emission code P0446

my girlfriends truck is a 2001 4.3 v6. and the check eng light came on with the code P0446 reading on my obdII. ive read that if the vehicle starts and drive fine that this is not a problem. only if it idles ruff at the start and first 5 min of driving. about a year ago this light came on and i just cleared it to see if it would come back right away but its been about 9months to a year since then. is it true about it not being a problem to drive besides getting a smog where they check for that with the light on?

I think that is the same code that keeps pulling up on mine because my freakin ses light will not stay off and an actual detailed reader told me that it was the fuel cap seal that was causing it but I havent found a decent replacment fuel cap yet that is a locking cap. I would rather have a locking cap if Im gonna get one you know with gas prices on the rise and all!

CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
The Vehicle Control Module (VCM) monitors the performance of the Evaporative Emission (EVAP) system by applying a predetermined level of vacuum to the EVAP system and monitors the vacuum decay rate. The VCM sets this DTC if the vacuum decay rate is more than a predetermined value. The VCM monitors the amount of vacuum and the amount of pressure in the EVAP system by monitoring the fuel tank pressure sensor. For this DTC the VCM turns ON both the EVAP purge valve and the EVAP vent valve when the Conditions for Running the DTC are met. This applies an engine vacuum to a closed EVAP system. The VCM turns OFF both the EVAP purge valve and the EVAP vent valve when the system reaches a correct amount of vacuum. The EVAP system should quickly RELEASE the vacuum in the EVAP system with the EVAP Purge Valve OFF and the EVAP Vent Valve OFF (open). This test indicates a blocked or restricted EVAP Vent path, if the EVAP system tails to release the vacuum quickly enough.

CONDITIONS FOR RUNNING THE DTC

* No active MAP sensor DTCs
* No active TP sensor DTCs
* No active VS sensor DTCs
* No active O2 sensor DTCs
* No active ECT sensor DTCs
* No active IAT sensor DTCs
* DTC P0125 not active
* The fuel level is more that 12.5 percent but less than 87 percent .
* The system voltage is between 10-17 volts .
* The ECT is between 4°-30°C (39°-86°F) .
* The IAT is between 4°-30°C (39°F-86°F) .
* The cold start temperature difference (ECT minus IAT) is less than 1.5°C when the IAT is more than the ECT or

8°C when the ECT is more than the IAT

* The BARO is more than 72 kPa .
* The change in fuel tank vacuum is less than 0.6 inches of H2O, or the change in fuel level is less than 8 percent .
* The fuel tank vacuum level remains above a calibrated value for a specified number of seconds.

CONDITIONS FOR SETTING THE DTC
The VCM fails to detect a drop in the EVAP system vacuum over a calibrated number of seconds with the vent solenoid open.

ACTION TAKEN WHEN THE DTC SETS

* The VCM illuminates the MIL during the first key cycle in which the DTC sets.
* The VCM stores the conditions that were present when the DTC sets as a Freeze Frame/Failure Records data.

CONDITIONS FOR CLEARING THE MIL OR DTC

* The control module turns OFF the MIL after 3 consecutive drive trips when the test has run and passed.
* A history DTC will clear if no fault conditions have been detected for 40 warm-up cycles. A warm-up cycle occurs when the coolant temperature has risen 22°C (40°F) from the startup coolant temperature and the engine coolant reaches a temperature that is more than 70°C (158°F) during the same ignition cycle.
* Use a scan tool in order to clear the DTCs.

DIAGNOSTIC AIDS

IMPORTANT: An accurate indication of fuel level is required for the VCM to properly Pass or Fail this DTC. Always diagnose fuel level sensor DTCs before performing this DTCs diagnostic table. Always check for fuel level sensor DTCs stored in History.

Check for the following conditions:

* A loose, missing, damaged, incorrect or improperly installed fuel cap
* Missing or damaged O-rings at EVAP canister fuel vapor and purge line fittings
* A cracked or punctured EVAP canister
* Incorrectly routed or damaged EVAP system purge and vapor lines
* A damaged or disconnected EVAP purge line, vent hose or fuel tank vapor line
* A stuck closed EVAP vent valve
* A restricted or stuck closed fuel tank rollover valve
* A poor connection at the VCM: Inspect the harness connectors for the following conditions:
* Backed out terminals
* Improper mating
* Broken locks
* Improperly formed or damaged terminals
* Poor terminal to wire connection
* A damaged harness - Inspect the wiring harness to the EVAP vent solenoid, EVAP purge solenoid and the fuel tank pressure sensor for an intermittent, open or short circuit.
* A kinked, pinched or plugged EVAP purge, or fuel tank vapor line - Verify that the lines are not restricted.

Refer to Evaporative Emission (EVAP) System Cleaning before starting repairs. See: Emission Control Systems\Evaporative Emissions System

Reviewing the Failure Records vehicle mileage since the diagnostic test last failed may help determine how often the condition that caused the DTC to be set occurs. This may assist in diagnosing the condition.

Diagnostic Chart (Part 1 Of 3)

Diagnostic Chart (Part 2 Of 3)

Diagnostic Chart (Part 3 Of 3)

TEST DESCRIPTION
The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

4. If the vacuum stored in the EVAP system is quickly released then an intermittent system restriction or failure of the EVAP vent valve or the EVAP fuel tank pressure sensor may have occurred.
5. Checking the vapor canister and the EVAP vent valve for restriction.

9. An EVAP pressure sensor that does not correctly respond to pressure (or vacuum) will cause this DTC to set. The EVAP pressure sensor monitors a range from 7.5 inches H2O of pressure to - 17.5 inch H2O of pressure (vacuum). In order to test the EVAP pressure sensor for pressure response SEAL the system with the scan tool and use the EVAP pressure/purge diagnostic cart to apply pressure to the system. Compare the pressure gauge (in H2O) on the diagnostic cart to the EVAP pressure sensor reading on the scan tool.

tighten the fuel cap at least 3 clicks.

ya i told her to check her gas cap. and ill check out that other stuff too. thanks for the help!!!

ok i have the same problem in the 03 and it says low circut. but to what ?

02CHEV If you can tell me what code your pullin I can most likely get you a good description of what it means which may be more help than the short description of most code readers!

Quote:

Originally Posted by tx_cowboy911

02CHEV If you can tell me what code your pullin I can most likely get you a good description of what it means which may be more help than the short description of most code readers!

ok i will get it soon again

I have had this same issue for 4 years now and I just tighten the gas cap and reset the puter and it goes away on my 99...then the code gets thrown again about 3-4 months later.

There is a MAP sensor on top of the fuel tank that might need to be replaced if everything else is good.