Notices
RX - 1st Gen (1999-2003) Discussion topics related to the 1999 -2003 RX300 models

Engine light CODE P0446

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jun 20, 2011 | 06:37 AM
  #1  
Dietz's Avatar
Dietz
Thread Starter
Rookie
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 62
Likes: 2
From: NY
Default Engine light CODE P0446

My check engine light came on yesterday. I stopped by Auto Zone this morning and code p0446 came up... this is EVAPORATIVE EMMISSIONS SYSTEM VENT CONTROL CIRCIUT.

Has anyone had this on their car (1999 RX 300)? Can anyone give me an estimate of cost for this?

Thanks.
Reply
Old Jun 21, 2011 | 01:21 AM
  #2  
code58's Avatar
code58
Lexus Champion
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,709
Likes: 16
From: Ca.
Default

Originally Posted by Dietz
My check engine light came on yesterday. I stopped by Auto Zone this morning and code p0446 came up... this is EVAPORATIVE EMMISSIONS SYSTEM VENT CONTROL CIRCIUT.

Has anyone had this on their car (1999 RX 300)? Can anyone give me an estimate of cost for this?

Thanks.
Have you tried removing the gas cap, check the seal while you have it off, and then re-install it and make sure it's seated tight? That is often the reason for that code. Also, make sure you NEVER top the tank off like we used to. TOPPING off floods the emisions canister and causes the problem also.
Reply
Old Jun 21, 2011 | 11:23 AM
  #3  
Dietz's Avatar
Dietz
Thread Starter
Rookie
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 62
Likes: 2
From: NY
Default

Code58,
Thank you. I have tried the gas cap, but I did not check the seal. The last time I filled up I do top it off. Maybe that was the problem. Will the check engine light go off on its own or does it need to be reset?

I will look for that again today. Thanks for the reply.
Reply
Old Jun 22, 2011 | 12:21 AM
  #4  
code58's Avatar
code58
Lexus Champion
 
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,709
Likes: 16
From: Ca.
Default

Originally Posted by Dietz
Code58,
Thank you. I have tried the gas cap, but I did not check the seal. The last time I filled up I do top it off. Maybe that was the problem. Will the check engine light go off on its own or does it need to be reset?

I will look for that again today. Thanks for the reply.
I wish I could answer that question Dietz, but I can't. From what I remember, I believe it may contaminate the "charcoal" in the emissions canister (if that's what they still use) and MAY not clear, which means may need to be replaced. Don't panic though, I'd give it some time to clear itself, if it doesn't, try having it cleared or removing the ground cable for a few minutes and see if that clears it. I wouldn't lose any sleep unless it CANNOT be cleared, then deal with it. I have topped off a few times over the years without any problem, but never "top to the last drop" like you used to be able to. Normally I don't risk it and call it a day when the pump shuts off, because I know that won't flood the canister like "clickity clickity click" will.
Reply
Old Jun 22, 2011 | 08:53 AM
  #5  
salimshah's Avatar
salimshah
CL Community Team
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,603
Likes: 1,402
From: Austin, TX
Default

We have Fuel reservoir (tank), fuel delivery and return path for the gas vapors back into the fuel tank [the back path has a filter (charcoal)]. This loop is monitored for leak and has the mechanism to measure loss of fuel due to consumption.

There is a liquid path and then there is the vapor path in the loop. Due to gravity the liquid path is below and the vapor path is high up. The highest point for the vapor is right below the filler neck.

As you fill gas, and if you overfill it (get is to the cap level) the liquid gas enters the vapor path and makes it way to the charcoal filter.

Repair cost:
The major cost is in finding what is wrong. A leak can spring any where, loose clamp, rotted hose, broken fitting and knocked off hoses etc. Special equipment like the smoke machine [non-combustable smoke] is used to introduce smoke in the system to trace. It can be a quick find or may take hours.
The failing part can be a disconnected hose ($0) or could be worth $$$ if a nipple is broken.

