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P0443 — EVAP Purge Valve Circuit Fault

P0443 is an electrical code. The ECM drives the EVAP purge control solenoid and monitors that circuit; when the voltage or current it measures does not match what the commanded state should produce — an open coil, a short to ground, or a short to power — P0443 sets. It says nothing about whether vapor is actually flowing, which is what P0441 measures. P0443 means the circuit itself is not electrically healthy, so the test starts with a multimeter rather than a smoke machine.

P0443 means evap purge valve circuit fault. A vehicle usually stays drivable short-term with this code, but it should be diagnosed promptly. The most common cause is failed evap purge valve solenoid (open or shorted coil) (typically $80–$300). Causes and cost vary by make and model; confirm the root cause before replacing parts.

Severity: low powertrain Safe to drive (short term)

Reviewed by MECH AI Editorial · Last verified

What does P0443 mean?

P0443 is an electrical code. The ECM drives the EVAP purge control solenoid and monitors that circuit; when the voltage or current it measures does not match what the commanded state should produce — an open coil, a short to ground, or a short to power — P0443 sets. It says nothing about whether vapor is actually flowing, which is what P0441 measures. P0443 means the circuit itself is not electrically healthy, so the test starts with a multimeter rather than a smoke machine.

What are the symptoms of P0443?

What causes P0443?

Cause Likelihood Estimated repair (USD)
Failed EVAP purge valve solenoid (open or shorted coil) Most common $80–$300
Damaged or corroded wiring / connector at the purge valve Common $50–$250
Blown fuse feeding the purge solenoid circuit — Cheap to check and cheap to fix — do it before ordering a solenoid. Occasional $5–$30
Aftermarket purge valve with a coil resistance outside the ECM's expected range Occasional $80–$300
Failed PCM driver for the purge solenoid Rare $400–$1,500

Repair costs are typical US ranges and vary by make, model, model year, and labor rate. A diagnostic trouble code is a symptom, not a guaranteed failed part — confirm the root cause before replacing anything.

Is it safe to drive with P0443?

In most cases a vehicle stays drivable for short trips with P0443 active, but you should diagnose and repair it promptly. This is a low-severity code — ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test. Exact tolerance depends on your specific make and model.

How to diagnose P0443

  1. Locate the purge valve and inspect the connector

    On most vehicles the purge solenoid sits in the engine bay, in the hose run between the charcoal canister and the intake manifold. Unplug it and inspect for green corrosion, spread pins, or oil and coolant intrusion. Engine-bay connectors bake for years; a bad connector is far more common than a bad PCM.

    Tools: Connector unlock tool, Flashlight, Electrical contact cleaner

  2. Measure the solenoid coil resistance

    With the connector off, measure across the two solenoid terminals. Most purge solenoids read somewhere in the tens of ohms — check the service manual for the exact figure for this vehicle. An infinite reading means an open coil. A near-zero reading means a shorted coil, and it will often take the fuse with it.

    Tools: Multimeter, Wiring diagram

  3. Check for supply voltage and a PCM-side ground

    Purge solenoids are normally fed battery voltage on one side and switched to ground by the PCM on the other. Key on, back-probe the supply wire — you should see battery voltage. Then confirm the PCM pulls the other side to ground when purge is commanded. Missing supply voltage points upstream at the fuse or the relay, not at the valve.

    Tools: Multimeter, Back-probe pins, Wiring diagram

  4. Check the fuse that feeds the circuit

    Find the fuse for the EVAP / emissions circuit in the underhood box and test it with a test light rather than trusting a visual check. If a replacement fuse blows immediately, you have a hard short — usually a chafed wire or a shorted solenoid coil, not a PCM problem.

    Tools: Test light or multimeter, Replacement fuse

  5. Command the valve with a bidirectional scan tool

    With the connector plugged back in, command the purge valve on and off while listening at the valve body. A healthy solenoid clicks crisply each time. Silence with confirmed voltage and ground at the connector means the solenoid is dead internally.

    Tools: Bidirectional scan tool with EVAP purge command

How do I fix P0443?

P0443 by make and model

Select your exact year, make, and model below to get a P0443 diagnosis tuned to your vehicle's known failure patterns, recalls, and TSBs.

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Related diagnostic codes

Common symptoms of P0443

P0443 often shows up as one of these symptoms. Start from what your car is actually doing:

P0443: frequently asked questions

What does diagnostic trouble code P0443 mean?

P0443 is an electrical code. The ECM drives the EVAP purge control solenoid and monitors that circuit; when the voltage or current it measures does not match what the commanded state should produce — an open coil, a short to ground, or a short to power — P0443 sets. It says nothing about whether vapor is actually flowing, which is what P0441 measures. P0443 means the circuit itself is not electrically healthy, so the test starts with a multimeter rather than a smoke machine.

What are the symptoms of P0443?

Check Engine Light is illuminated. Often no drivability symptoms at all. Rough idle or stalling if the solenoid has failed in the open position. Hard start after refueling (solenoid failed open). EVAP readiness monitor will not complete. Vehicle will fail emissions / smog testing

What causes P0443?

Failed EVAP purge valve solenoid (open or shorted coil) (most-common). Damaged or corroded wiring / connector at the purge valve (common). Blown fuse feeding the purge solenoid circuit (occasional). Aftermarket purge valve with a coil resistance outside the ECM's expected range (occasional). Failed PCM driver for the purge solenoid (rare)

Is it safe to drive with P0443?

In most cases a vehicle stays drivable for short trips with P0443 active, but it should be diagnosed and repaired promptly — this is a low-severity code. Ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test. Specific tolerance varies by make and model.