EVAP System Purge Control Valve A Circuit Open
What it means
P0444 means the ECM detected an open electrical circuit to the evaporative-emissions (EVAP) purge control valve — the valve that lets stored fuel vapor be drawn from the charcoal canister into the intake. "Open" points to a broken wire, bad connector, or a failed solenoid winding rather than a problem with how the engine runs. The car drives normally, but it will trip the check-engine light and fail an emissions test until repaired.
Can I keep driving? Safe to drive — this is an emissions-circuit fault with usually no change in how the car runs; fix it to pass an emissions test.
Real-world scan data
Appears alongside · share of P0444 scans
Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.
Common symptoms
What you'll notice
- Check-engine light on (often the only sign)
- Failed emissions/readiness test
- Rarely, a faint fuel-vapor smell
- Generally no noticeable change in how the car drives
Common causes
Most likely first
- Open circuit in the purge valve wiring or connector — most common for this codeLikely
- Failed purge control valve/solenoid (open winding)Common
- Corroded or disconnected purge valve connectorCommon
- Failed purge-valve driver in the ECM (rare)Less often
How to diagnose & fix
Work through it in order
- Inspect the purge valve connector and wiring for a break, corrosion, or a loose pin — the typical cause of an open circuit.
- Measure the purge solenoid's resistance; an open reading means a failed valve.
- Confirm the ECM is providing power/ground to the circuit.
- Replace the purge valve if its winding is open, then clear and re-run the EVAP monitor.
P0444 by make
Based on commonly reported failure patterns across owner and repair communities, not on our scan data.
Chevrolet
On Chevrolet vehicles, the purge solenoid and its wiring are the usual cause. Check the connector for corrosion first.
Ford
On Ford vehicles, an open circuit at the purge valve often comes down to a damaged connector or wiring near the valve, or to the valve itself. Look at the wiring before buying the part.
Toyota
On Toyotas, the purge VSV valve or a damaged connector is the most likely cause. Check the wiring before replacing the valve.
Volkswagen
On VW and Audi models, the purge valve (often called N80) is a common cause, particularly when its electrical connector is damaged. Check the wiring before replacing the valve.
FAQ
Quick answers
Is it safe to drive with P0444?+
Can I just clear P0444?+
Related codes
Read & clear P0444 yourself
Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.