P0446 on a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
EVAP Vent Control Circuit Fault
P0446 on a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee indicates evap vent control circuit fault. It usually stays drivable short-term but should be diagnosed promptly. The most common cause is failed evap vent valve / vent solenoid (mechanical sticking) (typically $80–$350). Confirm the root cause before replacing parts.
What does P0446 mean on a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
P0446 is set when the engine control module detects that the EVAP vent valve circuit is not behaving as commanded. The vent valve is the normally-open solenoid that lets the charcoal canister breathe — and closes during the EVAP leak test to seal the system. P0446 typically means the vent valve is stuck (mechanically or electrically) so that the system can never seal properly for the leak test.
This guide covers P0446 across the 2010-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee generation — the symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps below apply to every model year from 2010 through 2014.
Is it safe to drive a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee with P0446?
In most cases a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee stays drivable for short trips with P0446 active, but diagnose and repair it promptly. This is a low-severity code — ignoring it can lead to further damage or a failed emissions test.
What are the symptoms of P0446 on a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
- Check Engine Light is illuminated
- Difficulty filling the fuel tank (pump clicks off repeatedly)
- No other drivability problems
- Vehicle will fail emissions / smog testing
- Sometimes accompanied by P0455 (large leak) on the same scan
What causes P0446 on a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
| Cause | Likelihood | Estimated repair (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Failed EVAP vent valve / vent solenoid (mechanical sticking) | Most common | $80–$350 |
| Dirt, debris, or spider webs clogging the vent valve filter Common on trucks and SUVs with the canister mounted under the vehicle. | Common | $20–$100 |
| Damaged wiring or connector at the vent valve | Common | $50–$250 |
| Failed PCM driver circuit for the vent valve (rare) | Rare | $400–$1,500 |
| Cracked or saturated EVAP charcoal canister | Occasional | $200–$600 |
How to diagnose this on a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
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Locate the vent valve on this vehicle
The vent valve is mounted on or next to the charcoal canister. On most modern trucks and SUVs that is behind the rear bumper or near the fuel tank. On many cars it sits in the engine compartment. Consult the service manual for the exact location.
Tools: Vehicle-specific service information
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Test the vent valve electrically
Disconnect the valve connector. With the key on, check for battery voltage on the power side. Apply 12 V across the solenoid terminals directly — you should hear and feel it click. A solenoid that does not click is dead and needs replacement.
Tools: Multimeter, Test leads / jumper wires
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Test the vent valve mechanically
Disconnect the hose at the vent valve. Connect a hand vacuum pump. With the solenoid de-energized, the valve should let air flow freely (no vacuum holds). With 12 V applied, the valve should hold vacuum. A valve that holds vacuum at rest, or that leaks vacuum when commanded closed, is the problem.
Tools: Hand vacuum pump, 12 V test source
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Inspect for contamination
Trucks and SUVs frequently get spider webs, mud, or sand inside the vent valve filter on the canister side. Some vehicles have a dust filter that is replaceable; others integrate it into the valve assembly. Clean or replace as needed.
Tools: Compressed air, Replacement filter (if applicable)
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Confirm the canister itself is intact
With the vent valve removed, look into the canister port for cracked plastic, saturated charcoal (will smell strongly of fuel), or debris. A failed canister will cause repeated P0446 set events even after the vent valve is replaced.
Tools: Flashlight
NHTSA complaints & recalls for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Owner-reported safety complaints and official recalls filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Use these to gauge how common a problem is on your specific vehicle before you start chasing Jeep Grand Cherokee diagnostics.
- ENGINE 282
- POWER TRAIN 101
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 834
- SERVICE BRAKES 305
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 215
11 active recalls
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM Nov 2019
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2013 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles equipped with a 3.6, 5.7, or 6.4 liter engine and previously recalled under NHTSA Recall 14V530 or 15V115. The fuel pump relay inside the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM-7)…
NHTSA campaign 19V813000 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR Jul 2017
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger, Chrysler 300, Dodge Durango, and 2012-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles have electro-hydraulic power steering (EHPS) and are equipped with a 5.7L or a 3.6L eng…
NHTSA campaign 17V435000 - ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:TURBO/SUPERCHARGER Oct 2017
Accessible Technologies, Inc. (ATI) is recalling certain ProCharger Superchargers, model numbers AB037A-100, AB037A-100P, and A037A-100B, sold for installation on 2012-2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 and SRT vehicles. The supercharger mounting bracket may contact and damage the AB…
NHTSA campaign 17E061000 - SERVICE BRAKES Sep 2017
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2011-2014 Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The affected vehicles had brake booster shields installed under a previous campaign to prevent water from entering the brake booster and limiting braking ability. This recall is…
NHTSA campaign 17V572000
How do I fix P0446 on a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
- Replace the EVAP vent valve / vent solenoid
- Clean the vent valve filter and inspection port
- Repair damaged wiring or connector at the vent valve
- Replace the charcoal canister assembly
About the 2010-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The 2010-2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee was commonly sold with the following powertrains: 3.6L Pentastar V6, 5.7L HEMI V8, 3.0L EcoDiesel V6. Common trims include Laredo, Limited, Overland, Summit.
Why the gas pump clicks off with P0446
The vent valve is what allows the fuel tank to “breathe” during refueling. If the valve is stuck closed, displaced air cannot escape as fuel goes in — pressure builds, fuel splashes back into the filler neck, and the pump nozzle’s auto-shutoff triggers prematurely. If you have to “trickle fill” your tank to get gas in, P0446 (or a related vent code) is the most likely cause.
When P0446 sets with P0455
If P0446 (vent control) sets alongside P0455 (large leak), the root cause is usually one part — the vent valve is stuck open, so the system can never seal for the leak test, which triggers both codes. Replace the vent valve and clear codes; if P0455 returns alone the next monitor run, do a separate small-leak diagnosis.
Trucks and SUVs vs. cars
Under-vehicle mounted vent valves (most trucks, SUVs, and minivans) fail more often than engine-bay mounted ones. They live in a worse environment — road spray, salt, mud, debris. On vehicles with chronic P0446, an upgraded “all-terrain” vent valve or a relocation kit is sometimes worth considering after the second failure.
P0446 on a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee: frequently asked questions
What does diagnostic trouble code P0446 mean on a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
P0446 is set when the engine control module detects that the EVAP vent valve circuit is not behaving as commanded. The vent valve is the normally-open solenoid that lets the charcoal canister breathe — and closes during the EVAP leak test to seal the system. P0446 typically means the vent valve is stuck (mechanically or electrically) so that the system can never seal properly for the leak test.
What are the symptoms of P0446 on a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Check Engine Light is illuminated. Difficulty filling the fuel tank (pump clicks off repeatedly). No other drivability problems. Vehicle will fail emissions / smog testing. Sometimes accompanied by P0455 (large leak) on the same scan
What causes P0446 on a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Failed EVAP vent valve / vent solenoid (mechanical sticking) (most-common). Dirt, debris, or spider webs clogging the vent valve filter (common). Damaged wiring or connector at the vent valve (common). Failed PCM driver circuit for the vent valve (rare) (rare). Cracked or saturated EVAP charcoal canister (occasional)
Is it safe to drive a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee with P0446?
In most cases a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee stays drivable for short trips with P0446 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.