BOSTON4RUNNER

I just got this code, I got two fault codes with the same designation of P0441

it is on a 1997 4 Runner 3.4 5 speed...something to do with purge valve emissions stuff?

could it be a faulty gas cap? please advise any and all help is greatly appreciated.

thanks, Tim

Ironmike4x4

Yeah check the gas cap to make sure it clicks when you tighten it, if it still shows up with a code then take it to a technician to do a "smoke test" and find out where the leak is or if a valve is malfunctioning.

BOSTON4RUNNER

i have reviewed the other threads on here about this

i am pretty certain no vacuum leaks exist

idle is good, i am going outside now to snoop around this evap valve,,,maybe take it out, clean it even

any other thoughts

BOSTON4RUNNER

i bought a new gas cap and also blasted some WD40 through the valve, perhaps that will help with it sticking

if not will buy a new one and swap it in

Ironmike4x4

Did it work? I don't have any other ideas other than a leak somewhere around the gas tank or hoses.

BOSTON4RUNNER

it is out for now...but when it comes back on i will get that VCV valve....as of what i understand that is what the P0441 code designates.....perhaps it is stuck

it looks like a very easy swap and costs only 40 bucks

BADLNDS

boston and ironmike,

decided to update you guys on boston's post. There is actually a "TSB" (technical service bulletin) for this EVAP problem. It's a design flaw in toyotas and i saw it last night under my truck with a mechanic/engineer.

The problem is when you fill up...and you try to squeeze that extra fuel in to even up the tab (top off)...because of the placement of the system (charcoal canister and the VSV) which is located near the fuel tank and close to the spare under the rear axle...because of where it sits and that it is not placed higher than the fuel tank...if you top it off fuel tends to saturate the canister and gives codes P0440, P0441 & P0446. It's really a stupid design flaw that happens to alot of toyota owners (not limited to 4Runners)...and Toyota won't help you cause the TSB states that the repair is a not applicable to warranty!

My buddy said to drive it for a while and keep the fuel low (give it a chance to dry up)...but...if the light keeps coming on...then i won't have the choice but to do the repair (and it ain't cheap...the parts are $$$) I have the repair guide in case you want to tackle it yourselves (I can e-mail it to you...PDF file)

from now on i will stop topping off...hope this helps. I found alot of stuff on this problem lastr night and alot of unhappy campers. (cause it's a defect that costs alot to fix)

Good luck with the light not coming on!
-B

mt_goat

Sounds like this needs a sticky. Is it just with the 3.4L?

BADLNDS

don't think it's for the 3.4L only...dates back to previous models?

TSB (technical service bulletin) EG003-98
Title : EVAP System Diagnosis P0441/P0446
Date : April 3, 1998

Affected vehicles: All RAV4, Tercel, Paseo, Camry, Avalon, Tacoma, 4Runner, T-100 that display codes P0441 or P0446

BOSTON4RUNNER

thanks

so what about the valve in the engine compartment that others pointed out and replaced

i never top my tank off

the valve costs like 40 bucks so i am thinking i should replace that first

BOSTON4RUNNER

light went off again, codes say 1 of 2 codes P0441 then says 2 of 2 codes P0441

so I got two fault codes,,for the same thing? that vacuum switching valve....

so I am going to replace the valve, I took it out last night, blasted some cleaner through it, maybe it is stuck? all gummed up

figure I would do that for now since I didnt have the new valve last night

BADLNDS

Lemme know what happens...update if its fixed it or light comes on again.

-B

BOSTON4RUNNER

replaced it

was off for a week now came on again

read about it here

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f16/vacuum-switching-valve-vsv-constantly-switch-tick-when-running-p0441-please-help-61152/