Evaporative Emission Control System Purge Control Valve Circuit Shorted
The P0445 code means the vehicle's onboard diagnostic system has detected: Evaporative Emission Control System Purge Control Valve Circuit Shorted. This is a low severity code.
- Keep driving?
- Yes, but fix soon
- DIY difficulty
- moderate
- Estimated cost
- $50 - $300 (parts and labor)
A cracked or loose gas cap causes 60%+ of EVAP codes. This $8 replacement clears P0442, P0455, and P0457 more often than any other repair.
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If a new gas cap does not clear it, the leak is somewhere in the EVAP plumbing. A smoke machine finds the exact leak -- a cracked hose, bad seal, or stuck vent valve -- in minutes instead of guessing at parts.
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Clear the code after the repair. If the light stays off after 50 miles, you just saved $200+ in shop fees.
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Common Symptoms
- Check Engine Light illuminated
- Fuel vapor smell near the engine
- Possible rough idle or hesitation
- Failed emissions inspection
Probable Causes (Ranked by Likelihood)
- Short circuit in purge valve wiring harness Very High
- Internally shorted purge control solenoid High
- Wiring harness chafing against metal components Moderate
- Faulty ECM/PCM purge valve driver Low
Step-by-Step Diagnostic Procedure
-
Inspect purge valve wiring for chafing, melted insulation, or bare wires touching ground
-
Disconnect the purge valve and measure resistance -- a reading significantly below 20 ohms suggests an internal short
-
Check for short to ground on the purge valve signal wire using a multimeter
-
Wiggle the wiring harness while monitoring live data to detect intermittent shorts
-
If wiring checks good, test with a known-good purge valve solenoid
Common Fixes by Vehicle
What techs usually find when diagnosing P0445 on specific vehicles — tap your vehicle for the fix and the exact part:
2010-2020 Chevrolet Silverado/Tahoe 5.3L easy DIY
P0445 means the EVAP purge valve circuit is shorted. On GM trucks, water intrusion into the purge solenoid connector causes a short to ground. Disconnect the solenoid and check for green corrosion on the pins. Clean and apply dielectric grease, or replace the connector. If coil resistance is below 15 ohms, replace the solenoid (ACDelco 214-2149).
Labor: 20-30 min2008-2018 Ford Escape/Focus 2.0L/2.5L moderate DIY
Check the purge solenoid wiring for a short to ground. The harness runs near the valve cover and can melt against hot surfaces. Repair any damaged insulation with heat-resistant wire loom. If the solenoid coil is shorted internally (resistance below 15 ohms vs. spec 26-30 ohms), replace with Motorcraft CX-2256.
Labor: 30 min - 1 hour2011-2020 Chrysler 300/Dodge Charger 3.6L Pentastar easy DIY
The purge solenoid on the Pentastar V6 is located near the throttle body. The connector can short internally due to heat exposure. Unplug the solenoid and check if the code clears -- if it does, the solenoid is shorted. Replace with Mopar 4891738AC. Also inspect the wiring at the PCM connector for pushed-back pins.
Labor: 20-30 minFrequently Asked Questions
Can I drive with code P0445?
Yes. This electrical circuit code does not impact drivability. However, a shorted circuit can potentially blow a fuse or damage the ECM driver over time, so repair is recommended.
What is the difference between P0444 and P0445?
P0444 indicates an open circuit (broken wire or disconnected connector), while P0445 indicates a short circuit (wire touching ground or power, or an internally shorted solenoid).
Can a shorted purge valve damage the ECM?
In rare cases, a persistent short circuit can damage the ECM driver transistor. Prompt repair prevents more costly ECM damage.
Sources
This page is built from documented references. Verify against your own service info before repair work.
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