GS4hunnit

Today I replaced the VSV on the car(such a b!zatch to replace). The car was throwing a P0446 code, and after searching around seems like replacing the VSV is the common solution. I bought a replacement part from AutoRock for like $25(deal!). After replacing the part, I disconnected the battery for a short time, maybe 2-4 mins. It cleared the CEL, then i drove it around approximately 30 miles and the CEL hasn't popped back on(crossing fingers). I was wondering if the time of the battery being disconnected has anything to do with how many miles it takes for the car to run through its checks and pop that CEL back on, or am I clear??

GS4hunnit

sorry...www.RockAuto.com

blacksedan

iTrader: (4)

whats a VSV?

GS4hunnit

Vacuum Switching Valve, its back there with the charcoal canister. If you ever have a CEL and the codes come up to be P0446, and retightening/replacing your gas cap doesnt fix it and all your hoses are good to go, its more than likely a failed VSV. If not, then i guess youre screwed and have a bigger problem, one of them replacing your charcoal canister. YIKES.

YxUxMADDDD

iTrader: (2)

Good info!! Should've done a DIY with pics!

sakataj

iTrader: (182)

there IS a DIY already posted on here for this with pics

GS4hunnit

So after putting on nearly 100 miles since the replacement, the freakin CEL came back on!! Does it take this long for it to go through its cycles, assuming the VSV wasnt the culprit?? Im going to go underneath the car again and check that everything is where its suppose to go this weekend. But, if everything are good to go, is it safe to say its the charcoal canister??

JeffTsai

iTrader: (1)

The EVAP system takes many many miles and several drive cycles to either determine if it's failing or passing. Try to check if you have any vacuum leaks in the evap system. That's typically where you're going to throw the code from.

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

Isn't part swapping fun?

GS4hunnit

Actually, it is! But not when the part is where the charcoal canister is at, very minimal room to work with, and when it cost MONEY! Haha, but I dont mind the actual work, its actually very fun, but then im also coming from an automotive background.

on the second note..

Why would it take nearly 100 miles for the system to detect a fault? A drive cycle doesnt take that long! Does it?..Im hoping( Soo Hard) that its just a loose tube or something, Im not trying to spend money on a gotdamn charcoal canister!

GS4_Fiend

iTrader: (22)

Usually, EVAP monitor takes the longest because it requires 2 days of cold soaked with about 3/4 tank of gas to enable the criteria. Since it's a Type B code, it will take 2 consecutive trips to trigger the CEL.

GS4hunnit

Well the weird thing is, everytime I do reset the system the mileage/time for the CEL to pop up is very inconsistent. Ranging from as little as 10 miles and this time,(2 minute reset) nearly 100 miles.

mk2tmr2

iTrader: (1)

This is normal. The OBD-II monitors have certain criteria that need to be met based on a lot of different variables and dependencies. Some times those criteria are met very quickly. Sometimes it takes a lot of time.

My Miata's OBD-II system sucks. This is a common issue on the 1996 Mazdas. It can take thousands of miles and many, many drive cycles for all of the monitors to report back as ready. I couldn't get my Miata to pass inspection so I'm going to apply for a waiver.

GS4hunnit

Ok, well the CEL came off earlier today. I havent touched it since the replacement of the VSV. And when I had it scanned couple months back, the code P0446 showed up twice, probably a pending and a hard code. Could this possibly be the reason why it came back on then turned off because of two seperate codes? Hopefully it stays off this time!!

4play4dr

was this on a gs4 or 3?