In RX it is mostly the gas cap [you need to trun it for about 3 clicks beyond the stop]. State/County inspection stations can test your gas cap to see if it needs replacement.

Salim
Reply
Old Jun 22, 2011 | 11:38 AM
  #6  
Barryst's Avatar
Barryst
Driver
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 144
Likes: 1
From: MA
Default

When I got this code P0446, I had to replace the charcoal canister assembly located under the rear of the vehicle. After that, no more Check Engine Light!
-I did try a new Toyota gas cap first. (Sold by the Lexus dealer)
That wasn't it.

Barryst
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2011 | 01:16 PM
  #7  
Dietz's Avatar
Dietz
Thread Starter
Rookie
 
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 62
Likes: 2
From: NY
Default

I had this looked at by Lexus last Thursday. They told me I needed an entire cannister that is was not just a valve. Part only was $670. They charged me $175 in labor. Some how I feel like I have been taken for a ride. I talked to two shops and they said the most they have heard was $310 for a cannister.

I want to write to Lexus president. Does anyone have an address for the corporate head quarters. This is unreal.

thank you
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2011 | 02:27 PM
  #8  
hypervish's Avatar
hypervish
Lexus Test Driver
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,724
Likes: 114
From: NJ
Default

Everyone knows that the dealer is going to charge way more than necessary. So, if you were going to compare prices why even go there? You went to the Lexus dealer, and you should have expected a hefty number that isn't anywhere close to what it would really cost.... Lexus won't give a damn, LoL.
Reply
ClubLexus Stories

Celebrating Lexus & Toyota from Around the Globe

story-0

Toyota and Lexus Join Mille Miglia For The First Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Lexus NX 350h: A Fuel-Sipping Secret Hot Hatch???

 Michael S. Palmer
story-2

5 Best & 5 Worst Lexus Daily Drivers

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

Top 5 Hottest Lexus & Toyotas in 2026 (Hardest To Buy)

 Brett Foote
story-4

2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks

 Michael S. Palmer
story-5

Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jul 27, 2011 | 02:32 PM
  #9  
Leines's Avatar
Leines
Pole Position
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Default

I'm going thru this ordeal as well, i have a thread about my tranny that I'm discussing it.... I took it to Toyota today and they quoted me $956 for the canister assembly, telling me you can't just get the valve.... I had JAB on this forum direct me toward a part number that turns out to be a corolla canister Vsv....I've had the dealer order this, and they are going to attempt to install it tomorrow am....cost of this Vsv was $153.00.......
The parts girls and myself went thru a few cars, some show a Vsv separate from the canister as a part number.....others do not... It gets weirder because I gave her a corolla part number...but when she goes to look at the corolla diagrams,,,it doesn't show that part,,,, when I google the part number it does come up on a Lexus part website...but doesn't list what cars it works on....



Wish me luck....I'll report my findings...
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2011 | 03:06 PM
  #10  
JAB's Avatar
JAB
Instructor
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 22
From: Virginia
Default

Yes, the p/n I provided is associated with a Toyota Corolla, and it was from a Toyota dealer that I bought mine, for $115. But, my Lexus dealer also recognized the p/n but wanted $175 for it. Keep in mind that this is only for the 1999-2000; cannister assembly (charcoal, VSV, and some miscellaneous devices) changed in model year 2001.
Reply
Old Jul 27, 2011 | 03:43 PM
  #11  
Leines's Avatar
Leines
Pole Position
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Default

I think a lot of things changed after 2000, from what I can figure the first two years were SUVs literally made from all sorts of parts from other Toyota models....from corollas,camry to sienna and highlanders...
I'll report tomorrow am with my totals and the dealers reaction etc.. Since they are installing as well..
Reply
Old Jul 30, 2011 | 04:20 PM
  #12  
Leines's Avatar
Leines
Pole Position
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
From: Ontario
Default

Confirmed that part installed without issue and cel not back with 300km since. I'll report back if it comes back. total cat was $311. Taxes in.

