CEL again. Code P0446.
 

well, it happened. the CEL came on. i had the code pulled and the result was P0446. i searched the board and found many interesting threads concerning this code; however, most reported an additional code along w/ the P0446. i read Boston4Runner's thread about cleaning the charcoal cannister. again, Boston was reporting Code P0441 also. i took it to the stealer and the printout that they gave me said CODE P0446 FOUND, NEEDS CANISTER VSV. they recommended replacing the Vacuum Switching Valve for the Charcoal Cannister at a cost of $180. is this something for a DIY'er? any advice would greatly be appreciated. thanks in advance!

Yes you can do it yourself. Get the the part and put it in yourself.

James

It is a very easy DIY part, but how much of that $180 is part vs labor cost?

anyone have the part #? :dunno:

i'm guessing all of it. they listed a bunch of stuff w/ their associated prices next to each item. i don't know for sure though. they also tried to say that the valve cover was leaking, but i found no evidence of oil anywhere (engine compartment, driveway, etc.). are they tryingt o get one over on me?

no one?:dunno:

does anyone have any idea how to get to the old
VSV? my charcoal cannister is located underneath,
behind the fuel tank. i can see the area that this
part is located, but i put my fingers on the part iself.

thanks in advance

I'm not sure you are talking about the charcoal canister.
What year, model and engine are we talking about here?

The VSV is right near the charcoal canister which is in the engine compartment on the right side.

Here you go:
http://sfaboston.bizland.com/CHARCOAL.JPG

my bad, i thought i mentioned that i have a 2001 4runner V6.

Here is what Boston4runner did (you only need to reference the VSV....same as above pic).
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f16/write-up-charcoal-cannister-flush-evap-p0441-check-engine-light-61907/

my charcoal cannister is not in my engine compartment.
it is underneath the 4runner, towards the rear, near the
spare tire and the fuel tank.

there is nothing in my engine compartment that looks
like anything is the pics above.:(

Does it look like this?
http://photos2.ebizautos.com/3301/928351_14.jpg

They might have moved it in later models......you learn something new everyday.

yes, that's what it looks like minus
the supercharger and the airaid MIT. :bigok:

this did work but a few months later it came back on,,,,proved to be only a temporary fix..I replaced the cannister,,,,and now a year later the code has returned!!

Really?!?!?
Wow, that's disheartening.
I have a code reader so I've just been clearing my codes everytime it comes up.
I was hoping that when I eventually got to fixing it - it would go away and never come back.

That's really disappointing.

Wow Tim, I didn't know you replaced the canister with a new one later and it came back anyway. I am having a similar issue on my Honda Civic EVAP system believe it or not (thank god the 4runner has been ok) and it has been a serious biatch to get fixed......I still didn't get it yet and the CEL is annoying as heck to look at 24/7 while driving.
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f5/help-cel-p1457-my-honda-civic-45290/

Any update on a fix for this? My cel came on about two weeks ago and I just pulled the same PO446 code today. I've read the same things online about the charcoal canister and evap but sounds like even getting some of those parts replaced might not fix the problem? Would there be anything wrong with driving it around still or do I need to get it in the shop to get it fixed soon?

Ok so its like a few months later now and I finally had to bring it to the shop because the damn code keeps reappearing and I cant pass smog with it. Everything else passed except this. Apparently my sensors busted and the canister is leaking so they need to be replaced. Those are some expensive parts! Also decided to do the timing belt/water pump stuff while I was at it which resulted in one hell of a bill. :eeek:

arg. same code here. any updates on this repair? my autozone print out for this code says probable cause are:
-open or short circuit condition
-poor electrical connection
-faulty CCV vent control solenoid

this sounds different the the charcol canister. im going to fix it myself. heneryv, did replaceing your sensor and canister fix your prob so far?


edit: i would also like to note that P0446 is the only code being activated at this time.

The '99 FSM (only one I have) for P0446 on the 5VZ-FE suggests the following trouble areas:
VSV for EVAP
VSV for vapor pressure sensor
open or short in VSV circuit for EVAP
open or short in vapor pressure sensor circuit
vapor pressure sensor
problem in any of five vacuum hoses
charcoal canister leaking/damaged

If freeze frame run time is <200seconds trouble is likely in the VSV for EVAP, canister, or sensor.

There is a lot of checking of voltages, hose connections, electric connectors, etc. as per the FSM to be done before throwing expensive parts at this, IMHO. Please recognize I have never fixed one, but I sure as heck would do it by the book if it happened to me. The whole troubleshoot on P0446 goes from page DI-260 to DI-269 and I don't have a scanner. Best of luck...