increased evaporative emissions but has no effect on engine performance or vehicle safety.
Start by connecting an OBD2 scanner to read the code and any freeze frame data. Then follow the diagnostic steps specific to P0444 to identify the root cause.
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Quick Info
Category
Powertrain
System
Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System
Difficulty
Type
Generic (SAE)
Recommended Tools
OBD2 Scanner
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