Cheers to JAB
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2013 | 08:12 AM
  #13  
rousseauej's Avatar
rousseauej
Driver School Candidate
 
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: CA
Default Check Engine Light/Slippery road surface light on

My 2010 RX350 check engine light came on. I had the gas cap replaced but after a few days the check engine light is on again. My mechanic tells me that the problem is somewhere else in the fuel tank system. Took the car to the dealer, after a few days they said they fixed the problem, but 5 days later the light is back on again and I have not touched the gas cap for a couple of weeks.
I contacted the dealer and they want me to bring the car in again. If they do not fix this problem soon I am told that my car will fail the California Smog Check in Dec 2013. I am also concerned that my warranty will expire. Any suggestions ? JohnR

Last edited by rousseauej; Apr 26, 2013 at 08:13 AM. Reason: typo
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2013 | 08:30 AM
  #14  
salimshah's Avatar
salimshah
CL Community Team
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 16,603
Likes: 1,402
From: Austin, TX
Default

Originally Posted by rousseauej
My 2010 RX350 check engine light came on. I had the gas cap replaced but after a few days the check engine light is on again. My mechanic tells me that the problem is somewhere else in the fuel tank system. Took the car to the dealer, after a few days they said they fixed the problem, but 5 days later the light is back on again and I have not touched the gas cap for a couple of weeks.
I contacted the dealer and they want me to bring the car in again. If they do not fix this problem soon I am told that my car will fail the California Smog Check in Dec 2013. I am also concerned that my warranty will expire. Any suggestions ? JohnR
If you took your vehicle to dealer, you are in good hands. Take it back and ask them that they perform the State mandated inspection as well. Enjoy the benefit of one stop shopping.

Salim
Reply
Old Apr 26, 2013 | 08:31 AM
  #15  
2GSKaizen's Avatar
2GSKaizen
Lead Lap
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 459
Likes: 2
From: Nebraska
Default

When you get any of these codes for Evap system I always suspect one of those tiny vacuum lines that run between the engine, gas tank, and evap canister.
Reply



All times are GMT -7. The time now is 12:04 AM.

story-0
Toyota and Lexus Join Mille Miglia For The First Time

Slideshow: A five-car lineup spanning more than five decades of Toyota performance and engineering will tackle one of Italy's most celebrated automotive routes.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-15 16:53:16


VIEW MORE
story-1
Lexus NX 350h: A Fuel-Sipping Secret Hot Hatch???

Slideshow: a quick review of the 2026 Lexus NX 350h F Sport Handling

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-18 14:36:21


VIEW MORE
story-2
5 Best & 5 Worst Lexus Daily Drivers

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Lexus daily drivers

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-15 11:14:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 5 Hottest Lexus & Toyotas in 2026 (Hardest To Buy)

These five Lexus and Toyota models are the most sought-after on the market right now.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-15 10:47:52


VIEW MORE
story-4
2026 Lexus IS 350 F Sport Review: The Last of Its Kind Still Rocks

Slideshow: the 2026 IS 350 isn't all that new, and that's why we love it!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-04 14:35:23


VIEW MORE
story-5
Top 10 Most Confusing Things Lexus Has Ever Done!

Slideshow: 10 most confusing things Lexus has ever done.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-04 09:40:55


VIEW MORE
story-6
2026 Lexus ES Review: Lexus Re-Embraces Founding Principles

Slideshow: Our First-Drive Review of the 2026 Lexus ES!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-29 20:30:16


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Lexus Bargains That are Cheaper Than a New Toyota RAV4

Slideshow: 10 Lexus bargain that are cheaper than a new Toyota.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 10:28:20


VIEW MORE
story-8
8 Weirdest Things Lexus Has Ever Built

Slideshow: From hoverboards to luxury yachts, these are the strangest projects Lexus has ever attached its badge to.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-16 11:34:36


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Lexus Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Some luxury cars chase trends, but these Lexus models look better now than they did when they first rolled into showrooms.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-06 17:58:29


VIEW MORE