P0459

EVAP System Purge Control Valve A Circuit High

Q: Is it safe to drive with P0459?

Yes. It's an evaporative-emissions control fault with little effect on drivability — the main downsides are the warning light and a likely emissions-test failure.

Q: Can I just clear P0459?

It returns once the ECM re-checks the purge valve circuit unless the valve or its wiring is repaired.

Emissions (EVAP) Generic OBD-II Low

What it means

P0459 means the ECM has detected a high-voltage (open or short-to-voltage) electrical fault in the control circuit for the EVAP purge valve, which meters fuel vapour from the charcoal canister into the intake. It's almost always a valve or wiring fault. The engine usually runs normally — the practical effects are the check-engine light and a likely emissions-test failure, with occasional rough idle if the valve sticks open.

Low

Can I keep driving? Safe to drive — this is an evaporative-emissions circuit fault. The engine runs normally in most cases; the light stays on and it can fail an emissions test.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

101

scans in the past year

Found in

<0.1%

of scans

<0.1%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of P0459 scans

P0037in 58.4% of scans

P0031in 56.4% of scans

P0403in 55.5% of 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
Fails an emissions test
Usually no change in how the engine runs
Occasional rough idle if the purge valve is stuck open

Common causes

Most likely first

Failed EVAP purge control valve (electrical fault reading high)Likely
Open or short-to-voltage in the purge valve control wiringCommon
Corroded or loose connector at the purge valveCommon
Failed engine control module (rare)Less often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Confirm the code and command the purge valve with a scan tool to see if it responds.
Inspect the purge valve connector and wiring for an open, short to voltage, or corrosion.
Measure the purge valve solenoid's resistance against spec.
Replace the purge valve if it's out of spec, or repair the circuit. Clear and re-test.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P0459?+

Yes. It's an evaporative-emissions control fault with little effect on drivability — the main downsides are the warning light and a likely emissions-test failure.

Can I just clear P0459?+

It returns once the ECM re-checks the purge valve circuit unless the valve or its wiring is repaired.

Read & clear P0459 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX