Faulty purge control valve (open internal coil); Damaged, corroded or loose electrical connector at the purge valve; Open circuit, chafed or broken wiring between the purge valve and the control module; Blown fuse or missing power supply to the purge valve circuit; Fault in the control module driver circuit; Poor earth or terminal fretting in the module connector.

P0444

EVAP System Purge Control Valve A Circuit Open.

Generic
Powertrain
Generic code
Low severity

How this code is built

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

What it means

P0444 means the powertrain control module has detected an open circuit in the control circuit for the evaporative emission (EVAP) purge control valve, often called valve A. The module monitors the purge valve driver and set the code because the circuit did not show the expected electrical state, indicating a break, poor connection or failed valve coil.

Symptoms

Malfunction indicator lamp on
Possible difficulty starting or rough idle after refuelling
Fuel smell around the car or fuel filler area
Failed emissions test or readiness monitor not completing
Often no noticeable change in driving

Possible causes

Faulty purge control valve (open internal coil)likely
Damaged, corroded or loose electrical connector at the purge valvelikely
Open circuit, chafed or broken wiring between the purge valve and the control modulepossible
Blown fuse or missing power supply to the purge valve circuitpossible
Fault in the control module driver circuitrare
Poor earth or terminal fretting in the module connectorrare

How to diagnose

Read the stored code and freeze frame data, then note whether other EVAP or fuel trim codes are present
Visually inspect the purge valve, its connector and the nearby wiring for damage, heat, corrosion, rubbing or rodent damage
Check the relevant fuse and confirm the purge valve has a supply voltage with the ignition on, using the wiring diagram for the specific model
Measure the purge valve coil resistance and compare it with the manufacturer specification for that engine
Command the purge valve on and off with a scan tool and listen or feel for clicking, and watch the control signal
Test the control wire for continuity between the valve connector and the control module, and check for shorts to earth or supply
Check the module connector pins for spread or corrosion before suspecting the module

How to fix

Replace the purge control valve if the coil is open or it fails the activation test
Repair or replace the damaged connector or terminals at the valve
Repair the open or chafed wiring section and secure it away from heat and sharp edges
Replace the blown fuse after finding the reason it failed, if applicable
Repair the control module connector or, only after all else is proven, address the module as the manufacturer advises

Can I keep driving?

Low severity

The car is normally safe to drive, as this is mainly an emissions fault. Book it in soon, particularly if you smell fuel, since the vapour system needs to work properly and the fault will fail an emissions test.

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