Thread: Evap Nightmares?

Okay, about 3 months ago, my '01 Grand Prix was having a bit of trouble starting up. It would turn over just fine, and then idle for about a second, then die. I'd have to start the car maybe a half dozen times to get it to run. After that, it'd run just fine though.

In the last 2 weeks though, the problem has gotten much worse. I'll sit in the car for about 10 minutes trying to get it to start. It's also began to surge up and down at idle, and will occasionally idle at 2K RPM at stop signs.

I had the engine light code pulled, and it came back as P1441. To my understanding, it's a bad evap purge valve/solenoid?

I suppose my two questions are as follows: 1. Does this sound like my problem? 2. Will a pluck and chuck replacement of the valve fix my problems, or am I going to need to troubleshoot a bit?

I picked around at the vacuum tubes, and none of them were obviously damaged or cracked.

Usually a P1441 is thrown due to a faulty EVAP canistor purge valve. However, I doubt this has much to do with your main problem. Start by cleaning the MAF with suitable cleaner! Next: Check fuel pressure regulator for a possible leak, clean IAC valve, and confirm you don't have any vacuum leaks with a can of carb cleaner.

I have the same issue: Check Gas Cap Message which led to a check engine light. Auto Zone told me the code read "small leak" so I replaced the gas cap but still no luck. When the code is reset (battery disconnect) I get a few days before the system fails the leak check again. This is how I passed e-check good thing they do it right. So does this sound like my EVAP canister is leaky? If so can anyone point out where this EVAP canister resides ('05 GTP) and if there are any ways to troubleshoot it before I replace it.

Thanks in advanced,
New guy

Schoen- Located on top of fuel tank.

Sounds like problems could be related. Conditions for setting P1441= The PCM detects vacuum during a non-purge condition. If the purge soleniod is stuck open, your engine vacuum is being diverted always to your fuel tank, possibly messing with what your vacuum controlled sensors are reading.

I am having the same code with my 98 GTP. It doesn't ever have any adverse effects but is annoying. I reset the SES light every few days with my code scanner but it keeps coming back.

Id guess if the purge was sucking fuel from the tank it could run rough but i doubt fuel would make it past the canister. Un plug the purge and see if the problem persists.

If you un plug it (electric part) and you still feel vacum on the fuel tank side then the purge is bad and unplugging it will not help.

Well same thing happened to my brothers VW Jetta his but in his case car would run perfectly until it came to fill up the tank. Every time he would fill up or the car would stay out in a really sunny day the car wouldn't start right away, also like 5 to 10 min to get it to start.

Turns out it was the canister purge valve (N80) in his case, that was stuck open all the time and when it came to fill up the tank the fumes from the tank would flood the engine , or so we where told, took it off and cleaned the valve with carb. cleaner, works great for now while he picks up a new one.