P0441 CODE: Evaporative (EVAP) Emission Control System Incorrect Purge Flow

As far as trouble codes go, the P0441 code isn't particularly common. It's a minor risk code that often shows up on Chryslers that other vehicles.

The specific reason behind the issue can differ from one model to the other, so you'll need to do some testing to pinpoint the defective component. Continue reading to find out more about the code P0441.

The P0441 code is Evaporative Emission Control System Incorrect Purge Flow. It's a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) which is a generic OBD2 powertrain code.

This means the code P0441 applies to all vehicles manufactured since 1996. But still, some models will require additional or distinct steps for repairing.

The code P0441 is triggered by the engine computer (ECU) when there's an incorrect purge flow detected in the Evaporative (EVAP) Emission Control System.

How does the EVAP system purge work?

The Evaporative (EVAP) Emission Control System is one of the solutions by which your engine reduces its harmful emissions. This system prevents the escape of dangerous, smog-producing compounds in gasoline vapors from the fuel tank into the atmosphere.

The EVAP system catches these vapors and stores them in a charcoal canister which contains small pellets made of activated charcoal. The pellets are responsible for absorbing pollutants to "clean" the emissions.

When the engine is running, the purge volume control valve allows fuel vapors to move from the EVAP system (the charcoal canister) and into the engine where it's used in the air-fuel mixture required for combustion within the cylinders.

The engine computer module (ECM) controls the amount of vapor purge flow via gradual opening and closing of the purge valve. The EVAP system pressure sensor, along with other sensors, is responsible for monitoring the exact amount of purge flow.

If these sensors pick up an amount of purge flow that's different from what it should be, the ECM determines an error and triggers the code P0441: Evaporative Emission Control System Incorrect Purge Flow.

For example, the system isn't properly purging so the amount of purge flow is lower than what's expected.

Other Troubleshooting Codes about Evaporative EVAP Emission Control System

P0440 CODE: Evaporative (EVAP) Emission Control System Malfunction

P0442 CODE: Evaporative (EVAP) Emission Control System Small Leak

P0446 CODE: Evaporative (EVAP) Emission Control System Vent Control Circuit

• Defective purge valve or purge.
• The purge line is blocked or disconnected.
• A leak in the vacuum near the connection between the purge line and the engine intake.
• Defective vacuum switch.
• Hoses of the EVAP system are disconnected, leaking, or damaged.
• The gas cap is loose or faulty.
• The carbon canister is damaged, blocked, or cracked.
• Faulty or sticking vent valve.
• Broken or blocked EVAP VSV vacuum hoses. (Toyota specific)
• Open or shorted purge valve circuit.
• Faulty vapor pressure sensor.
• Defective leak detection pump. (Specific to Chrysler)

The issues caused by the P0441 code don't affect the drivability of the vehicle. However, there are a few mild symptoms that you can notice:

• The check engine light is going off.
• Rough or erratic idle.
• A faint odor of gasoline around or inside your vehicle. (Rare)

The P0441 code isn't something serious and it doesn't indicate a risk of danger. The driver is very unlikely to notice any change associated with the P0440 code other than the check engine light going off.

That being said, it's best that you resolve the issue as soon as possible, just like any other check light engine DTC.

• You can begin by hooking up a scanning tool to check if there are any diagnostic trouble codes stored. Make note of any freeze frame data to find out when the code was set.
• Clear all codes from the engine computer and do a test drive.
• If the code pops up again, visually inspect all the components of the EVAP system for any damage or signs of leaks.
• Check the fuel tank, the gas cap, the vacuum hoses, the carbon canister, as well as the purge valve/solenoid.
• Test the purge valve and the vacuum switch using a scanning tool.
• Apply voltage to the purge valve and listen for a click when it opens. Otherwise, replace the purge valve.

• Tighten or replace the fuel cap.
• Replace faulty or leaking hoses.
• Replace damaged components such as the carbon canister and purge valve.
• Replace the vacuum switch.
• Repair or replace the wiring harness.

Other Troubleshooting Codes about Evaporative EVAP Emission Pressure Sensor

P0452 CODE: Evaporative (EVAP) Emission Pressure Sensor Low Input

P0453 CODE: Evaporative (EVAP) Emission Pressure Sensor High Input

Other Troubleshooting Codes about Evaporative EVAP Emission System Leak

P0455 CODE: Evaporative (EVAP) Emission System Large Leak

P0456 CODE: Evaporative (EVAP) Emission System Small Leak

Another Troubleshooting Code about Evaporative EVAP

P0496 CODE: Evaporative (EVAP) Flow During a Non-Purge Condition