5 Symptoms of a Bad Vapor Canister Purge Valve

Before getting started on the symptoms of a lousy vapor canister purge, let's explore what it is and how it works.

So, it is one of the main parts of the evaporative emission control system. It is important because it transports stored vapors from the charcoal canister to the engine.

The intake manifold is connected to the canister with fuel vapors through a vacuum line. There is a purge valve that is fitted in the vacuum line. This valve lets the right amount of vapors pass into the intake manifold at the right time.

Earlier, automotive manufacturers used mechanical purge valves, which worked by creating a vacuum. But in modern times, the vacuum has been replaced by electronic transistors.

Let's see the signs or symptoms that warn against a bad vapor canister purge valve.

Bad Vapor Canister Purge Valve Symptoms

Experts opine that a lousy vapor canister purge valve symptoms are more dangerous than what may appear with a lousy charcoal canister. These symptoms are significant to understand. Because only with the correct knowledge of these symptoms would one identify the problem.

So, these are five symptoms which one needs to keep an eye for:

  • Check Engine Light

Various triggers can cause the "Check Engine" light to flash. A weary purge could be one of the triggers of a flashing "Check Engine" light on the dashboard.

Specialized sensors monitor the working of the purge valve. And in case of a lack of signals from the valve, the sensors detect the damage.

The sensors then initiate a response resulting in the illumination of the "Check Engine" light.

  • Rough Idle

A rough idle in the engine can result in a rugged drive. Whenever the brakes are pushed, one would experience an unsteady rate.

The prolonged existence of the problem can cause a complete stalling of the engine. And one possible cause of this problem rise in the first place is a faulty purge valve which lets a leak in the vacuum affect the speed of the idle.

  • Trouble Starting Car

A damaged purge valve can also pose problems during ignition. The internal combustion gets affected by the air coming in through a possible leak in the vacuum. Starting the vehicle, in this case, becomes problematic.

  • Poor Engine Performance

If the vehicle is started, one must be ready to experience a compromised performance of the engine by any chance. One can't simply be able to reach a high speed if one's an adventurous driver. A weaker engine will also be problematic in driving on rough terrains where stable speed control is necessary.

  • Emissions Test Failure

Since it has already been established that a vapor canister purge valve redirects the fuel vapors to the engine from the charcoal canister, it does another work. A working vapor canister purge valve in good shape also functions as a filter that stops the release of hazardous toxins into the air. Thus, it is only understandable that a lousy purge valve would not do so, causing the vehicle to fail in the emission test.

So, these were some of the symptoms that one should keep a sharp eye on at all times for better engine health.