Powertrain, generic · Auxiliary emission controls

P0444 EVAP System Purge Control Valve A Circuit Open

Check engine lightOn
EmissionsRelevant
Drive cycleNot required
Limp modeNo

The evaporative emission (EVAP) system stores fuel vapour from the tank in a charcoal canister; a purge valve lets the engine draw it off, and a vent valve opens the canister to fresh air. P0444 belongs to the older scheme of circuit, open and shorted codes for purge valve A; Saab's Trionic T7 and VW use it, while GM reports an open circuit as P0443 and Ford covers everything in P0443. Saab checks with the output switched off: below 2 V the supply through the coil is missing or the line is grounded – Saab combines both under P0444, sets it after about 1 s and pauses the check until the next drive. Purging then stops.

Likely causes

Purge valve connector off or corroded
Valve coil open
Supply wire, fuse, main relay or control wire open
Control wire shorted to ground (Saab definition)

Symptoms

  • Check engine light on
  • Possibly fuel smell
  • EVAP monitors do not run

Repair estimate

DifficultyEasyDIY possible
Parts and labour€20–200
Time0.3–1 h

Typical range across vehicles; the real cost depends on what the testing finds.

Parts involved

evap purge valvepurge valve wiringengine control module

Related codes

P0443P0445P0458P0459P0441

References: saabwisonline.com, static.nhtsa.gov, law.cornell.edu.