I drive an 06 Pontiac G6 GTP(90,000 miles). Recently the check engine light lit up. So I took it to autozone for the computer scan and they gave me the OBD code P0449.My car currently seems to be running fine.Next, they gave me a list of the possible malfunctions with my car. 1. purge or vent solenoid defective- I have no idea what that is. 2. check connector and wiring- all the electrical equipment is working fine, so i doubt this is it. 3. Fuel saturated vapor canister- no idea what this is. And finally, 4. Failed EVAP vent solenoid-again, no idea what this is. If you know anything about this ,please help me, im worried, thanks.
The Purge and Vent solenoids are part of the Evaporative Emissions Control System we have on our cars. This system basically controls and recycles the vapors produced in the fuel system. i.e It stores and re-uses the vapors for combustion later on. Since fuel is so evaporative, the fuel system must be a closed and sealed system. The mentioned Vapor Canister is where the vapors are stored until future use and Vent And Purge Solenoids are what control when these vapors are re-used. They act like valves and open and close on command. This in a nutshell is how it works. Now as for the possibilities 1) Purge or Vent Solenoid DefectiveIt means exactly that. The Solenoids have gone bad, possible electrical or mechanical failure. That's why they also give you suggestion number 2) To check the wiringnot the general car wiring, but of the actual solenoids. As for Suggestion number 3) Fuel Saturated Vapor Canister this can be caused by overfilling the fuel tank. When you re-fuel you shouldn't keep going after the pump has clicked. (I know we all do it, shake the car a bit., wait for some fuel to settle and fill it up some more) But this is very detrimental to the Evaporative System since over fueling can cause the VAPOR Canister to Fill With LIQUID FUEL which is not good. As for the 4th suggestion the vent solenoid could have gone bad or even saturated with fuel since this solenoid on most cars is located on the Vapor Canister. Your car will continue to run but it may be releasing extra unwanted emissions. You should get it checked out and corrected since such a problem causes you to fail an emissions test instantly.
I am by no means a mechanic and I hope maybe there is one on here who can help you. I am answering because I very recently experienced a horrible check engine light situation also. I too had Auto Zone Advance Auto check it for me. After buying part after part and having this done and that done and going through a lot of headache, I would say your best bet is to take your vehicle to a real repair shop and let them perform a diagnostic and drill down into what is actually causing this particular code. Trust, it will be worth the money. At least in my opinion
Part of the emissions controls is a gas fumes system on the cars. It consists of a charcoal canister, solenoids and lines back to the gas tank. Basically it keeps gasoline vapors from escaping into the atmosphere by running them through a charcoal filter and then routing them back to the tank. The injection system operates under high pressure from the fuel pump so needs some way to bleed off excess and the charcoal system is it. The system has malfunctioned on yours because a solenoid failed. Any repair shop can take care of it for you.
Since Wonder works as a part-time mechanic and also as a psychic hotline operator, I know exactly what the problem is. But first you'll have to call me at 1-900-WONDER-KNOWS-THE-FUTURE.** **$4.99 per minute, but the first 30 seconds are free. You must be 18 years or older to call. Not open to residents of Hackensack, NJ or those with a foot fetsh. You must not be an animal hoarder or a surfing instructor, and you must contact your doctor prior to calling this number. Those with a heart condition or who use Viagra will be given a preference. Operators are standing by.
