Dear Fellow Enthusiasts,

I have a 2002 SC430 with about 93k miles. Recently the Check Engine light came on. I took it to an AutoZone and the code said loose gas cap. I tightened it, ran a few tanks of gas and no luck! I then took it to Lexus, who wanted $190 just to read the code. Needless to say, I didn't take them up on it. I purchased an inexpensive Code Reader (Ancel AD310) for under $20 at Amazon. I just hooked it up to the OBD II port and got the following readings:

• P0441 - EVAP System Incorrect Purge Flow
• P0446 - EVAP System Vent Control Circuit
• P0440 - EVAP System

I don't know if I should take the vehicle in for service or not? It runs great. Also, I live in Florida, so no State Inspections or Emission Checks. I erased the error codes, and the Check Engine light is off; at least for now.
Any suggestions as to what I should do would be much appreciated!

Best,
Jim

 

I'd start with getting a new OEM gas cap (they do go bad). Also check hoses as noted in this thread
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...oing-away.html

 

Thanks. I already replaced the gas cap with an OEM one from Lexus. I think they charged $50 or so. Anyway, I will take your advice and check the hoses and no link post. Thanks for your help!

 

jdkamper

I believe you will need a Purge Valve Solenoid part number: 25850-50100. You can try the fuel vapor pressure control valve first if you like but I would guess it is the Solenoid. My son just went through the same thing with the same codes in his 05 SC 430 with 178,538 miles on the clock.

Dennis

 

Thank you. Looks like an inexpensive part. . I don't know where it goes exactly but I may give it a try. I think I'm going to wait to see if the codes come back after I cleared them.

 

They Will

Dennis

 

Like Dave said.. Most likely it is broken vacuum hoses in the engine bay. This is a VERY COMMON problem. It is easy to spot too.
(You may want to listen to consider what he has to say, after all he runs this discussion board so he has been around a bit)

 

Other than the engine codes is there anything wrong with the car? Does it sputter during acceleration? Or have a hard time starting?

 

I will inject my two cents here too. I replace all of my vacuum/emmission hoses at 100K miles. They get very brittle and crack in ways you will never see until you change them. It's just what I do. It seems to work for me.

Paul

 

jdkampfer

If you are thinking of ordering those parts Megazip is having a 20% off sale for the next 48 hours. They are often way cheaper even with shipping from Japan than getting parts locally and with an additional 20 percent off you can't go wrong.

MegaZip - Genuine OEM Parts From Japan, USA, UAE | Online Store

Dennis

 

I started a thread on this. It happened to me. The guy who changed my timing belt didn’t tighten one of the clips on the hoses in the main bay well enough and one of the hoses popped off. I paid 100 to smoke the system, which is all you would need to see where it’s leaking, but the mechanic saw the hose was loose immediately but smoked the whole system anyway since I was paying for the hour. I did change the gas cap first. Anyway, the light has never come back on. Issue solved.

 

Thanks! Replacing the hoses sounds like a good idea. No problems with the way the car is running or starting. The engine is extremely quiet and fairly quick.

 

I just reset the P0440 code for the 3rd time in the last 4000 miles. Already replaced the cap. I checked the hose mentioned in the linked thread. It was rock hard and had cracks in the clamped end. Replaced it. Time will tell.

 

why don’t you get it smoked. They will be able to see where it’s leaking. It’s about 125 bucks if you call around.

 

I did the same thing, but then another hose would crack (after all they are all the same age)

After the third time, I just went ahead and bought some metric sized vacuum hose and replaced them all. I have been good for the past 8 years.