amanda

hi, everybody. so i am sitting here still trying to wait until 3000 miles after i changed my pcv valve to see if that resolved the oil consumption problem (i think it has but only 2000 miles so far so no official update). I was thinking, "gee, i finally have everything done and no more check engine lights for a change." how wrong i was to be so optimistic!

so, a week ago, i got P0446. i think i am going to have to change out my charcoal canister. unfortunately, i will have to do it personally so i am not sure if it's really going to happen or i will have to engage a mechanic.

but i thought i'd first see if i could make it happen.

it looks like i have to jack up the rear of the car and loosen up the muffler. is that right? i might have to go buy one of those lift thingsmajigs at walmart or something b/c that jack that comes with the car just isn't going to cut it with my head under the body.

someone said that the exhaust system had to be moved out of the way. is that the same as the muffler?

so basically:

1) do i need to buy a lift thingy to hoist the car in the back?
2) is the exhaust system the same as the muffler?
3) i just use a screwdriver to loosen the muffler/exhaust?

thanks for your help.

i hope no more CEL after this!

5ltrbeater

what code is the p0446 and what purpose does the charcoal canister serve?

amanda

evaporative emission control system vent control circuit fault.

anyone have any idea about getting to the charcoal canister?

StuckInVA

Don't know about your 2000, but on my '93 the canister is under the hood. Don't know why they'd make it harder to get to.

I found out mine is bad today but I'm having a tough time finding a "new" one. You might want to have a mechanic take a peek at yours I know electronics play a more vital role in newer models; might not be the canister. If you have a mechanic look at it they may/may not have alldata access and can look at more information than either of us have access to. It will get you a location for the part at the least.

But if you need to jack up the rear of the vehicle it'd probably be wise to invest in a jack/jack stands before hand. I would go for something like http://www.harborfreight.com/automot...eel-68049.html

It's not much more expensive than a jack from Walmart and you'll be considerably more pleased with it. Try to stick with something in the 2 ton or greater weight range though; these sedans are pretty heavy.