P0446 on a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

EVAP Vent Control Circuit Fault

P0446 on a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 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.

Severity: low Safe to drive (short term) Pickup Truck 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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What does P0446 mean on a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

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 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 generation — the symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps below apply to every model year from 2020 through 2024.

Is it safe to drive a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with P0446?

In most cases a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 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 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

What causes P0446 on a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

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 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

  1. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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)

  5. 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 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Owner-reported safety complaints and official recalls filed with the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for the 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Use these to gauge how common a problem is on your specific vehicle before you start chasing Chevrolet Silverado 1500 diagnostics.

536 owner complaints
9 involved a crash
5 involved a fire
14 reported injuries
  • ENGINE 204
  • POWER TRAIN 145
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 120
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER 55
  • SERVICE BRAKES 54

6 active recalls

  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS Jun 2022

    General Motors (GM) has decided that certain 2022 model year Chevrolet Silverado, and GMC Sierra vehicles equipped with an accessory sport bar. The accessory sport bar contains a high-mounted brake light that may not function. In addition, it may block the vehicle's existing hi…

    NHTSA campaign 22V463000
  • AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE Nov 2022

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 vehicles. The sensing diagnostic module (SDM) was left in manufacturing mode and not activated at the assembly plant prior to shipment. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Fe…

    NHTSA campaign 22V873000
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING:LIGHTING CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE Dec 2022

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Cadillac CT4 and CT5; 2021-2023 Buick Envision; and 2022-2023 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles. The daytime running lights (DRLs) m…

    NHTSA campaign 22V903000
  • POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE Oct 2024

    General Motors, LLC (GM) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 2500, 3500, GMC Sierra 1500, 2500, 3500, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade ESV, Chevrolet Tahoe, Suburban, GMC Yukon, and Yukon XL vehicles equipped with diesel engines. The transmission control val…

    NHTSA campaign 24V797000

How do I fix P0446 on a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

About the 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

The 2020-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 was commonly sold with the following powertrains: 5.3L V8, 6.2L V8, 2.7L Turbo I4. Common trims include WT, LT, RST, LTZ, High Country.

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 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: frequently asked questions

What does diagnostic trouble code P0446 mean on a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

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 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

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 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

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 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with P0446?

In most cases a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 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.

Related diagnostic codes

P0446 on other Chevrolet Silverado 1500 model years