A P0441 engine code will display when the purge valve of your evaporative emissions system isn’t functioning correctly. This disrupts the flow of vapor between your engine and fuel tank.

The issue behind a P0441 doesn’t pose a threat to the driver but should be fixed as soon as possible.

Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) warn you when your vehicle is experiencing engine problems. An OBD-II code reader can help you understand what a code means but can’t pinpoint the cause of every issue. You’ll need a formal inspection to determine the cause of most DTCs.

To ensure your engine is working at its best,

trusted broker app

and

car insurance

comparison expert

Jerry

breaks down everything you need to know about the P0441 engine code. Below we’ll discuss the code’s meaning, probable causes, and estimated repair costs.

Let Jerry find your price in only 45 seconds

No spam · No long forms · No fees

Find insurance savings

What does the engine code P0441 mean?

Definition: Evaporative emission control system incorrect purge flow

Modern vehicles come equipped with an evaporative emission control (EVAP) system to prevent fuel vapors from escaping into the atmosphere.

The EVAP system takes vapor from the fuel tank, combines it with air, then delivers the mixture to the engine to be used for combustion. Fuel vapors enter the engine via a purge valve—which, when damaged, results in too little or too much flow and triggers a P0441 code.

How much will it cost to fix?

Diagnosing the cause of a P0441 will usually take about an hour of labor—costing you from $75 to $150, depending on the shop you visit.

Replacement parts associated with this service are not very expensive but will add to your total cost.

What can cause the P0441 engine code?

Your vehicle’s Engine Control Monitor (ECM) tests the evaporative emissions (EVAP) system for the following problems:

Large and small leaks

Excess vacuum

Purge flow at inappropriate times

Faulty fuel levels and fuel pressure sensor

Faulty EVAP purge and vent valve

If any of these conditions are met, your vehicle will recognize a problem with purge flow and display the P0441 code.

Possible physical causes for incorrect flow include:

Missing fuel cap

Damaged charcoal canister

Incorrect fuel filler cap

Fuel filler cap won’t close

Foreign material caught in fuel cap

Incorrect fuel tank vacuum relief valve

Most P0441 codes will result from a loose or missing fuel cap—which causes fuel vapors to leak outside the EVAP system.

MORE: Does car insurance cover engine failure?

Common symptoms of the P0441 engine code

The first symptom of a P0441 will be your engine light turning on. Other symptoms of this issue include:

Rough idle

Erratic idle

Noticeable fuel odor

You can expect a noticeable fuel odor to leak from the EVAP system if the issue is due to broken, cracked, or missing components.

How serious is the P0441 engine code?

A P0441 code does not pose any danger to the driver—but it can affect the drivability of a car. To prevent damage to the engine, you should still have this code inspected as soon as you can.

Can I fix the P0441 engine code myself?

Fixing this issue requires a mechanic, but you can try to identify the source of the issue from home. To test your evaporative emission system, try the following:

Inspect the gas cap to see if it’s secure

Inspect the charcoal canister for damage or cracks

Check to see if vacuum hoses are properly secured

How to test the purge valve

If you can’t find signs of damage elsewhere, you’ll need to test the purge valve, which is located on the charcoal canister. This test can be a little tricky, so use the following steps as your guide.

Get a vacuum pump

Disconnect the vent line from the purge valve

Attach the vacuum pump where the vent line was

Pump the vacuum pump gauge to 17 psi

Check to see if the vacuum leaks

If the vacuum needle drops or the valve refuses to open, the purge valve will need to be replaced.

MORE:

My check engine light is on—what does it mean?

Finding insurance for your vehicle

A leaking valve pump is no joke—and neither is having to overpay for your

car insurance

Luckily, it’s never been easier to find car insurance savings, thanks to

Jerry

, your trusty comparison shopping assistant and

licensed broker super app

. No need to fill out forms or make phone calls to gather quotes yourself. Just download the app, answer a few questions, and let Jerry work its magic!

Through comparing quotes and switching providers, Jerry users save an average of over $800 per year on car insurance without having to sacrifice coverage.

"I was literally floored by the savings
Jerry
found for me. I was paying close to $960 every 6 months and now I’m paying $380 every 6 months for IDENTICAL COVERAGE in North Carolina!” —Olivia Z.

Jerry sends free alerts to keep your car up-to-date so you can avoid costly repairs

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Get ahead of my car maintenance

* checking your rate won’t affect your credit score

Estimate your repair costs for free with GarageGuard™

Simplify your car maintenance with Jerry.

Try GarageGuard™