Check Engine Light - PO441 error code "fix"

[Rey]

Check engine light on my '14 Equus (same basic drivetrain and electronics). My ScanGuage showed a "PO441" error code. Checking internet saw it might be a loose gas cap or was otherwise related to the gas vapor recirculation system. This system collects excess gas vapor in the fuel tank and reroutes it to motor intake to be burned. It is a complicated expensive system, which is largely controlled by a "gas recirculation valve. This electrically controlled valve is located on the front top of the intake manifold. It costs about $40.
My ScanGuage would not clear the code, meaning that it could not access this part of the car's computer or that the condition was persistent and needed more attention. Did not try the free AutoZone code reader. Went directly to the dealer. They fooled and fooled with it, worrying about whether or not the line feeding the valve had a hidden pinch or was broken. They let me talk to the tech. Seems dealer's computer easily reset the code and it did not reappear. This should have ended the query. I asked if they had checked out the gas recirculation valve (simple vacuum test). They had not. Valve checked out just fine. Concluded it was a one-time failure of the valve to open or close. Buttoned up the car and went home - cost at $125 for the "diagnosis".
My point is that whenever a check engine light illuminates do check it with a code reader. If you can clear the code and it does not light up again you do not have a problem. It was just a one-time "event". If the check engine light cannot be extinguished then go to the dealer and try to reset using its computer. Obviously, if the code reappears you have a problem, which the dealer may be able to address.

 

[homeofstone]

Have you had the gas tank air filter changed and the fuel filter changed per the maintenance schedule? An old gas tank air filter could cause this.

 

[Rey]

Reply to Homeofstone: Neither gas tank filter nor fuel filter were noted by dealership as requiring attention. PO441 does not, to my knowledge, note filter issues. My experience is that when a code is reset and does not show again this means no "measured problem", and the matter is fixed/concluded. However, if the code reappears it simply means that the problem persists.

 

[homeofstone]

The Fuel tank"s air filter should be changed every 30,000 miles. Dealers try to skip doing this even though its in the manual. I have had to specifically request it every time.

 

[balfor]

On a '14 wouldn't this be a warranty repair? Not sure why you had to pay a diagnostic fee unless you have a lot of miles. The 5/60 bumper to bumper or 7/70 Federal emissions warranties should apply.

 

[homeofstone]

On a '14 wouldn't this be a warranty repair? Not sure why you had to pay a diagnostic fee unless you have a lot of miles. The 5/60 bumper to bumper or 7/70 Federal emissions warranties should apply.

Yep, I think you are correct unless some of the required maintenance was not done. The OP should have the car picked up with a loaner left for him, as i understand the Equus comes with concierge service.

 

[RSPEC429]

Re: Check Engine Light - PO441 error code "fix"

Going to comment on this for future reference...had this code thrown. My gas cap stopped clicking was going in kind of wonky so I'm going to replace it and see if that fixes it.

May have to replace the fuel tank air filter considering I have 80k miles on mine and it's never been done.

- - - Updated - - -

Check engine light on my '14 Equus (same basic drivetrain and electronics). My ScanGuage showed a "PO441" error code. Checking internet saw it might be a loose gas cap or was otherwise related to the gas vapor recirculation system. This system collects excess gas vapor in the fuel tank and reroutes it to motor intake to be burned. It is a complicated expensive system, which is largely controlled by a "gas recirculation valve. This electrically controlled valve is located on the front top of the intake manifold. It costs about $40.
My ScanGuage would not clear the code, meaning that it could not access this part of the car's computer or that the condition was persistent and needed more attention. Did not try the free AutoZone code reader. Went directly to the dealer. They fooled and fooled with it, worrying about whether or not the line feeding the valve had a hidden pinch or was broken. They let me talk to the tech. Seems dealer's computer easily reset the code and it did not reappear. This should have ended the query. I asked if they had checked out the gas recirculation valve (simple vacuum test). They had not. Valve checked out just fine. Concluded it was a one-time failure of the valve to open or close. Buttoned up the car and went home - cost at $125 for the "diagnosis".
My point is that whenever a check engine light illuminates do check it with a code reader. If you can clear the code and it does not light up again you do not have a problem. It was just a one-time "event". If the check engine light cannot be extinguished then go to the dealer and try to reset using its computer. Obviously, if the code reappears you have a problem, which the dealer may be able to address.

Going to reply to this for future reference. I had this code thrown recently. My gas tank cap stopped clicking and was going on wonky so I'm going to replace it and see if it goes away.

It's interesting that there's a gas tank air filter though. Might have to replace that as well considering I have 80k miles on mine.