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GTECH Calibration
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P0441

Missing fuel cap, Stuck open or closed purge valve, Defective or damaged fuel cap, Distorted damaged or cracked Fuel Tank Filler Neck, Torn or punctured Evaporative system hose(s), Defective Fuel Tank Sending Unit gasket or seal, Split or damaged Carbon Canister, Defective Evaporative Vent Valve, Defective or damaged fuel tank.

  • Audi
  • Powertrain
  • Generic code
  • Low severity

How this code is built

P
SystemPowertrain
0
Defined bySAE, the same on every car
4
AreaAuxiliary emission controls
41
FaultThe specific fault in that area

What it means

P0441 on an Audi means the engine control unit has detected that the flow of fuel vapour through the evaporative emission (EVAP) system during purge is not what it expects. The unit commands the purge valve open and watches the fuel tank pressure sensor and fuel trims; if the pressure or mixture response does not match the commanded flow, the fault is set. The cause can be a stuck purge valve, a leak or blockage in the EVAP pipework, or a fuel cap or filler problem, and the exact layout varies by model and engine.

Symptoms

  • Engine warning light on
  • Fuel smell around the car, especially near the rear or engine bay
  • Difficulty refuelling or the pump clicking off repeatedly
  • Rough idle or slight stumble after refuelling or when the purge valve opens
  • Hard starting after refuelling if the purge valve is stuck open
  • No noticeable change in driving in many cases

Possible causes

  • Fuel cap missing, loose, damaged or with a worn seallikely
  • Purge valve (canister purge solenoid) stuck open or closed, or with a faulty electrical connectionlikely
  • Cracked, split, perished or disconnected EVAP hoses or quick-release connectorslikely
  • Faulty or blocked EVAP vent valvepossible
  • Cracked or damaged carbon canisterpossible
  • Distorted or corroded fuel filler neck, or a defective fuel pump/sender unit sealpossible
  • Damaged fuel tank or faulty tank pressure sensorrare

How to diagnose

  1. Read all stored and pending codes and note freeze frame data such as fuel level, engine temperature and load when the fault set
  2. Check the fuel cap is present, tightens properly and has an intact seal, then inspect the filler neck for damage or corrosion
  3. Visually inspect the EVAP hoses, connectors and quick-release fittings from the engine bay to the canister for cracks, kinks and disconnections
  4. Inspect the wiring and connectors at the purge valve and vent valve for damage, corrosion or water ingress
  5. Using a scan tool, activate the purge valve and vent valve and listen for operation, then check they respond as commanded
  6. Check the purge valve for being stuck open by applying vacuum or testing with the engine idling and the valve de-energised, following the model-specific procedure
  7. Check the tank pressure sensor readings against expected values with the system sealed, following the manufacturer's procedure
  8. Carry out a smoke test of the EVAP system to locate leaks at the canister, tank, seals and pipework

How to fix

  • Replace the fuel cap with a correct one if it is missing, damaged or has a poor seal
  • Replace the faulty purge valve or vent valve, and repair any damaged wiring or connectors
  • Replace damaged EVAP hoses or fittings, or refit disconnected ones securely
  • Replace a cracked or blocked carbon canister
  • Repair or replace a damaged filler neck, or renew the fuel pump or sender unit seal if it is leaking
  • Clear the codes after repair and confirm with a drive cycle that the fault does not return

Can I keep driving?

Low severity

The car is normally safe to drive and you can book it in for repair. Do not ignore a strong fuel smell or visible leak, as that needs prompt attention.

Guide written by AI from the code's definition. Confirm with a diagnosis before replacing parts.

This code for other makes

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